Comparative Thermal Stability of Structural Acrylic and Polyurethane Adhesives under High Heating Rate Conditions

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 717 725
    By

    Ganesan S.,

  • Sivamurgan P.,

  • Sravanth Chandaka,

  • Jayavelu S.,

  • Akkewar Sathwik,

  1. Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Student, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Student, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This study examines the thermal stability and degradation characteristics of structural acrylic and polyurethane adhesives through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) at an elevated heating rate of 15 °C/min. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of rapid thermal excitation on the volatile loss of adhesives, their curing behaviour, and thermal decomposition profiles elements that are essential in high-speed manufacturing and thermally challenging settings. The findings indicated that both materials displayed initial endothermic behaviour attributed to the evaporation of volatile components, with polyurethane demonstrating a more significant reaction, probably due to the release of plasticisers and moisture. Structural acrylic exhibits a clearly defined glass transition occurring at 88.9°C, succeeded by a broad exothermic region 120–250°C, which suggests post-curing or further crosslinking processes. In contrast, polyurethane exhibits a wider transition zone from 100–200°C, attributed to microphase segmental rearrangements, with limited indications of additional curing and glass transitions being formed at 125°C and 225°C. The onset of thermal degradation for both materials occurs at approximately 250°C. The results provide valuable insights for choosing materials in thermally demanding bonding processes and advocate for the application of acrylics in scenarios that necessitate enhanced thermal stability and durability during rapid processing conditions.

Keywords: DSC, structural acrylic, high heating rate, polyurethane, initial volatile loss, glass transition, crosslinking, thermal stability

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Ganesan S., Sivamurgan P., Sravanth Chandaka, Jayavelu S., Akkewar Sathwik. Comparative Thermal Stability of Structural Acrylic and Polyurethane Adhesives under High Heating Rate Conditions. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):717-725.
How to cite this URL:
Ganesan S., Sivamurgan P., Sravanth Chandaka, Jayavelu S., Akkewar Sathwik. Comparative Thermal Stability of Structural Acrylic and Polyurethane Adhesives under High Heating Rate Conditions. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):717-725. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=233497


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 11/08/2025
Accepted 03/09/2025
Published 27/09/2025
Publication Time 47 Days
100

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