Low VOC high solids alkyd adhesive with light-assisted curing for expanded temperature range applications
A novel low VOC, high solids alkyd adhesive technology that uses a light-assisted curing mechanism to extend usable adhesive temperature ranges. The approach eliminates water from the curing process, offering a cost-effective alternative to silicone-based adhesives while enabling autoxidative, UV, or dual-cure options for roofing membranes and other applications.
Overview
This technology offers a low VOC, high solids alkyd adhesive with a light-assisted curing mechanism designed to expand the normal operating temperature range of adhesive bonding. By eliminating water from both the continuous phase and the crosslinking reaction, the formulation avoids the limitations of moisture-cure alkoxysilane chemistry while delivering a more affordable alternative to silicone-based adhesives.
The platform leverages the inherent advantages of alkyds: low-temperature curability, high solids compatibility, and amenability to acrylic modification. Curing can be achieved autoxidatively, via UV light, or through a dual-cure light-assisted process, giving manufacturers flexibility in production environments.
Technical specifications
Core technology features:
- Low VOC, high solids formulation supporting regulatory compliance and reduced environmental impact
- Light-assisted curing that can operate via UV, visible light, or dual-cure mechanisms
- Water-free curing chemistry that removes moisture dependence and broadens the usable temperature window
- Acrylic-modified alkyd backbone enabling tunable adhesion and enhanced cure response
- Cost-effective alternative to silicone adhesives with comparable or broader performance
- Formulation flexibility allowing viscosity adjustment for low-temperature handling and application
Potential applications:
- Roofing membrane adhesives
- Industrial coatings and sealants
- Construction and building products requiring low-temperature bonding
- Applications where silicone cost is prohibitive but broad temperature performance is needed
Technology readiness level
The technology is at an early-to-mid development stage. The laboratory has already developed a high solids alkyd-based adhesive with light-assisted cure for roofing membranes, as well as fully UV-curable alkyd coatings and visible light-assisted alkyd curing technologies. These prior achievements represent significant foundational progress.
Next-stage validation plans include:
- Efficacy testing using the previously developed roofing membrane adhesive formulations
- Iterative formulation refinement based on testing feedback
- Low-temperature viscosity adjustment to ensure practical handling
- Increasing acrylic functionality to enhance light-assisted cure response
- Monomer selection to optimize adhesion performance
The research team welcomes industry partners interested in co-development, sponsored research, or pilot trials to advance this technology toward commercialization.
About The University of Akron
The University of Akron is a mid-sized public research university in Akron, Ohio, known for an applied, industry-facing culture grounded in materials and manufacturing. Industry engagement centers on polymer and materials facilities with shared instrumentation, pilot-scale processing, and analytical testing accessible to corporate collaborators. An established engineering co-op program and proximity to Northeast Ohio’s tire and polymers cluster provide steady talent pipelines and avenues for joint problem‑solving. Faculty secure competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, supplemented by state and industry support. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP strategy, licensing, and startup formation.
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