Increasing regulatory pressure and growing public awareness regarding environmental effects and health issues have created greater demand for low VOC products. Hence, in order to meet this ongoing challenge to develop greener products with low odor/low VOC-emission, recently we have seen some very interesting raw material advances & formulation developments in the industry.
Let’s get going to see how these innovations can aid development of low-VOC, low-emissive adhesive & sealants products…
Raw Material Advances
VOC- & Silicone-free Defoamer by Troy
Troy’s latest addition “
Troykyd® D767” is a mineral oil-free, silicone-free defoamer that provides outstanding air release in aqueous systems including adhesive formulations.
- Promotes efficient release of trapped air
- Easily pre-dispersed in water
- Effective over a broad pH range
- Effective at high temperatures
It is a
VOC-free product that is well-suited for modern green applications.
New Monomer for Low-odor Solutions by Evonik
Evonik has developed new monomer -
VISIOMER® GLYFOMA (glycerol formal methacrylate) which offers the possibility of creating low-odor and styrene-free vinyl ester based resins. In adhesive formulations, this reactive diluent can replace styrene and MMA, either partially or in full.
- Is partially bio-based (38% of glycerol derived from renewable raw materials) v
Has practically no odor
- Has exceptional low flammability
- Has excellent thermal stability
- Is label-free and registered with REACH
Due to its low vapor pressure, it can be
used anywhere low-VOC properties are required. It is also interesting to note that VISIOMER® GLYFOMA-crosslinker combinations are suitable for substitution of styrene in composite or other reactive resins, such as methacrylate based structural adhesives, where low VOC is needed.
More Solutions from Evonik to Reduce VOC Emissions in PU Applications
- DABCO® low emission catalyst designed to react into the polyurethane matrix without contributing to emissions. The innovative DABCO® catalysts have excellent catalytic activity and are proven to help meet the most strict emissions standards, such as VDA 278.
- ORTEGOL® Aldehyde scavengers which can significantly reduce aldehyde emission levels while doesn’t compromise physical properties.
- POLYCAT® amine based catalyst with excellent system stability and very fast initial reaction. Compared to conventional catalyst it facilitates for reduced amine emission during spraying.
Non-toxic and SVOC-free Plasticizer by Chemceed
Recently, ChemCeed has introduced
ELATUR® CH, a phthalate alternative plasticizer that is well suited for PVC applications including flooring, wall coverings, films, hoses, adhesives and sealants.
This
non-toxic and SVOC free is claimed to be a prime choice for applications where PVC comes in close human contact. Its performance properties are excellent for both thermoplastic and plastisol applications in terms of:
- Cold flexibility
- Rheological properties
- Hydrolytic stability
- Migration
- UV stability
Low-VOC Water-based Bonding Agents by Dow
As an alternative to solvent-based bonding agents, Dow has developed a
new generation of water-based bonding agents for rubber-to-metal anti-vibration applications. These products are equal to solvent-based formulations with
significantly reduced VOCs at a competitive cost.
MEGUM™ water-based bonding agents are available as both primer and cover products that can be used together or separately.
- Bond strength fully compatible to solvent-based systems on natural rubber, NBR, HNBR and EPDM.
- Excellent performance in dynamic real parts testing with EPDM – at the same levels as used for solvent-based standards
- High salt-spray and corrosion resistance
- Non-flammable
- High solids, low viscosity with the opportunity to spare dilution
Lignin-derived Low VOC MS Polymer by Kaneka & VITO
Kaneka & VITO have announced a new collaboration which aims to develop a modified silane polymer based on lignin. MS polymer is a liquid polymer made from petroleum derivatives that serves as a base material for high-quality elastic adhesives, sealants and coatings. Since its invention in 1978, its use in sectors such as construction, transport and industry has consistently increased.
"The basic product already has several tried-and-tested unique properties," says Richard Vendamme of VITO. "It is low in VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions and is solvent-free, which is good for the environment and human health. But there is also scope for innovation and improvement."
Also Read: Advances in Wood Biomass-derived Chemicals
Developments in Low Emissive Final Adhesives Products
Apart from the above mentioned advances in raw materials, some of the recently developed low VOC final adhesives products include:
- DriTac MCS 7000 – A “green” concrete moisture control system that dramatically reduces the rate of harmful moisture vapor emissions up to 100% relative humidity (RH). It beings down to 25 lbs. levels accepted by most flooring manufacturers, prior to the installation of wood, resilient, carpet tile and all floating floors. This premium-grade moisture control system has been certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label Plus Program for Indoor Air Quality. It touts DriTac’s “green” certification, designated for flooring installation solutions that contain zero VOC and zero solvents.
- MAPEI Ultrabond ECO 977 - A fast-setting, 100%-solids, one component, moisture-cured urethane adhesive specifically designed for the installation of domestic solid and engineered wood flooring. It has been approved for use with domestic solid and engineered wood flooring of any width or length. Because this adhesive has a low-odor formula with negligible volatile organic compound (VOC) content, it is ideal for use in interior settings and can contribute to LEED v4 project points.
- NewStar Adhesive LV ECONOBOND – It offers a low VOC adhesive solution for temporary bonding of large panels and thermal insulation in the interior construction of houses, trailers, and mods. It provides quick, immediate tack applied at production line speeds for low cost, 100% dependable temporary bonds. With less than 250 VOC grams per liter, LV ECONOBOND helps manufacturers keep their VOCs below ever shrinking regulatory limits.