A pressure sensitive adhesive -- PSA -- can be defined as a substance capable
of holding materials together by instantaneous low pressure surface contact.
Most commonly, a PSA is based on selected elastomers modified to enhance
tackifying and wetting properties.
Escorez hydrocarbon tackifiers represent a range of compositions, initial
colors and molecular weights tailored for use with a variety of adhesive
polymers.
ExxonMobil Chemical is a major supplier for a variety of polymers for pressure
sensitive applications. The use of hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive
(HMPSA) technology for the manufacture of tapes and labels has proven to be
the most economical and most environmentally friendly technology. The
performance of HMPSA meets market requirements in many cases, exceeds the
performance of ther PSA systems. HMPSA is the fastest growing technology for
tapes and labels, which is primarily driven by its superior economics and
product performance.
Manufacturers of packaging tapes, the largest tape segment, are also looking
for low odor and low color resins for more attractive and clear tapes. These
aesthetic qualities can be improved by new, low color tackifiers such as
Escorez 5000 resins.
Ecological requirements for labeling of food packages promote the need for
strong adhesion that is both resistant to humidity and can provide a broad
end-use temperature. This has increased the use of HMPSA for label
applications because it provides a good alternative to water-based systems.
In many regions of the world, solvent-borne, natural rubber technology is
still widely used for a variety of tapes. Because of the multiple applications
such as packaging tape, masking tapes, double-sided tapes, etc., a wide range
of natural rubber tackifiers are needed to meet a specific balance of
properties. Most of these properties can be met with Escorez resins, either
alone or in combination with other resins, ExxonMobil Chemical also offers a
wide variety of resins for natural rubber applications and many of these have
been specifically designed to meet particular PSA requirements.
Tapes include packaging tape, masking tape, office tape, electrical tape, duct
tape, strapping tape, diaper and medical tape.
Labels include electronic data processing labels, nameplates, decals, product
identification and shipping labels
