Apr 20 2009
Kraton Polymers LLC (Kraton), a leading global producer of engineered polymers, announces a series of new formulations designed to support lower Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) requirements and reduce costs associated with contact adhesives.
The unique structure of the styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) provides key advantages to formulators; the end block enables cohesion, good load bearing properties and temperature resistance, while the center block promotes adhesion and elongation.
Kraton Polymers offers several product grades that can be tailored to work with higher solid content vs. conventional polychloroprene (PCR) without sacrificing lower viscosities needed for sprayability, roll coating or brushing. In addition, Kraton polymers are available in pellet form, they are easy to handle and offer rapid dissolution into high solid formulations. These formulations can be applied at lower viscosities with the added value of faster drying times. The exclusive structure of the SBC's allows for formulating flexibility to work with solvent blends that are VOC exempt and reduce odor.
These innovative offerings are particularly relevant in light of recent VOC legislation which requires contact adhesive manufacturers to reformulate their materials. "Our new formulations not only meet the recent VOC legislation requirements, but they also offer a cost savings alternative to polychloroprene," commented Jim Smith, Vice President of Adhesive, Sealants and Coatings at Kraton Polymers. "We are excited about our multi-million dollar investment in a new state of the art R&D facility located in Houston, Texas. The new Kraton Innovation Center is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to push our innovation to create products that are environmentally and economically sustainable."
Kraton D and Kraton G polymer grades are engineered to offer manufacturers a one-two punch of cost savings and lower VOC's. Kraton D1175BT polymer features a tailored structure which translates into a wider formulating window and supports sprayable /low VOC contact adhesives. In addition, Kraton D1155BJ, D1162 and D1164 polymers are highly suitable for lower cost formulations as well as enhanced compatibility with VOC exempt polar solvents.
Kraton G polymers provide increased adhesion for high performance applications where a combination of long-term thermal stability and compatibility with lower VOC solvents are required. Kraton G1726 polymer and Kraton FG1901 polymer are exclusive grades that can assist formulators who need even lower viscosity and compatibility with more polar VOC exempt solvents. As an added bonus, Kraton FG1901 polymer permits cross linking at ambient conditions for applications that require a higher level of performance.
Kraton Polymers product lines include more than 1000 grades, allowing for a wide range of tailored adhesive formulations. As a result, Kraton polymers offer contact adhesive formulators and manufacturers custom formulations in construction, furniture and woodworking, footwear, carpet installation, foam and fabric, automotive aftermarket and graphic arts applications that will meet the new "green" requirements.