TYPES OF ADHESIVES

SOLVENT-BASED
Solvent-based acrylic adhesives are considered the performance adhesives in the PSA industry.

Acrylic adhesives are naturally UV stable and suitable for long term applications due to being resistant to oxidation.  Acrylic adhesives are known to have a great bond to a variety of materials, including LSE substrates with proper formulation.  In other instances, acrylics can be formulated to have very high cohesive strength and very low tack and adhesion for delicate applications.  The temperature range on an acrylic adhesive can vary greatly depending on the monomers selected and additives in the formulation, however due to the flow and lack of oxidation, acrylics are suitable for a very wide temperature range.  Acrylics can be designed to work at much higher temperatures than synthetic rubber-based adhesives. Solvent-based acrylic PSAs are employed in many long term, high performance applications where the product simply needs to stick. One of NECAL’s most prominent strengths is coating solvent-based acrylic adhesives at 4-5 mils thick with a good, bubble free condition.  

RUBBER BASED
The Rubber based adhesives that NECAL formulates and coats are based on synthetic, elastomeric rubbers, and are excellent, general purpose materials.  These adhesives can be formulated to bond to a broad range of materials, including Low Surface Energy (LSE) materials such as polyethylene materials.  These adhesives are inherently resistant to shear forces. The NECAL Rubber based adhesives can be formulated to modify the application and operation temperature range, with a general operational temperature around 0°C to 100°C.  These synthetic rubbers do not have inherent UV stability, and will be more susceptible to color changes and breakdown in UV light. These rubber-based adhesives are also susceptible to degradation by plasticizers, such as those typically found in monomeric vinyl films.  

DRY FILM HEAT-ACTIVATED
NECAL also produces a family of Dry Film Heat-Activated Adhesives.  These thermoplastic adhesives are tack-free at room and slightly elevated temperatures, then bond substrates when at higher temperatures.  This allows for materials to be laminated with the Heat Activated Adhesive and then reactivated with heat to bond a second substrate. Between the initial and final laminations, the Heat Activated Adhesive will not stick to any other material, improving process efficiencies as the adhesive will only bond when activated with high heat.

When selecting an adhesive chemistry NECAL will work with clients to identify the application parameters and critical-to-quality characteristics with the following questions:

1. What is the application and operation temperature range?
2. What is the substrate?
3. Is the substrate smooth or irregular?
4. Is the application automated or by hand?
5. Will the adhesive be exposed to sunlight?
6. Will the adhesive be exposed to solvents and plasticizers?

Require a special solution to a perplexing challenge? NECAL can coat and convert adhesive products meeting your specific requirements. Contact us today!