Citifix Footwear Adhesive – Complete Product Range & Applications

Footwear manufacturers use different adhesive systems depending on sole material, production speed, curing requirements, and bond strength. Citifix is one of the Indian manufacturers offering synthetic rubber and polyurethane adhesive systems for these applications. This guide explains the available product range, their intended applications, and factors to consider when selecting an adhesive.

The Indian Footwear Industry: A Market on the Move

India is the second-largest footwear producer in the world, accounting for 11.6% of global footwear production. According to Research and Markets , the Indian footwear retail market recorded revenues of $12.69 billion in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% between 2019 and 2024.

The India adhesives and sealants market, of which footwear adhesives are a significant part, was valued at USD 1,692.9 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2,929.1 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%. The footwear sector is a key driver of this growth, alongside construction, automotive, and packaging industries.

According to industry reports, footwear, foam and furnishing, construction, and furniture industries are all growing well, creating sustained demand for high-quality adhesives. India's footwear market is projected to more than double to approximately USD 46 billion by 2033, growing at a healthy compound annual growth rate of 10.1%.

Why Footwear Adhesives Are Critical to Manufacturing Quality

In modern footwear manufacturing, adhesives are used in nearly every production stage. From sole attachment to upper assembly, insole bonding to component finishing, adhesives have largely replaced traditional stitching in many applications, improving production efficiency while maintaining or even enhancing durability.

Key adhesive applications in footwear manufacturing:

Application Description Sole Bonding Attaching rubber, PU, PVC, TPR, or EVA soles to uppers Upper Assembly Bonding leather, synthetic, and fabric upper components Insole Attachment Securing insoles and footbeds Component Assembly Bonding trims, decorations, and structural elements Repair and Reconditioning Fixing detached soles, heel lifts, and damaged components

According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) , proper sole adhesion is critical to footwear quality and durability. The BIS has established IS 4663:1968 – Specification for permanent rubber-based adhesives for the footwear industry – which prescribes the requirements and methods of sampling and test for permanent rubber-based adhesives used in the footwear industry.

For manufacturers, choosing the right adhesive is not just about sticking things together. It is about ensuring:

• Durability – Shoes that withstand daily wear and tear
• Flexibility – Bonds that move with the shoe during walking
• Heat resistance – Bonds that hold up under manufacturing heat and climate conditions
• Water resistance – Bonds that survive exposure to moisture
• Production efficiency – Adhesives that cure quickly and consistently

How Footwear Contact Adhesives Work

Contact adhesives used in footwear manufacturing are typically applied to both bonding surfaces. After application, the solvent evaporates during the open time, leaving behind a tacky adhesive film. When the two prepared surfaces are pressed together under pressure, an immediate bond is formed.

Bond performance depends on several factors, including:

• Surface preparation
• Adhesive compatibility with the substrate
• Open time before bonding
• Application temperature
• Bonding pressure
• Final curing conditions

Different adhesive systems may require different application procedures, so manufacturers should always refer to the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) before production.

Citifix Footwear Adhesive Product Range

With over 30+ years of expertise, Citifix offers synthetic rubber and polyurethane adhesive systems for the wood, footwear, leather, and foam industries. Manufacturing facilities are equipped with hi-tech processes and quality control equipment.

Complete Product Comparison Table

Product Type Key Features Typical Applications Packaging SR 900 Synthetic Rubber Synthetic rubber contact adhesive for multi-material bonding Commonly used for sole bonding and component assembly in footwear manufacturing 500ml, 1L, 5L, 25L SR 900 FW Synthetic Rubber Synthetic rubber adhesive formulated for footwear manufacturing Commonly used for sole bonding and structural assembly in footwear manufacturing 5L, 25L SR 500 FW Synthetic Rubber EVA-specific EVA sheet bonding, footwear component assembly 25L Heatfix-1 Synthetic Rubber Heat-resistant up to 170°C Used in manufacturing environments where bonded components may be exposed to elevated temperatures 500ml, 1L, 5L, 25L Foamgrip Synthetic Rubber Foam-specific Foam bonding in footwear, mattress, upholstery 500ml, 1L, 5L, 25L PU-4040 Polyurethane Solvent-based polyurethane adhesive Bonding applications involving PVC, PU, EVA, TPR and leather substrates 5L, 25L TPR-1116 Primer System Two-component TPR/Rubber sole primer in footwear manufacturing Solvent: 1L, 25L; Powder: 25g

Detailed Product Information

Citifix SR 900 – Multi-Purpose High-Strength Adhesive

This is a dark brown coloured, synthetic rubber-based contact adhesive. It is formulated for bonding a variety of substrates including rubber, leather, EVA, rexine, wood, laminate, FRP, painted MS, foam and canvas.

Typical Applications:

• Used in woodworking and furniture manufacturing for laminate bonding
• Used in footwear manufacturing for component assembly
• Used in general industrial applications requiring rubber-to-metal bonding

Packaging: 500ml, 1L, 5L, 25L

Citifix SR 900 FW – Footwear Industry Adhesive

This is a dark brown coloured, synthetic rubber-based contact adhesive formulated for footwear-related bonding. It is also suitable for bonding rubber, leather, EVA, rexine, wood, laminate, FRP, painted MS, foam and canvas.

Typical Applications:

• Used in footwear manufacturing for sole-to-upper bonding
• Used for attaching footwear components during assembly
• Suitable for footwear manufacturing processes where strong structural bonding is required

Packaging: 5L & 25L

Citifix SR 500 FW – Footwear Adhesive

This is a yellow-coloured synthetic rubber-based adhesive formulated for footwear applications, suitable for bonding flexible substrates such as rubber, leather, EVA, rexin, foam and canvas.

Typical Applications:

• Used for bonding EVA to EVA sheets in footwear manufacturing
• Used for footwear component assembly where medium-strength bonding is required

Packaging: 25L

Citifix Heatfix-1 – Heat-Resistant Adhesive

This is a light yellow coloured, fast setting, synthetic rubber-based adhesive designed to provide heat resistance up to 170°C. It is formulated for furniture, kitchen, and other manufacturing applications requiring rapid bond formation.

Typical Applications:

• Used in furniture manufacturing for laminate-to-laminate bonding
• Used in manufacturing environments where bonded components may be exposed to elevated temperatures
• Used in heat-resistant assemblies

Packaging: 500ml, 1L, 5L, 25L

Citifix Foamgrip – Foam and Mattress Adhesive

This is a light yellow coloured synthetic-rubber based adhesive designed for the foam and mattress industry. It forms a continuous adhesive film suitable for foam bonding applications.

Typical Applications:

• Used in foam-to-foam bonding in mattress manufacturing
• Used in footwear manufacturing for foam component assembly
• Used in upholstery applications

Packaging: 500ml, 1L, 5L, 25L

Citifix PU-4040 – Polyurethane Adhesive for Footwear Manufacturing

This is a solvent-based polyurethane adhesive intended for heavy-duty bonding applications. It is intended for bonding PVC, PU, EVA, TPR and leather components in footwear manufacturing.

Typical Applications:

• Used in footwear manufacturing where polyurethane adhesive systems are specified for sole-to-upper bonding
• Used in structural footwear assembly
• Used in manufacturing applications involving repeated flexing and structural bonding

Packaging: 5L & 25L

Citifix TPR-1116 – TPR/Rubber Primer

This is a two-component system consisting of powder and solvent. It is used as a primer for TPR / Rubber soles in footwear manufacturing.

Typical Applications:

• Used as primer for TPR surfaces/soles in footwear manufacturing
• Used for surface preparation before adhesive application

Packaging: Solvent: 1L, 25L; Powder: 25g

How to Select an Adhesive Based on Sole Material

Sole Material Recommended Product Why Rubber to Metal SR 900 Suitable for rubber-to-metal bonding where synthetic rubber contact adhesives are specified TPR Sole TPR-1116 + SR 900 FW Primer first, then adhesive for TPR surfaces EVA Foam SR 500 FW Formulated for EVA bonding applications High Temperature Heatfix-1 Heat-resistant up to 170°C PU/PVC Sole PU-4040 Polyurethane adhesive for synthetic substrates Leather/Rubber SR 900 FW Footwear-specific formulation

Rubber Adhesive vs Polyurethane Adhesive: When to Use Each

Feature Rubber Adhesive Polyurethane Adhesive Flexibility High – remains flexible after curing High – flexible, durable Heat Resistance Up to 120-170°C (depending on formulation) Generally higher heat resistance than many synthetic rubber contact adhesives Drying Time Fast Moderate Best For Rubber, leather, fabric, wood, laminate PVC, PU, EVA, TPR, synthetic substrates Application General footwear bonding Sole-to-upper bonding for synthetic materials

Rubber adhesives are commonly selected for quick bonding applications, while polyurethane systems are preferred where higher flexibility and durability are required. The choice depends on sole material, curing speed requirements, and factory workflow.

Common Reasons Sole Bonding Fails

Problem Likely Cause Solution Bond fails Poor surface preparation Clean and prime surfaces thoroughly before adhesive application Weak bond Insufficient drying time Allow adhesive to become tacky before joining surfaces Adhesive does not stick Contaminated surface Use solvent cleaner to remove oils and contaminants Bond fails under flex Wrong adhesive type Select adhesive appropriate for the substrate and application

Surface Preparation Before Adhesive Application

Surface preparation is essential for achieving a strong, durable bond with footwear materials. The general steps include:

1. Solvent Cleaning – TPR and rubber surfaces should be cleaned with a solvent-based cleaner to remove processing oils, mold release agents, and contaminants.
2. Primer Application – After cleaning, TPR surfaces should be chemically treated with a solvent-based primer prior to adhesive application. TPR primer chemically modifies the surface, creating better adhesion sites.
3. Adhesive Application – Once the primer has dried, apply adhesive to both the sole and the upper. Apply a thin, even coat to both surfaces. Allow the adhesive to dry until tacky before joining surfaces under pressure.

Storage Conditions That Affect Adhesive Performance

Proper storage is essential to maintain adhesive quality:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture exposure
• Refer to the product label or Technical Data Sheet for specific shelf life information

Manufacturing Characteristics of the Citifix Product Range

According to the manufacturer, production includes raw-material inspection, in-process quality checks and final product testing.

Key characteristics:

• Manufacturing since 1994, representing more than three decades of production experience.
• Product range includes synthetic rubber and polyurethane adhesives
• Multiple packaging sizes available (500ml, 1L, 5L, 25L)
• Manufacturing facilities are located in Sahibabad and Greater Noida, enabling domestic production
• Technical documentation and product guidance are available from the manufacturer.

Citifix adhesives comply with IS 4663:1968 – Specification for permanent rubber-based adhesives for the footwear industry, established by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Contact Adhesive vs PU Adhesive: When to Use Each

Feature Contact Adhesive PU Adhesive Application Method Applied to both surfaces, dried until tacky, then pressed together Applied to both surfaces, allowed to dry, then pressed Drying Time Fast Moderate Typical Materials Rubber, leather, fabric, wood PVC, PU, EVA, TPR, synthetic materials Heat Resistance Good Generally higher heat resistance Typical Use Cases General footwear assembly Bonding synthetic sole materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which Citifix adhesive is commonly used for TPR sole bonding?

For TPR sole bonding, TPR-1116 is used as a primer first, followed by SR 900 FW as the adhesive. TPR is a low-surface-energy material that requires chemical treatment for optimal adhesion.

2. Which Citifix adhesive is commonly used for EVA foam bonding?

SR 500 FW is formulated for footwear applications and suitable for bonding EVA to EVA sheets and various footwear components.

3. What is the heat resistance of Citifix Heatfix-1?

Heatfix-1 is designed to provide heat resistance up to 170°C, making it suitable for high-temperature applications in footwear manufacturing and heat-resistant assemblies.

4. Which Citifix adhesive is commonly used for sole-to-upper bonding?

PU-4040 is a solvent-based polyurethane adhesive intended for bonding PVC, PU, EVA, TPR and leather components in footwear manufacturing.

5. Is Citifix compliant with BIS standards?

Yes. Citifix adhesives comply with IS 4663:1968 – Specification for permanent rubber-based adhesives for the footwear industry, established by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

6. What is the shelf life of Citifix footwear adhesives?

Refer to the product label or Technical Data Sheet (TDS) for specific shelf life information. Proper storage in cool, dry conditions extends shelf life.

7. What packaging options are available for Citifix adhesives?

Citifix adhesives are available in various packaging options including 500ml, 1L, 5L, and 25L containers, depending on the specific product.

8. Can Citifix provide custom formulations?

The company offers customized solutions for specific customer requirements. Contact the company directly to discuss custom formulation needs.

9. How should I store Citifix adhesives?

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture exposure.

10. Which Citifix adhesive is recommended for rubber-to-metal bonding?

SR 900 is a synthetic rubber-based contact adhesive suitable for rubber-to-metal bonding where synthetic rubber contact adhesives are specified.

Selecting a Footwear Adhesive

Citifix manufactures synthetic rubber adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, and primer systems intended for different footwear manufacturing applications.

According to the manufacturer, the product range includes:

• Manufacturing since 1994
• Product range includes synthetic rubber and polyurethane adhesives
• Multiple packaging sizes available
• Manufacturing facilities in Uttar Pradesh
• Technical product guidance available

Selecting a footwear adhesive depends on factors such as sole material, upper material, production process, curing requirements, flexibility, and environmental conditions. The Citifix product range includes synthetic rubber adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, and primer systems designed for different manufacturing applications. Final product selection should always be based on substrate compatibility, production requirements, and the latest Technical Data Sheet (TDS).

Editorial Note

Product specifications in this guide are based on the manufacturer's published technical information. For production use, always refer to the latest Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Contact Information

Citifix Adhesives Pvt. Ltd. Corporate Office: B - 15/2, Site 4, Ind. Area, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201012 Factory: 86-J, Ecotech-1, Ext.-1, Greater Noida (U.P.) 201306 Phone: 8800338889, +91 1204568371 Email: info@citifix.in Website: citifix.in