Adhesives used in the assembly of automobiles can significantly contribute to reduced cycle times, increased productivity, and compliance with new European "End-of-Life Vehicle Recycling" regulations.

Water-based and hot melt adhesives are used for non-structural bonding in interior applications. Some of these applications include door inserts, sound/vibration insulation, ABC-pillars, trim and in exterior applications such as decals and add-on trim. These types of adhesives have experienced significant growth due to their favorable properties. Solvent-based adhesives are still being used in automotive applications, but their use is on the decline due to environmental concerns.

Key technical requirements for interior automotive applications are:

• Precise control of open and setting times of the adhesive to optimize productivity.
• Bonding of dissimilar substrates such as metal to polyolefin, PVC to polyolefin.
• Aging performance under severe conditions.
• Recyclability.

Eastotac™ resins and Regalite™ hydrocarbon resins provide excellent performance in polyolefin-based adhesives for automotive interior applications.
 
In water-based systems, Tacolyn™ resin dispersions are highly recommended for their adhesion properties on a variety of substrates.
 
Eastoflex™ amorphous polyolefins are used in sealants and in attachment of sound-deadening insulation to carpets and side panels.

Eastman G™ polymers are used as coupling agents in filled plastic composites to reduce viscosity or permit higher filler loadings and as compatibilizers in polymer alloys.