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.