Energy curable laminating adhesives
Over the past decade, laminating adhesives have become a relevant sector of energy curable technology.
Initially disregarded as too expensive and not technically advanced enough for laminating applications, energy curable formulations become a major player in the converting and packaging industry especially for specialty applications.
Recently, development work into the realm of food packaging has begun to build profitable businesses for those willing to use this technology.
Laminating adhesives generally bond clear laminate plastic films to various plastic films, paper or metallic foil substrates. For this purpose, curing by UV and ‘dry’ laminating adhesives are usually adequate.
Upon curing, this type of adhesive offers a non-tacky film that bonds sufficiently to the respective substrates and achieves excellent T-Peel properties.
However, when a specific application requires laminating opaque substrates or films that exhibit adherence difficulties, EB curing or PSA-type (wet) laminating adhesives may be necessary.
After cure, this type of adhesive results in a tacky PSA-like adhesive. EB-cure is not negatively affected by opaque substrates, and PSA-type laminating adhesives can be cured prior to the lamination.
Rahn is a supplier of energy curable raw materials, utilised in finished formulated products. It has formulated different laminating adhesives with different end properties to suit industry needs.
The different laminating adhesives formulas are suitable for:
* Formula US03003: Low viscosity PSA-type (wet) laminating adhesive with adhesion to a wide variety of substrates including treated PET, PE, OPP, metallised foils and paper.
* Formula US03012A: Low cost low viscosity laminating adhesive for treated OPP, PE and paper.
* Formula US03012B: Low viscosity laminating adhesive for plastic film, paper and Al foil in combination with treated PET.
* Formula US03012C: Versatile low viscosity laminating adhesive for treated non-PET Film, metallised OPP, Al foil and paper.
