Hot melt adhesive (HMA) 101

1. What is hot melt adhesive (HMA)?

2. What are the primary components of hot melt adhesive (HMA)?

3. How to select the suitable polyethylene wax (PE wax)?

4. Which polyethylene wax (PE wax) grade of P1Wax are recommended for hot melt adhesive (HMA)?

What is hot melt adhesive (HMA)?

HMA is a 100% solid thermoplastic compound and contain no solvents and no water, applied with heat which give them very fast setting speed which can bond with similar and dissimilar materials, made from four major components to create the mechanical bond, HMA is formed as molten adhesive penetrates the substrate surface, then cool and solidifies.

The primary components of Hot melt adhesive (HMA)

1. Polymer, the backbone of formulation, give the adhesive strength, the degree of flexibility and thermal stability, specific adhesion and compatibility

2. Tackifier, give the specific adhesion at the application temperature, the degree of thermal stability, elongation, tensile strength, and odor.

3. Wax plays as a key element of the blended formulation, its function is to adjust the open and setting times, modify a melt rate, heat resistance, softening point and residual tack of the HMA for each application.

4. Antioxidant give the thermal stability, preserve the adhesive at high temperature the typical ratio of the formulation would be following picture.

How to select the suitable polyethylene (PE wax)?

To select the suitable wax for Hot melt adhesive formulation for each application shall be consider the required following functions:-

1. Open time : the time after application, during which the adhesive is molten to form a bond.

2. Set speed (setting time) : the time after application and substrate compression, at which point the adhesive is solid enough to produce a destructive bond.

3. Thermal stability : the ability of a hot melt adhesive to resist degradation such as char, gel and viscosity changes, from heat and time.

4. Heat resistance : the ability of an hot melt adhesive to maintain a bond in high temperatures environments (50°C)

Which polyethylene wax (PE wax) grade of P1Wax are recommended for hot melt adhesive (HMA)?

P1Wax provides two product groups that suitable for hot melt adhesive.

LV series : Grade name LV1, LV2 and LV3

HT series : Grade name HT1

P1Wax is a low viscosity, low molecular weight homopolymer polyethylene wax in powder form, produced in Thailand under the standard control to ensure consistent product quality which perform shortening of setting time, improve heat resistance and reduction of blend viscosity in hot melt adhesive

P1Wax for hot melt adhesive

Note: the given values are typical value measured on the product, not to be constructed as product specification.