Dow Unveils New Product Line for Hot Melt Adhesives and Polymer Modification
The Dow Chemical Company announced the commercial launch of AFFINITY* GA Polyolefin Plastomers (POPs), a new line of highly versatile polyolefin polymers. Developed using Dow's proprietary INSITE* Technology and solution Process, AFFINITY GA POPs are the first products of their kind specifically developed for hot melt adhesive formulations and a range of polymer modification applications.
"AFFINITY GA POPs are the latest example of Dow's commitment to the ongoing development of a broad portfolio of plastics that deliver performance differentiation to our customers," said Greg Jozwiak, Business Director for Elastomers & Specialty Products. "As an extension of the family of AFFINITY POPs, these new products address unmet needs across a number of major plastics processing segments and several specialty applications."
AFFINITY GA POPs are characterized by novel chemistry that combines high flow and low crystallinity, a unique combination designed to deliver a new level of performance, processing and economic value to compounders, processors, and hot melt adhesive formulators. Dow is currently offering commercial quantities of two AFFINITY GA POPs products:
- AFFINITY GA 1950 POP with a density of 0.874, a viscosity of 17,000 cps at 350º F (177°C) (by Brookfield spindle #31), and an approximate melt index of 500.
- AFFINITY GA 1900 POP with a density of 0.870, a viscosity of 8,200 cps at 350º F (177°C) (by Brookfield spindle #31), and an approximate melt index of 1000.
AFFINITY GA POPs for Hot Melt Adhesive Applications
AFFINITY GA POPs are ideal for hot melt adhesive applications such as packaging (case and carton sealing), disposable nonwovens (adult and infant hygiene products), and graphic arts (bookbinding). These new high flow products provide hot melt users with a number of distinct processing and performance advantages compared to EVA-based adhesives, including reduced filter plugging, less machine wear and tear, improved color and clarity, negligible odor, and decreased system downtime.
"An important technical difference between AFFINITY GA POPs and EVA-based adhesives is that EVA-based polymers have oxygen in the backbone, which can contribute to color change and oxidation, and ultimately to poor sealing reliability," said Dr. Selim Yalvac, Development Leader, Polyethylene and INSITE* Technology Development. "AFFINITY GA POPs have no such oxygen in the backbone, making them much more stable and reliable for clean running hot melt applications."
Unlike most traditional EVA-based adhesives, AFFINITY GA POPs can also bond over a broad range of temperatures, making them especially ideal for reliably sealing cases and cartons. AFFINITY GA 1950 POP is designed for conventional application temperatures of 350º F (177°C) while AFFINITY GA 1900 POP combines aggressive bonding with improved thermal stability for low application temperatures of 250º F (120°C) to 275º F (135°C). The advantages of AFFINITY GA POPs provide an opportunity for cost savings and improved economics for formulators and end users.
"For hot melt formulators, product differentiation is the name of the game," said Mike Levinson, Global Business Development Manager, Plastics. "By offering superior performance, process improvement and the opportunity for economic benefit, AFFINITY GA POPs enable formulators to develop truly differentiated, higher value formulations that meet the existing and emerging needs of their customers."
AFFINITY GA POPs for Polymer Modification Applications
AFFINITY GA POPs can also be used to modify the flow, flexibility, adhesion, and mechanical properties of a broad range of other polymers - allowing for their use in a wide range of applications. Many plastic end products produced by injection molding, extrusion, blow molding or powder injection molding can be enhanced by formulating with AFFINITY GA POPs during compounding or processing operations.
For example, AFFINITY GA POPs can be compounded or blended with other plastics to improve flow properties. Added at low levels in thermoplastic olefins (TPOs), the new polymers substantially improve flow without reducing impact resistance. If used to modify the flow and flexibility of styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) and thermoplastic vulcanites (TPVs), AFFINITY GA POPs deliver the lubricity of wax or oil modifiers without overriding concerns about brittleness or blooming to the surface.
In masterbatch applications, the high filler loading capabilities of AFFINITY GA POPs make them extremely efficient and cost-effective carriers for hard-to-load colors and/or additives. With melting points around 158º F (70º C) AFFINITY GA POPs are ideal choices for preserving the integrity of temperature-sensitive additives. Additionally, the low viscosity of AFFINITY GA POPs enables rapid dispersion in the end use compound.
As tie-layers in multi-laminate structures such as nonwovens and films, AFFINITY GA POPs offer improved adhesion along with excellent flexibility and toughness - whether they are used alone, blended with other polymers, or even spun into a web. Likewise, the polymers demonstrate excellent performance as additives in the binder systems of thermoplastic road paints by enhancing adhesion, durability, and retro reflectivity, especially in colder climates.
A unique combination of high loading capabilities, easy processing and clean burning also allows AFFINITY GA POPs to create new net shape forming possibilities at extremely low costs as carriers for metal and ceramic injection molding applications.
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