Adhesives & Sealants
Verified by Mel Sykes, Industrial Supply Chain Specialist - April 2026
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Types | Threadlockers, retaining compounds, instant adhesives (superglue), epoxy, silicone, anaerobic |
| Standards | ISO 10964 (threadlocking), MIL-S-22473 (silicone sealant) |
| Brands | Loctite (Henkel), Permabond, 3M, Dow Corning, Araldite |
| Applications | Thread locking, bearing retention, gasketing, structural bonding, sealing |
What are Adhesives & Sealants?
Adhesives & Sealants are materials used to bond and seal components in engineering applications. Adhesives & Sealants offers advantages over traditional mechanical fasteners like bolts and rivets by providing stress distribution, vibration resistance, and corrosion protection.
Adhesives & Sealants play a critical role in engineering by offering strong bonding and sealing capabilities without the need for mechanical fasteners. These products come in various types to suit different applications, from threadlocking compounds that prevent loosening of threaded joints to anaerobic adhesives used in structural bonding. Understanding their properties is important for selecting the right type.
Types of Adhesives & Sealants
The main types include threadlockers, retaining compounds, instant adhesives (superglue), epoxy, silicone, and anaerobic adhesives. Each serves distinct purposes: threadlockers like Loctite's products prevent loosening in threaded joints; retaining compounds secure bearings by filling the clearance between shafts and bores; instant adhesives offer quick bonding for small parts; epoxies provide high-strength bonds for larger assemblies; silicones resist temperature extremes and chemicals; anaerobic adhesives cure without air exposure to bond metal surfaces.
Materials and Specifications
Adhesives & Sealants are formulated with various materials including acrylics, cyanoacrylates, and polyurethanes. Key standards guide their performance: ISO 10964 specifies test methods for threadlocking compounds; MIL-S-22473 outlines requirements for silicone sealant formulations. Material grades such as A2-70 stainless steel or EN8 carbon steel are relevant when specifying components that will be bonded or sealed.
How to Choose the Right Adhesives & Sealants
Selecting the right adhesive involves considering factors like substrate type, required strength, and environmental conditions. For instance, threadlockers rated according to ISO 10964 offer different strength levels (e.g., Grade 25 for medium-strength applications). Understanding these details helps ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.
UK Suppliers
MLC lists verified suppliers from Companies House, offering a reliable source for Adhesives & Sealants. Brands like Loctite, Permabond, and Dow Corning provide high-quality products that meet industry standards. Procurement managers can trust MLC to find the best options based on their specific needs.
Common Applications
Adhesives & Sealants are used in numerous applications across industries. In automotive manufacturing, threadlockers secure screws and bolts to prevent loosening due to vibrations. In aerospace engineering, anaerobic adhesants bond metal surfaces for structural integrity. Maintenance engineers use silicone sealants to protect joints from moisture and corrosion. Workshop owners rely on these products to ensure durable assemblies that withstand operational demands.
By understanding the properties and applications of Adhesives & Sealants, procurement managers and maintenance engineers can make informed decisions to enhance product quality and reliability in their projects.
References
- Companies House - UK supplier verification
- British Standards Institution - ISO and BS standards
UK Import Data: Adhesives & Sealants
The UK imported £83.3 million worth of adhesives & sealants products in 2023, totalling 18.4 million kg (Source: HMRC UK Trade Info).
Top source countries:
| Country | Import Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | £26.0 million | 31.3% |
| Netherlands | £13.1 million | 15.7% |
| Belgium | £8.8 million | 10.6% |
| Ireland | £5.9 million | 7.1% |
| Poland | £5.9 million | 7.0% |
Breakdown by product type:
- Adhesives in retail packages <=1kg: £62.5 million
- Other prepared adhesives: £20.8 million
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of Adhesives & Sealants are available in the UK?
Adhesives & Sealants are available from hundreds of UK suppliers in various materials, sizes, and specifications. Browse MLC's verified supplier listings for current stock and technical specs.
How do I choose the right Adhesives & Sealants?
Selecting the right Adhesives & Sealants depends on load requirements, operating environment, temperature range, and material compatibility. Check our buying guides for detailed selection criteria.
Can I buy Adhesives & Sealants in small quantities?
Many UK Adhesives & Sealants suppliers offer no minimum order quantities. Filter suppliers on MLC to find those selling individual items or small batches.
Are Adhesives & Sealants suppliers on MLC verified?
All suppliers listed on MLC are verified against Companies House public records. Each listing shows incorporation date, company status, directors, and registered address.
What standards apply to Adhesives & Sealants?
Adhesives & Sealants are manufactured to various ISO, BS, and DIN standards depending on type and application. Check individual product pages for specific standard references.
What are the main types of Adhesives & Sealants used in engineering applications?
The main types of Adhesives & Sealants include threadlockers, retaining compounds, instant adhesives such as superglue, epoxy resins, silicone sealants, and anaerobic adhesives. Each type is designed to address specific bonding or sealing requirements.
How do engineers choose the right adhesive for their application?
Engineers should consider factors like the type of materials being bonded, environmental conditions, and required performance criteria such as strength and flexibility. For example, threadlockers adhere well in tight spaces and prevent loosening under vibration, while silicone sealants resist temperature extremes.
What are some key standards applicable to Adhesives & Sealants?
Key standards include ISO 10964 for threadlocking adhesives and MIL-S-22473 for silicone sealants. These standards ensure the reliability and performance of adhesive products in various applications across different industries.
Which brands are commonly used by UK engineers for Adhesives & Sealants?
Popular brands among UK engineers include Loctite (Henkel), Permabond, 3M, Dow Corning, and Araldite. These companies offer a wide range of products tailored to specific engineering needs such as structural bonding and sealing.
What are the typical costs and availability for Adhesives & Sealants in the UK?
The cost of Adhesives & Sealants can vary widely based on type, quantity, and brand. Generally, smaller quantities or less specialized adhesives may be more affordable and readily available from local suppliers or online retailers, while higher-end products might require ordering directly through industrial supply chains.