Price: 10.00
Since the introduction of thermoplastic rubbers in the '70s, pressure sensitive
hotmelts based on these raw materials have managed to gain an increasing market
share. With increased environmental pressures applied to converters, replacement
of solvent born systems is becoming increasingly important. Consequently a lot of
converters have started using hotmelts.
With the benefits of a solvent free application technique on the one hand; there are
a few limitations on the other hand. These limitations are based on the thermoplastic
nature of the pressure sensitive hotmelts listed as follows:
• insufficient shear resistance at higher temperatures,
• insufficient chemical resistance,
• insufficient UV-resistance,
• cold flow under pressure and consequently insufficient cutability
The consequence of these limitations have meant a certain market share for
dispersions. Dispersions, of course, have other limitations, especially drying, which
is a high energy consuming process and the critical behaviour when exposed to
humidity again. Additionally, there is much water transported on Europe's highways.
This transportation leads to significant environmental disadvantages when compared
to the 100% solid systems. The waste water that results from cleaning and purging
the coating lines becomes a significant problem due to its classification as a harmful
waste by-product
