The Future of Adhesives: Hybrid Sealing & Bonding Technology

The construction industry is witnessing a profound transformation in how materials are bonded and sealed. Traditional construction methods have long relied on mechanical fasteners and conventional sealants, but the industry is rapidly changing. Considering that speed, efficiency and aesthetic appeal are the most sought-after requirements for today’s construction products, it is no wonder that hybrid adhesives with their fast-curing time, high elasticity and excellent compatibility with many construction materials are seeing rapid growth. The demand for hybrid adhesives has been growing 50% annually over the past few years.

Hybrid adhesives combine the best characteristics of different adhesive technologies while eliminating their individual weaknesses. Hybrid adhesives cure with the presence of moisture and form a durable elastomeric seal. Hybrid adhesives are isocyanate-free, preventing the bubbling and surface defects that can compromise the seal’s integrity. The growing demand for hybrid technology shows this type of product’s superior performance and cost-effectiveness.

In addition to regular hybrid adhesives, there are hybrids that act as adhesive and sealant in one. This two-in-one solution is a step up from normal hybrid adhesives. They combine the strength of polyurethanes with the weather-resistant properties of silicones. This innovative approach creates high-performance, highly versatile products that overcome the limitations of traditional adhesives and sealants. They save time, reduce costs and improve the bonded material’s structural performance.

Wolf Group, the Estonian-based manufacturer behind the Penosil brand, is producing a large variety of hybrid adhesives in their European factories. One of their most popular adhesives under the Penosil brand is SpeedFix Seal&Bond 750. This multifunctional product can be used as an adhesive and as a sealant. Developed specifically for modern construction demands, Penosil SpeedFix Seal&Bond 750 combines durable performance with an extra-strong and elastic bond. Here are just some of the Penosil SpeedFix Seal&Bond 750 advantages:

• High movement capability: ±20%. Permanent flexibility allows it to accommodate building movement and thermal expansion without cracking or losing adhesion.
• Strong and long-lasting bond.
• Interior and exterior use (application temperature from +5°C to +40°C).
• Excellent adhesion on many surfaces, including damp surfaces. It does not need primers and is non-corrosive to metals.
• Superior resistance to UV radiation, weathering, ageing and extreme temperatures (service temperature: -30°C to +80°C). The product’s durability ensures long-term performance in challenging conditions, reducing maintenance requirements and lifecycle costs.
• Non-shrinking formula. No need to refill or overfill the joint.
• Silicone, isocyanate and solvent free. EC1+ and French A+ certified.
• Can be painted over. This feature is particularly valuable in architectural applications where appearance and functionality must coexist.

Where to use hybrid adhesive sealants? Hybrid adhesive sealants are perfect for general construction work:

• Interior and exterior gluing and sealing works, where a permanently elastic and strong bond is required.
• Installing plinths, profiles, insulation, decorative boards, etc.
• Insulating and sealing connecting joints such as floor and panel joints.
• Strengthening screw connections, etc.
• Joining dissimilar metals without the risk of corrosion.
• Securing cladding materials with weather-resistant bond.

The vibration damping properties of hybrid adhesives make them ideal for mechanical applications where noise reduction and vibration control are important. This characteristic is particularly valuable in industrial applications such as insulating and sealing connections in motor vehicles, in audio equipment, in plumbing systems, etc.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, hybrid adhesive sealants will play an increasingly important role in enabling innovative construction techniques, sustainable building practices, and enhanced structural performance. This technology’s ability to combine multiple functions in a single product aligns perfectly with the modern building demands: efficiency and simplification. The future of construction bonding lies not in mechanical fasteners or traditional sealants, but in the sophisticated chemistry of hybrid adhesive sealants.