Synthetic Natural Polymers – Aqueous Adhesives: S-8000 Series

Pressure sensitive adhesives form bonds when pressure is applied. This pressure joins the adhesive with a desired substrate. PSA’s are used in tapes, labels, note pads, automotive trim and body panels, as well as numerous other products. As the name "pressure sensitive" indicates, the amount of bonding is influenced by the amount of pressure which is applied to the adhesive onto the surface. PSAs are usually designed to form a bond and hold properly at room temperatures. However, they are often affected by extremes in temperature, so depending on the end use, resistance to these extremes can be formulated into the final product.

Pressure sensitive adhesives are designed with a balance between flow and resistance to flow. The bond forms because the adhesive is soft enough to flow, or wet. The bond retains strength because the adhesive is hard enough to resist flow when stress is applied to the bond. Once the adhesive and the surface are together, there is also a molecular interaction involved, which contributes to the strength of the bond. These bonds exhibit pseudo elastic properties (both viscous and elastic properties), which are used to ensure proper bonding. Tapes and labels are made from liquid, by coating the adhesive on a support and evaporating the organic solvent or water carrier. Once dried, the adhesive may be further heated to initiate a cross-linking reaction and also increase its molecular weight.

SNP carries a number of products in our S-8000 series, designed with specific adhesion in mind. We have multiple adhesive chemistries based on both polyurethane and acrylic emulsions. Our chemists and formulations are always willing to assist you at any stage in your process, from research and development to production.

Call us with your adhesive questions at (919) 598-0400, or submit an online information request form.