The adhesion of polyolefin compounds to polar substrates is one of the on-going challenges for many consumer and industrial applications. Due to differences in polarity and surface energy, the bonding of polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers to engineering plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and other polar/non-polar materials are largely unresolved. This presentation discusses the strategies to identify and develop various chemistries and the key formulation principles to improve the polyolefin adhesion. Some of the key principles for improved adhesion uncovered include the substrate surface functionality, solvent compatibility, and the processing conditions (temperature, pressure, time) that are utilized to fabricate the articles. Results indicate that adhesion primers containing maleic anhydride functionality or a combination of MAH and chlorine functionality with other functional additives are effective for bonding polar materials to polyolefins. Such technology can be further applied to resolve the adhesion challenges of polyolefin elastomers to polar fabrics, coatings, glues, and inks.

Resolving the challenges in polyolefins adhesion

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.