A Complete Guide to Polyolefin Based Hot Melt Adhesives: Compositions and Typical Formulas

What are Polyolefin (PO) Based Hot Melt Adhesives?

Polyolefin (PO)-based hot melt adhesives are primarily composed of polyolefin resins, tackifiers, microcrystalline wax, antioxidants, fillers, and other functional additives. The polyolefin component typically includes polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and metallocene-catalyzed polymers. Common auxiliary ingredients also include:

Tackifiers

Common tackifiers used include rosin, hydrogenated rosin esters, rosin glycerides, petroleum resins, and terpene resins.

Colorless Hydrogenated rosin resin

KT130 Water White Hydrogenated Rosin

KT901 High Hydrogen Water White Rosin

KT160 Hydrogenated Rosin

KT-AX-E PerHydrogenated rosin

Fully Hydrogenated Rosin

KT-70S High Hydrogenated Water-white Rosin

KT101 Rosin

KT80EX PerHydrogenated Rosin

Special Grade Rosin

Waxes

Commonly used waxes include microcrystalline wax, paraffin wax, and aliphatic hydrocarbon resins.

Antioxidants

Commonly used types include 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), typically added at a level of 0.1% to 1.0% by weight.

Fillers

Common mineral fillers include calcium carbonate, talc, and other functional extenders.

Two Typical Formulas of Polyolefin (PO) Based Hot Melt Adhesives

Formula 1: Formulation of Maleic Anhydride Grafted Modified Polyethylene Hot Melt Adhesive via Melt Grafting Method

Polyethylene can undergo a grafting reaction with maleic anhydride via the melt method. By selecting appropriate initiators, reaction temperatures, reaction times, and maleic anhydride dosages, a high grafting rate can be achieved. Modifying polyethylene using this method alters the physical properties of the resulting wax and enhances the bonding strength of hot-melt adhesives formulated with this grafted wax.

Furthermore, the grafted polyethylene wax prepared using this method can be utilized as an adhesive raw material without requiring further treatment; moreover, the process is simple and holds significant potential for widespread application.

Formula 2: Formulation of Maleic Anhydride Grafted Modified Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Hot Melt Adhesive via Solution Grafting Method

Maleic anhydride graft compatibilizer introduces highly polar reactive groups to give the material high polarity and reactivity. It is a polymer interface coupling agent, compatibilizer, and dispersion promoter. Mainly used for halogen-free flame retardant, filling, glass fiber reinforcement, toughening, metal bonding, alloy compatibility, etc. It can greatly promote the compatibility of composite materials and the dispersion of fillers and improve product performance.

Why Choose Kerton Chemicals as Your Supplier of Chemical Raw Materials?

Choose Kerton Chemicals as your chemical raw material supplier for its decades of chemical R&D and production experience; global market coverage (Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia); and a 10,000+ ㎡ production base with 5 production lines and a dedicated R&D lab—ensuring a stable, high-quality supply of industrial/advanced materials for PO hot melt adhesives. It also provides professional customized chemical solutions to meet your production needs. For collaboration, visit its official website (https://www.kerton-industry.com/) to contact the team for procurement, formula optimization, and technical support and build a tailored long-term supply partnership.