Title: Functionalized polyolefins: key components for new-generation adhesive technologies
Presenting author: Alicja Krawiecka1,2
Other authors: Weronika Nowicka1,2, JakubKruszyński1,2, Farhan Ahmad Pasha3, Lanti Yang4 , Wojciech Szot 1,2, Miloud Bouyahyi2 , Rob Duchateau2,5,Lidia Jasińska-Walc1,2
Affiliations:
1Department of Chemistry and Technology of Functional Materials, Chemical Faculty, Gdansk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza Str. 11/12, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland,
2SABIC Technology & Innovation, STC Geleen, Urmonderbaan 22, Geleen, The Netherlands,
3 SABIC Technology Center at KAUST, 25 Unity Blvd, Thuwal 23955, Saudi-Arabia
4SABIC Technology & Innovation, Plasticslaan 1, 4612 PX, Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands
5Chemical Product Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
Abstract:
Adhesives allowing the bonding of different materials have become an essential element of contemporary functioning. Currently, over 13 million tons of adhesive substances are produced each year, with formulations based on ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and polyurethanes constituting the majority. (1) However, limited adhesion to non-polar surfaces and the lack of recyclability pose a significant challenge in the light of sustainable development strategies. The growing awareness of society and new legislative requirements somewhat compel the production to align with the principles of a circular economy. (2)
The main aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the chemical structure of the terpolymer and its thermal and mechanical properties and their adhesive performance. Appropriately selected process conditions allow for the production of terpolymers with physicochemical parameters that meet the requirements of components used in the production of hot melt adhesives.
The selection of specific comonomers has a significant impact on the melting temperature, degree of polymer crystallinity, and affinity to polar surfaces. The morphology of FPO, evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), indicates changes in the crystalline structure of the polyolefin through the introduction of functional branches. Based on rheological and strength tests, the relationship between the level of functionalization and adhesive strength was determined.
Literature:
(1) Wang, S.; Liu, Z.; Zhang, L.; Guo, Y.; Song, J.; Lou, J.; Guan, Q.; He, C.; You, Z. Strong, Mater. Chem. Front. 2019, 3 (9)
(2) Zhu, Y.; Romain, C.; Williams, C. K. Nature. 2016, 540