Polyolefin Polymers for High Performance Hot Melt Adhesives in Woodworking and Furniture Applications

Overview

In the woodworking and furniture industry, adhesives face the challenge of bonding wood and wood-based substrates to an expanding variety of materials to achieve furniture and wood products with high quality and appealing appearance. Hot melt adhesives (HMA) have emerged as a valuable option due to efficiency in manufacturing, versatile open-time and reduced adhesive waste. For these applications, HMAs are especially desired to deliver strong adhesion capability, enhanced bonding strength, and reliable temperature resistance. Synthomer has developed a portfolio of polyolefin polymers that demonstrate properties, including high heat resistance, enhanced tensile strength, and high elongation due to their unique structural characteristics.  This versatile family of polymers is designed for the formulation of high-performance HMA, enabling advanced applications across woodworking and furniture manufacturing, automotive interiors, as well as a wide range of assembly, installation, and lamination processes. This presentation focuses on woodworking and furniture applications.  Several model HMA formulations comprising these polyolefin polymers demonstrate extended open time, desirable viscosity ranges combined with strong tensile strength and high elongation. They deliver enhanced lap share strength and excellent SAFT (Shear Adhesion Failure Temperature) in solid wood bonding, reinforcing their value for high-quality woodworking. In addition, the polyolefin-based model formulations exhibit strong and reliable adhesion on MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) substrate with challenging foils such as PP, PVC, ABS and PET.  Creep testing indicates heat resistance up to100-120°C for MDF bonding with paper, PVC and ABS foil, which is approaching that of polyurethan (PUR) adhesives. The combination of broad substrate compatibility and high-temperature durability positions these model polyolefin-based HMAs for flat lamination, profile wrapping and edge banding in high-quality furniture production.

Speakers

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  Machteld Paree

  Sr. Application Scientist · Synthomer

  Machteld Paree has experience in the adhesives industry for over 42 years in a wide range of applications. She started her career in 1984 and had several positions in the technology space within Hercules and Eastman Chemical. Currently she is working as a Senior Application Specialist for Synthomer adhesives, specifically in the field of tackifying resins and polyolefinic polymers. She is the technical expert and partner for a number of strategic and major accounts in Europe.