ADHESIVE

Fevicol

Fevicol, manufactured by Pidilite Industries, is the most iconic brand of PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) adhesives in India. While it is synonymous with woodworking, Fevicol has expanded into a vast range of industrial adhesives used for laminates, flooring, and specialized bonding in manufacturing.

1. Fevicol SH (Strategic Household)

This is the flagship product, known for its "Elephant" logo. It is a synthetic resin adhesive used primarily for bonding wood, plywood, laminates, and veneers.

Appearance: White viscous paste.
Viscosity: 200–300 Poise (very thick, non-drip).
pH Value: 4.0 to 6.0.
Bond Strength: Minimum 280 kg/cm² (on wood-to-wood joints).
Cure Time: 24 hours for full strength; 6–8 hours for handling strength.

2. Specialized Industrial Variants

Variant	Key Technical Feature	Best Application
Fevicol Marine	72-hour boiling water resistance	Kitchen cabinets and areas exposed to water.
Fevicol HeatX	Heat resistance up to 170°C	Bonding laminates on surfaces exposed to sunlight or heat.
Fevicol Speedx	Rapid set (2-hour pressure time)	High-speed assembly lines and quick repairs.
Fevicol Hi-Per	High coverage and bubble-free	Vertical lamination and large surface areas.

3. Key Technical Specifications

Solid Content: Usually ranges between 35% and 55% depending on the grade. Higher solid content typically means a stronger, faster-setting bond.
Spreadability: Approximately 8 to 10 square feet per kg (depending on surface porosity).
Shelf Life: 12 to 18 months when stored in a cool, dry place in its original sealed container.
Water Resistance: Standard Fevicol SH is not waterproof; however, variants like Marine and D3/D4 rated adhesives offer significant moisture resistance.

4. Application Process

Surface Prep: Surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of oil or grease. For smooth laminates, slight roughening with sandpaper improves the bond.
Application: Apply a uniform thin layer on both surfaces using a brush or spreader.
Clamping: Pressure is essential. Use clamps, weights, or masking tape to keep the surfaces in tight contact for at least 4–6 hours.
Cleaning: Excess wet adhesive can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Once cured, it must be removed mechanically (sanding or scraping).

Important Note for Your Industrial Work:

While Fevicol is excellent for wood and laminates, it is not suitable for bonding metal pipes or pneumatic fittings. For those, the anaerobic adhesives like Anabond or Loctite (which we discussed earlier) are the correct technical choice.