Welcome back to Adhesion Matters. Adhesives have quietly evolved from simple bonders into indispensable, high-performance materials in PCB manufacturing—critical for thermal management, electrical performance, and environmental resilience. In this episode, we explore how adhesives empower modern electronics: enabling miniaturization, supporting flexible and high-density circuits (think HDI and flex PCBs), and meeting rising demands in consumer tech and electric vehicles.

You’ll discover how specialized adhesive families—epoxies, acrylics, silicones, polyamides, polyurethanes—each offer unique strengths, from rigidity and heat-resistance to flexibility, reworkability, and flame protection. Hear how engineers tailor selections based on criteria like thermal conductivity, environmental durability, and the ability to withstand mechanical or thermal stress over time.

Learn about real-world applications across the PCB manufacturing spectrum: surface mount adhesive placement, underfills, die attaches, conformal coatings, potting compounds, encapsulants, and even thermal interface materials that control heat in EV power systems.

Finally, we look ahead at the future of adhesive innovation: extreme miniaturization, advanced thermal management for EVs, and a push for eco-friendlier, halogen-free, low-toxicity formulations.

In this episode of Adhesion Matters, we shine a light on one of aviation’s unsung heroes: adhesives. These advanced chemical formulations are increasingly replacing rivets and bolts in aircraft and spacecraft—but only when handled with meticulous quality control.

We explore why AS 9120 / EN 9120—a specialized quality management standard tailored for aerospace distributors—is critical to maintaining the integrity, traceability, and reliability of adhesives throughout the supply chain. From temperature- and humidity-controlled storage to rigorous batch tracking and documentation, this certification serves as more than compliance—it’s a strategic safeguard against costly failures and counterfeit risks.

We also discuss the high-stakes consequences of lapses in this chain, and how certification not only protects safety but also boosts operational efficiency, global market access, and business reputation. Tune in to discover how adhesive distributors serve as technical gatekeepers in aerospace's hidden yet vital quality ecosystem.

In this episode of Adhesion Matters, we explore the urgent transition toward PFAS-free adhesives—a shift driven by environmental concerns, strict regulations, and growing public awareness.

What You’ll Learn:

• PFAS: The 'Forever Chemicals' You Don’t Want in Your Glue
  Once valued for exceptional resistance to water, heat, and chemicals, PFAS compounds are now under intense scrutiny for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.
• From Regulation to Reform—A Global Push
  Governments around the world are introducing tough restrictions and bans, targeting PFAS in adhesives and sealants while setting ambitious timelines for compliance.
• Innovation Under Pressure
  Leading adhesive manufacturers are racing to engineer PFAS-free alternatives that match or exceed the performance of their predecessors, without sacrificing durability or safety.
• Navigating a Sticky Transition
  Shifting to PFAS-free solutions involves more than new chemistry—it requires rethinking supply chains, validating performance, and ensuring customers’ trust in the finished product.

Why It Matters:

Adhesives may be invisible in the final product, but the chemistry behind them has far-reaching consequences for health, safety, and the planet. This episode offers a clear roadmap for making the move to PFAS-free bonding solutions—without compromising on performance.