Dow Develops New Warm-Applied Adhesive

Dow Automotive's latest product is a new warm-applied polyurethane glass bonding adhesive designed to cut down on waste and save time, according to Phil Jentoft, Dow Automotive commercial manager-aftermarket.

"BETASEAL Advantage is heated only for extrusion. It doesn't need to be activated," says Jentoft.

Jentoft says the product, which has a one-hour safe drive-away time, was developed based on feedback received from technicians.

"We received a lot of feedback from technicians and shop owners that are using hot- applied adhesives. There were opportunities to improve ease of use and performance as well as reduce risk," Jentoft says.

According to Jentoft, "The big issues are heating limitations, temperature-dependant drive-away times and a lack of a high-modulus and nonconductive adhesive that meets the requirements of every vehicle. To Dow Automotive, these were some pretty significant unmet needs and we thought we could help."

All of the other products in the BETASEAL line are cold-applied, and this particular product is designed to be used in all climates.

"It delivers one-hour safe drive-away performance from 0 degrees Fahrenheit and up," Jentoft adds. "From Phoenix in the summer to Minneapolis in the winter, it's the only product you need for every installation."

Other features of the adhesive include the following:

- Low waste - Company representatives say BETASEAL Advantage cartridges can be quickly reheated, so a partially used cartridge doesn't have to be thrown away.

- Long warm time - the adhesive is designed so that it can be kept warm for 24 hours, so a cartridge opened one day can be used the next; and

- Fast preparation - BETASEAL Advantage only needs to be heated for 15 minutes in a standard cartridge oven, Jentoft says.