The movement from solvent-based to waterborne adhesives presents a special challenge to the formulator and coater. Films, silicone-release liners, and other low-energy surfaces are difficult to coat with water-based formulations and wetting agents are needed to produce the low surface tension required for good coverage without retraction.
Existing wetting agents are available to provide good wetting, but many of these surfactants must be used with high levels of defoamer to keep foam generation under control. Most defoamers cause cratering, fisheyes, and other coating problems which must be solved through the addition of more foam-producing wetting agent.
Achieving the appropriate balance between wetting agent and defoamer is many times a long and difficult process; however, SURFYNOL® PSA336 Surfactant can solve this formulating dilemma by providing excellent dynamic wetting with minimal foam generation.
Typical Applications
- Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs)
- Flexible food packaging adhesives
- Laminating adhesives
Benefits at a glance
- Ease of addition with no gel formation
- Excellent reduction of equilibrium and dynamic surface tensions
- Excellent wetting of silicone release liners, plastic films, and other low energy surfaces
- Low foam generation
- Several FDA and other food contact compliances
- Ease of addition with no gel formation