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Which polymers are used to make thermoplastic adhesives?

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Why does glue stick? — adhesive Overview of how glue and other adhesives work.

Thermoplastic adhesives are composed of polymers that can be softened by heating for application without undergoing degradation, allowing them to be molded and remolded. Unlike thermosetting systems, which form permanent, insoluble bonds through cross-linking, thermoplastic adhesives rely on the mobility of individual polymer chains.12

Commonly used polymers for these adhesives include:

Resins: Nitrocellulose, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, polyesters, acrylics, and cyanoacrylics.1
Elastomers and Copolymers: Various block copolymers and elastomers are utilized, including butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene copolymer, styrene-butadiene rubber, and styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers.341

These materials are frequently employed in hot-melt adhesives, which are applied as hot liquids to surfaces. While they offer versatility and ease of application, their performance is often limited by lower heat resistance compared to structural adhesives, leading to the development of modified thermoplastics that incorporate reactive components to enhance their thermal and mechanical properties.31