Eastman Chemical manufactures a variety of raw materials for hot melt adhesives that feature different properties for various formulations and applications.

Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport, Tenn., manufactures a variety of raw materials for hot melt adhesives that feature different properties for various formulations and applications.

Epolene polymers are medium- to low-molecular-weight polyethylene or polypropylene. Numerous types of Epolene polymers are available, and properties can be selected to fit various processing operations. Many of these polymers meet FDA regulations for various applications.

Eastotac resins are hydrogenated C₅ aliphatic hydrocarbon tackifying resins characterized by low odor, good solubility, excellent heat stability and low color. These products also exhibit good tackifying characteristics and broad compatibility with numerous elastomers, polymers, and other resins. Eastotac resins are available in five color levels with varying softening points, which allow the selection of the resin most suitable for a particular application. These resins are produced from petroleum feedstock by polymerization followed by hydrogenation. Their good color, heat stability and aging properties carry through to the final product in which they are used.

Eastman AQ polymers — the first raw material that makes hot melt adhesives water-dispersible — have many promising uses. The water dispersibility of the polymers is attributed to the presence of the sodiosulfo substituents in the structure. The polymers differ chiefly in glass transition temperature (Tg) or softening point. They are relatively low-molecular-weight, amorphous polyesters that disperse in water without the assistance of organic cosolvents, surfactants or amines.

For more information on raw materials for hot melts, contact Terri Decker at Eastman Chemical Co., PO Box 431, Kingsport, TN 37662; phone 423-229-1885.