Applicable Base Polymer Properties
Styrene block copolymers (SBCs) offer cohesion, strength, and heat resistance for both pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and non-pressure sensitive adhesives. The styrene phase forms a physically crosslinked network in the adhesive at room temperature. Of the SBCs, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene (SEBS) has the high shear strength and excellent weathering resistance. SEBS hot melt sealants are achieving success in the automobile assembly and mobile home manufacturing industries.
Only SBC polymers that are fully saturated can offer excellent resistance to degradation by air, ozone, or UV light. SEBS copolymers have saturated rubber midblocks and when formulated with saturated resins, plasticizers, and stabilizers can obtain a balance of adhesive properties as well as resistance to degradation by oxidation or UV light.