Aerolite (adhesive)

Aerolite is a brand name for a type of urea-formaldehyde resin adhesive, known for its strength and gap-filling properties. It was primarily used in the woodworking and aircraft industries. Developed in the early 20th century, Aerolite became a popular choice for bonding wood components where high strength and durability were required.

Characteristics:

• Composition: Aerolite is based on a urea-formaldehyde resin, a thermosetting polymer.
• Application: Typically applied as a liquid adhesive, often requiring the addition of a hardener or catalyst to initiate curing.
• Curing: Cures through a chemical reaction (polymerization) that hardens the resin, forming a strong, permanent bond. Curing time and temperature depend on the specific formulation and hardener used.
• Strength: Known for its high strength, making it suitable for structural applications.
• Gap-filling: Possesses gap-filling properties, meaning it can effectively bond surfaces that are not perfectly flush.
• Durability: Provides a durable bond resistant to moisture and temperature changes to a certain extent, although prolonged exposure to extreme conditions can degrade the adhesive.
• Color: Typically dries to an off-white or light tan color.
• Limitations: Urea-formaldehyde resins are susceptible to degradation from moisture and heat over extended periods. They also release formaldehyde during curing and potentially afterward, raising health and environmental concerns.

Uses:

• Aircraft Construction: Historically used in the construction of wooden aircraft, particularly during World War II, for bonding plywood and other wooden components.
• Woodworking: Employed in furniture making, cabinet making, and other woodworking applications requiring strong and durable bonds.
• Other Applications: Has been used in other applications requiring a strong, gap-filling adhesive.

Alternatives:

Due to concerns about formaldehyde emissions and the availability of more modern adhesive technologies, Aerolite has largely been superseded by other adhesives, such as epoxy resins, polyurethane adhesives, and resorcinol-formaldehyde resins, which offer improved performance and environmental characteristics. These alternatives often provide better water resistance, higher strength, and reduced formaldehyde emissions.