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Choosing the Right Adhesive: Textile Applications

Posted 04 févr. 2025 by Pierre-Yves JAUBARD, Business Development Manager Textile & Flexel

Choosing the Right Adhesive for Textile Applications

Protective textiles have come a long way. Mariners in the 15th century waterproofed their outwear with linseed oil, wax, or animal fat. These materials created mostly dry but unbreathable, uncomfortable, and (likely) unpleasant-smelling garments.

In contrast, modern outerwear and work gear are flexible, comfortable, and washable. Here, we’ll cover how adhesives are used in textile manufacturing, how adhesives benefit the industry, and the challenges adhesives manufacturers must overcome when designing products for textile applications.

How Adhesives are Used in the Textile Industry

Adhesives bond layers of fabric and membranes together for textiles used in workwear, sportswear, military wear, and medical wear. Multilayered textiles protect wearers from the elements, guard against potentially harmful exposures, and provide visibility during work. For example, layers of material within firefighting uniforms protect skin from contact with extreme heat and chemicals. Similarly, ski jackets keep professional athletes warm while allowing sweat to evaporate.

Garment manufacturers may also use adhesives instead of sewing to bind product components together. “No-sew” adhesives use either dots or seams of adhesive to secure layers for flexible, durable clothing. No-sew adhesives improve garment production efficiency and performance, including yellowing resistance, washability, elasticity, and softness. These adhesives are often used in lingerie, sportswear, outdoor apparel, and activewear.

How Adhesives Benefit Textile Applications

Textile manufacturers rely on adhesives for multilayered fabrics that protect wearers from wind, water, fire, and cold without sacrificing breathability or adding extra weight. During assembly, adhesives are applied to a layer of membrane or fabric in small dots. This ensures the material remains pliable and moisture can move out. The dots also distribute the stresses of everyday use throughout the garment instead of putting pressure only on seams. Evenly distributing stress slows garment aging and ensures form and function.

Adhesives can also improve textile manufacturing sustainability. Adhesives from renewable raw materials, such as H.B. Fuller’s Swift®lock 6490, can help companies reduce reliance on fossil-based materials. Swift®lock 6490 includes 90% renewable material: 75% biocarbon and 15% biomass-balanced material. “Biocarbon” are measured according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D6866-22 and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 16620-2:2015.

Sourcing adhesives regionally reduces transportation costs and carbon impact. H.B. Fuller has manufacturing facilities worldwide that source materials from regional suppliers to create adhesives for area textile manufacturers. Adhesives are produced where they are sold.

Limiting hazardous chemicals in textile adhesives helps ensure healthy working conditions. H.B. Fuller’s Swift®lock 6511 lamination adhesive is a low-monomer product, considered non-hazardous according to European Union regulation 1272/2008. The product does not require special labeling or additional employee training and meets OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT criteria for formulations that lower environmental impact.

What Textile Applications Require of Adhesives

Textile adhesives must withstand the rigors of regular washing and dry cleaning. High-temperature dry cleaning and washing to remove germs and grime can range from 86°F (30°C) to 194°F (90°C). Adhesive manufacturers must formulate products to remain bonded during repeated high-temperature washing without losing effectiveness.

For example, non-disposable surgeons’ gowns are washed and sterilized after every use. The laminated layers must continue to meet industry standards for protection from liquids and microorganisms despite repeated high-temperature washes and sterilizations. In addition to washing and sterilization resistance, textile adhesives must resist aging and retain the breathability, flexibility and elasticity required for comfortable fabrics.

Partnering with H.B. Fuller for Textile Adhesives

Textiles for heavy-duty work require heavy-duty adhesives. For decades, H.B. Fuller has produced adhesives for the textile industry, earning a reputation for high-performing, durable products. Our in-house testing capacity ensures products meet industry standards. Importantly, H.B. Fuller employees use their experience and expertise to help customers navigate the broad array of available options for textile adhesives.

“Our customer support team is very professional,” says Pierre-Yves Jaubard, Global Business Development Manager of Textiles at H.B. Fuller, “They know the industry well and have high-level discussions with customers, and those customers benefit from our deep industry knowledge.”

Interested in other ways adhesives are used in everyday products? Subscribe to our blog for insights delivered directly to your inbox. You can also contact an expert to discuss adhesive solutions for your next project.

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