The Formulated Polymers Blog

Potential users are often put off using water-based sprayable contact adhesives in their manufacturing and fabrication work because solvent-based solutions have a reputation for drying/bonding more rapidly. Although this is true in some cases, high-quality, 2 part sprayable water-based adhesives are certainly not slow to dry/bond. In addition, solvent-based adhesives contain high levels of VOCs, or volatile organic compounds. These VOC’s are released during the manufacturing process and present a hazard to process workers. Water based systems contain very low levels of VOC’s.

FP 2067 is a water based crosslinker containing ammonium zirconium salts. Crosslinkers are used to link polymer chains and strengthen an adhesive bond. It is designed to be added press side to water based wet bond adhesives for laminating aluminium foil or metallised film to paper or cardboard.

Anti-slip coatings are used on a wide range of products, including pallet liners and food & drink paper tray mats (for use in flight catering). Our FP 2134 formulation is a water based dispersion, specifically designed to provide paper and board with a coating that has a very high coefficient of friction.

Anti-slip tray mats, such as those in the image below, are used in their millions every day by airlines throughout the world. They require an adhesive that is food safe, non-allergenic and anti-slip/skid proof to prevent food trays moving when an aircraft encounters turbulence. They need a high performance, cost effective anti-slip coating that will not slip at angles up to 45°.

There are many types of commercially available adhesive. Two of the most common are those that are solvent based and those that are water based. All things being equal, how do you make a decision between the two, when both are often reported to share the same performance characteristics? Here is a brief summary of the advantages and disadvantages of both types of adhesive, followed by our recommendations.

Wet bond adhesives play an essential role in many different types of packaging. So why is it often so difficult to find the right level of heat resistance, the correct lamination strength, consistent quality and affordable price for these products? 

These issues and their solutions are discussed in our new e-book: Wet Bond Adhesives: A Buyers Guide.