The shift towards sustainability is a major trend in the Hot Melt (HM) adhesives industry. With growing environmental concerns, there is an increasing demand for eco-friendly adhesives. Manufacturers are working hard to create adhesives that have a lower environmental impact. This article discusses the future of hot melt adhesives, focusing on the environmental factors shaping this industry.
Hot Melt adhesives address environmental concerns because they do not require solvents. Since their market introduction in the 1950s, HM adhesives have grown significantly in the adhesive industry. They now represent between 15% and 21% of all adhesives produced and used globally. HM adhesives are used in various sectors, including bookbinding, furniture, electronics, consumer products, packaging, construction, and healthcare. Manufacturers can customize HM adhesives with resins, oils, waxes, and other additives to suit different commercial applications.
Most base polymers in HM adhesives are derived from petroleum resources. Examples include ethylene vinyl acetate, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyolefins, and styrene-butadiene or isoprene block copolymers. The basic resin greatly influences the adhesive’s strength and cohesion, which are crucial properties for HM adhesives.
By lowering the application temperature of HM adhesives, manufacturers can improve performance and reduce emissions. This approach decreases thermal degradation and energy consumption, contributing to sustainability. In recent years, entirely bio-based, sustainable, and biodegradable HM adhesives have been developed. These aim to reduce reliance on limited petroleum resources and ensure 100% recyclability for packaging applications. Researchers have explored various bio-based polymer substitutes, such as lactic acid-based polymers, starch or cellulose-based polymers, lignin, protein-based polymers, and bio-based polyamides. Common tackifiers include tall oil resins, rosins, rosin esters, polyterpenes, and hydrocarbon resins. Polylactic acid and polycaprolactam HM adhesives are noted for their excellent hot tack, long open time, and moderate setting time. Biodegradable HM adhesives can also be made for food packaging using the same copolymer in the same molar ratio.
The adhesive industry, like many others, faces increased regulatory scrutiny, especially regarding volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and the use of toxic substances. Future advancements in adhesive formulations and application techniques will need to meet these regulatory standards. Global trends increasingly call for high-performance materials that prioritize environmental sustainability, aligning with industry progress.
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The author Dr. Ravindra V. Gadhave is a Polymer Scientist and Researcher with over 12 years of experience in Research & Development. He serves as the R&D Head at Super Bond Adhesives Private Limited in Mumbai, India. Dr. Gadhave holds a bachelor’s degree in Surface Coating Technology from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, and has earned a Doctoral degree in technology specializing in Adhesives and Surface Coating Technology.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gadhave has been actively involved in presenting his innovative research findings at numerous international and national symposiums and workshops. He is a prolific author with several full-length research publications and review articles in peer-reviewed international journals, contributing significantly to the field of polymer sciences.
His research interests are diverse and include water-based and solvent-based adhesives, sealants, coatings, as well as the exploration of nanomaterials and biopolymers. He has a particular focus on sustainable materials, including tannin and lignin-based adhesives, aiming to push the boundaries of environmental sustainability in polymer applications. Dr. Gadhave’s profound expertise and ongoing contributions to polymer science make him a respected figure in his field and a vital asset to the global scientific community.