Acrylic polymers have long been recognized for their pressure sensitive adhesive properties. Advancements in this technology continue as formulators search for more robust adhesive performance. There is a very distinct need for additional formulating options when using acrylic based polymers. Due to their very high polarity, few tackifiers exhibit the desired level of compatibility with acrylic polymer necessary for robust performance. Few formulating tools exist today that deliver highly differentiated performance in these systems. To achieve that very delicate balance of shear, peel and tack properties, advancements in tackifier technology are necessary to improve adhesion, cohesion and specific adhesion to a wide variety of nonpolar substrates. Additionally, higher service temperatures and oxidative stability continue to drive development opportunities in many applications.
This presentation describes how phenolic modified terpene resins can enhance the performance of acrylic based polymers by affording a larger performance window while delivering a balance of peel, shear and tack properties that would otherwise be unobtainable with conventional technologies. These enhancements are applicable in both water based and solvent based systems. For these reasons, the use of terpene phenolic resins continues to grow in differentiated, higher performance applications. Their unique C10 building block provides a platform for differentiated performance and compatibility while delivering higher softening point resins without compromising tack. Their hydroxyl (-OH) functionality also promotes specific adhesion while improving oxidative stability to the adhesive system and compatibility in the most polar and functionalized systems.
Beneficially, terpene phenolic resins have a reduced carbon footprint and are based on renewable, bio-based terpene feedstocks. The sustainable aspects of these bio-based resins will be highlighted by giving better understanding of the sourcing of bio based resins and explanation of the ‘sustainability pine cycle’ from which the raw materials are sourced.