Why are most important industrial adhesives synthetic rather than natural?

Although natural adhesives are generally less expensive to produce, synthetic adhesives are preferred for most industrial applications due to their superior versatility and performance.1

The primary advantages of synthetic adhesives include:

• Consistency: They can be manufactured in a constant supply with uniform properties, ensuring reliable performance across industrial processes.1
• Customization: Synthetic polymers can be modified in numerous ways and combined to achieve specific physical and mechanical characteristics tailored to a particular application.21
• Performance: Synthetic resins and rubbers offer high load-carrying capabilities, long-term durability, and resistance to environmental factors such as heat, moisture, and solvents.21

While natural adhesives remain useful for specific applications like paper and wood products, synthetic systems—categorized as either thermoplastics or thermosets—provide the strength and flexibility required for demanding fields like the aerospace industry. Manufacturers are currently working to improve the environmental profile of these materials by shifting from solvent-based systems to water-based alternatives to comply with regulations regarding volatile organic compounds.13