In adhesive formulations, the base material is the component that plays a major role in bonding two objects together and it is the main material that constitutes the adhesive. The performance of adhesives is mainly related to the base material.

Generally speaking, the base material should be a liquid compound with fluidity or a compound that can be fluid under the action of solvents, heat and pressure. In practical applications, substances used as base materials include natural high-molecular substances, inorganic compounds, and synthetic high-molecular compounds.

Among natural polymers, such as starch, protein, and natural resin, they can all be used as base materials. Humans have been applying them for thousands of years. They are generally water-soluble, convenient to use, inexpensive, and mostly low-toxic or non-toxic. However, due to the influence of various natural conditions such as different regions, seasons and climates, their performance varies, resulting in unstable quality. Moreover, the varieties are simple and the adhesive force is relatively low. In recent decades, most of them have been replaced by synthetic polymers.

Inorganic compounds used as base materials include silicates, phosphates, sulfates, borates, oxides, etc. Although they are brittle, they have the characteristics of high-temperature resistance and non-flammability. Some adhesives based on inorganic compounds can withstand high temperatures up to 3000 degrees Celsius, which is unmatched by any adhesives based on organic materials.

Thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, synthetic rubbers and other polymers are now widely used in adhesives and are the most important base materials in contemporary adhesives. The rapid development of synthetic macromolecules has provided a rich material basis for the research and production of adhesives, promoting the rapid development of adhesives with high bonding strength, excellent comprehensive performance and good durability, and new adhesive varieties are constantly emerging. This has enabled the application of adhesives to permeate every sector of the national economy.