Case and Carton Sealing: Hot melt Adhesive Solutions

Case and Carton Sealing: Hot melt Adhesive Solutions STICK INGTO INNOV ATION Imagine what s next

Hot Melt Adhesives for Case and Carton Sealing A vast range of businesses and individuals from global brand owners to friends and families shipping gifts and other packages depend on securely sealed cases, cartons, and boxes to help maintain the integrity of their delivered goods. Likewise, hot melt adhesives (HMAs) have long been a trusted solution for case and carton sealing. Now, whether you re producing HMAs for low or conventional temperature case/carton sealing applications, there s an GA Polyolefin Elastomer designed to help meet and potentially exceed your needs. AFFINITY GA Polyolefin Elastomers (POEs) from Dow offer performance, processing, and end-user advantages difficult to achieve with traditional HMA formulations, such as those based on ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA): More powerful bonds Better mileage (more boxes sealed per pound of adhesive) Broader temperature range performance Convenient processing with - Longer pot life - Virtually no char, discoloration, or odor - Less plugging and clogging - Less downtime and maintenance expense vs. HMAs based on EVA Improved packaging economy lower total cost of ownership Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow 1

AFFINITY GA Polyolefin Elastomers Improved Adhesive Performance Hot melt adhesives formulated with GA POEs offer powerful adhesion across a wide range of temperatures and substrates. In fact, as shown in Figure 1, it typically takes several different EVA-based formulations to cover the same range as one HMA based on AFFINITY GA polymers. These Dow products also offer nearly 100-percent fiber tear at both high and low temperatures and on a variety of substrates, including hard-to-bond paper stock. In addition, HMAs formulated with AFFINITY GA POEs offer significantly better adhesion to the recycled paper tested than those formulated with EVA. Figure 1: Percent Fiber Tear of HMAs Formulated with Selected Base Polymers at Various Temperatures 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Fiber Tear, % GA 1950 POE EVA 1 EVA 2 Base Polymer -40 F (-40 C) 0 F (-18 C) 40 F (4 C) 120 F (49 C) 140 F (60 C) Increased Mileage Their low density and high flow compared to EVA allow AFFINITY GA POEs to produce more adhesive per pound (kg) of resin used. In addition to helping enable increased productivity, this also helps reduce overall system costs. The products strong bonding capabilities can help extend mileage even further by requiring less adhesive to produce an appropriate seal. Figure 2: Boxes Sealed Using 1 lb. (0.45 kg) of HMA Formulated with Selected Base Polymers Boxes Sealed 1,200 1,100 1,000 900 800 700 600 GA POE >10% Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. EVA Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow STICK INGTO INNOV ATION Imagine what s next 2

Broad Temperature Range HMAs formulated with GA POEs exhibit excellent performance across a wide range of temperatures. This offers value for both formulators and end users, since one AFFINITY GA-based HMA can meet bonding needs at a variety of temperatures. It also means that AFFINITY GA polymers are suitable for freezer-to-microwave packages and other applications that must tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Testing has shown peel adhesion failure temperature (PAFT) values as high as 169 F (76 C), ensuring reduced seal failure rates and expenses associated with carton/box returns. Figure 3: Service Temperature Range of HMAs Formulated with Selected Base Polymers Service Temperature, F ( C) -40 (-40) -20 (-29) 0 (-18) 20 (-7) 40 (4) 60 (16) 80 (27) 100 (38) 120 (49) 140 (60) 160 (71) 180 (82) HMA formulated with AFFINITY GA POE HMA formulated with EVA Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. Improved Processing Figure 4 shows that the viscosity of AFFINITY GA Polyolefin Elastomers remains very stable at the application temperature. Along with the materials low density, this helps enable convenient, reliable application with more precise control of bead size and placement, longer pot life, less plugging and clogging, and reduced downtime/lost production. Figure 4: Viscosity Stability of HMAs Formulated with Selected Base Polymers 70 Base Polymer: 60 GA POE EVA 50 Change in Viscosity, % 40 30 20 10 0 0 50 100 150 200 Hours at 350 F (177 C) Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. www.stickingtoinnovation.com Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow 3

Excellent Color Stability In conjunction with extended pot life, HMAs formulated with GA polymers exhibit excellent color stability versus the traditional formulations tested (see Figure 5). As a result, you can enjoy clean-running systems with virtually no char or odor. The reduced need to frequently change adhesive in the tank also contributes to lower overall cost. Food Contact Compliance AFFINITY GA POEs comply with U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Contact Notification 424 (consult the regulations for complete details). You can also contact your Dow Elastomers representative or your nearest office (see back cover) for additional information. Lower Total Costs The performance and processing advantages of AFFINITY GA POEs help generate cost efficiencies that can help lead to significantly lower system costs. Table 1: Potential Savings for HMAs Formulated with GA POEs 10-15% mileage advantage Low product density allows more sealed containers per pound (kg) of adhesive Aggressive bonding characteristics allow for less adhesive used per application 15-25% additional cost savings Increased thermal stability typically means longer pot life and less waste Wide service temperature range enables one HMA to do the work of many Reduced downtime and maintenance time; nozzles and lines require less frequent cleaning and changing Adhesion to a wide range of substrates means reduced carrying costs and inventory Total: 25-40% overall cost savings vs. traditional HMA formulations Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. Figure 5: Color Stability of HMAs Formulated at 350 F (177 C) for 144 hours with Selected Base Polymers Hot Melt Adhesive Formulated with AFFINITY GA Conventional Hot Melt Adhesive Formulated with EVA l l l l l l Hours 0 24 48 72 96 144 l l l l l l Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow STICK INGTO INNOV ATION Imagine what s next 4

Conventional Application Temperature HMAs GA 1950 Polyolefin Elastomer helps to meet the demands of conventional application temperature hot melts (350 F [177 C]) in case and carton sealing applications such as folding carton sealing, corrugated container closure, tray forming, and pallet stabilization. Conventional temperature HMAs containing AFFINITY GA POEs offer a wide range of performance advantages depending on the tackifier chosen. For example, when formulated with hydrocarbon tackifiers and waxes, the resulting blends are very resistant to oxidation and crosslinking. As shown in Table 4, formulations produced with AFFINITY GA 1950 polymers offer excellent heat resistance, fiber tear, and PAFT performance. Table 2: Typical Properties of GA 1950 POE Property GA 1950 Density, g/cm 3 (ASTM D 792) 0.874 Brookfield Viscosity @ 350 F (177 C), cps (ASTM D 1084) 17,000 Approximate Melt Index, g/10 min (190 C, 2.16 kg weight) 500 DSC Melting Point, F ( C) 158 (70) Crystallinity, % 18 Glass Transition Temperature, F ( C) -69 (-56) Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. Value is approximate; points are outside normal testing range. Dow Method. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Table 3: Conventional Application Temperature HMA Formulations Using GA 1950 POE and Selected Tackifiers Component, wt % EASTOTAC H-130R GA 1950 EASTOTAC H-142R Experimental Tackifier Resin AFFINITY GA 1950 34.5 34.5 34.5 EASTOTAC H-130R 35.0 EASTOTAC H-142R 35.0 Experimental Tackifier Resin 40.0 Paraflint H2 30.0 30.0 25.0 Irganox (4) 1010 0.5 0.5 0.5 Total 100 100 100 Data courtesy of Eastman Chemical Company. Information represents North American-grade tackifiers. Equivalent grades are available in other geographies. EASTOTAC is a trademark of Eastman Chemical Company Paraflint is a registered trademark owned by Sasol Wax Americas, Inc., Moore & Munger Inc. (4) Irganox is a trademark of Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation Table 4: Performance of Conventional Application Temperature HMA Formulations Using GA 1950 POE and Selected Tackifiers AFFINITY GA 1950 Property EASTOTAC EASTOTAC H-130R H-142R Experimental Tackifier Resin Avg. PAFT, F ( C) 158 (70) 169 (76) 150 (66) Avg. SAFT, F ( C) 208 (98) 204 (96) 210 (99) Avg. Heat Stress, F ( C) Full Fiber Tear, F ( C) Virgin Corrugated Fiber Tear Recycle 200 (93) 196 (91) 202 (94) 0 (-18) 0 (-18) 0 (-18) 0 (-18) 0 (-18) 0 (-18) Data courtesy of Eastman Chemical Company. Information represents North American-grade tackifiers. Equivalent grades are available in other geographies. EASTOTAC is a trademark of Eastman Chemical Company www.stickingtoinnovation.com Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow 5

Low Application Temperature HMAs For Temperatures from 275-302 F (135-150 C) GA 1900 Polyolefin Elastomer offers a very good combination of property performance and processing for low application temperature hot melt adhesives (LATHMAs) used in case and carton sealing. Applied at temperatures from 275-302 F (135-150 C), these adhesives are typically used for folding carton sealing, corrugated container closure, tray forming, and pallet stabilization applications. The excellent adhesive properties and high flow of AFFINITY GA 1900 help make it suitable for LATHMA formulations with a variety of tackifiers (Table 6). Table 7 shows how low temperature HMA formulations containing AFFINITY GA 1900 POE offer comparable or better performance versus the commercially available LATHMA tested. Table 5: Typical Properties of GA 1900 POE Property GA 1900 Density, g/cm 3 (ASTM D 792) 0.870 Brookfield Viscosity @ 350 F (177 C), cps (ASTM D 1084) 8,200 Approximate Melt Index, g/10 min (190 C, 2.16 kg weight) 1,000 DSC Melting Point, F ( C) 154 (68) Crystallinity, % 16 Glass Transition Temperature, F ( C) -72 (-58) Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. Value is approximate; points are outside normal testing range. Dow Method. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Table 6: LATHMA Formulations Using GA 1900 POE and Selected Tackifiers Component, wt% EASTOTAC H-130R GA 1900 EASTOTAC H-142R Experimental Tackifier Resin AFFINITY GA 1900 29.5 29.5 29.5 EASTOTAC H-130R 35.0 EASTOTAC H-142R 35.0 Experimental Tackifier Resin 35.0 Paraflint H2 35.0 35.0 35.0 Irganox (4) 1010 0.5 0.5 0.5 Total 100 100 100 Data courtesy of Eastman Chemical Company. Information represents North American-grade tackifiers. Equivalent grades are available in other geographies. EASTOTAC is a trademark of Eastman Chemical Company Paraflint is a registered trademark owned by Sasol Wax Americas, Inc., Moore & Munger Inc. (4) Irganox is a trademark of Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation Table 7: Performance of LATHMA Formulations Using GA 1900 POE and Selected Tackifiers vs. a Commercially Available LATHMA GA 1900 Property EASTOTAC EASTOTAC H-130R H-142R Experimental Tackifier Resin Commercial LATHMA Avg. PAFT, F ( C) 161 (72) 158 (70) 151 (66) 132 (56) Avg. SAFT, F ( C) 188 (87) 205 (96) 198 (92) 165 (74) Avg. Heat Stress, F ( C) 177 (81) 183 (84) 188 (87) 187 (86) Full Fiber Tear, F ( C) Virgin Corrugated Fiber Tear Recycle 10-15 (-12 to -9) 10-15 (-12 to -9) 20 (-7) 20 (-7) 20 (-7) 20 (-7) Data courtesy of Eastman Chemical Company. Information represents North American-grade tackifiers. Equivalent grades are available in other geographies. EASTOTAC is a trademark of Eastman Chemical Company >35 >35 Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow STICK INGTO INNOV ATION Imagine what s next 6

For Temperatures at or below 248 F (120 C) With the lowest viscosity of any GA polymer available from Dow, GA 1875 Polyolefin Elastomer offers an excellent choice for LATHMAs applied at or below 248 F (120 C). Table 8 lists the typical properties of this extremely high flow resin, while Table 9 shows the anticipated behavior of a selected LATHMA formulation as predicted via computer modeling. Table 8: Typical Properties of GA 1875 POE Property GA 1875 Density, g/cm 3 (ASTM D 792) 0.870 Brookfield Viscosity @ 350 F (177 C), cps (ASTM D 1084) 6,700 Approximate Melt Index, g/10 min (190 C, 2.16 kg weight) 1,250 DSC Melting Point, F ( C) 158 (70) Crystallinity, % 22 Glass Transition Temperature, F ( C) -71 (-57) Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. Value is approximate; points are outside normal testing range. Dow Method. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Table 9: Model Predicted Data for 1,000 cps Target HMA Formulation Using GA 1875 POE Polymer AFFINITY GA 1875 1,250 MI (28.7 / 40 / 31.3) Viscosity @ 248 F (120 C), cps Softening Point, F ( C) Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. EASTOTAC is a trademark of Eastman Chemical Company Sasolwax is a registered trademark of Sasol LTD. Application Temperature, F ( C) PAFT, F ( C) 1,000 cps Target HMA (Polymer / EASTOTAC H-115 / Sasolwax H1 Wax) SAFT, F ( C) Passing Heat Stress, F ( C) 1,000 229.5 (109.7) 248 (120) 128.3 (53.5) 198.5 (92.5) 122.9 (50.5) Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow 7

HMAs for Hard-to-Bond Substrates GA 1000R Polyolefin Elastomer addresses the growing demand for HMAs with excellent adhesion to hardto-bond substrates. This maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted polymer accentuates the excellent adhesive properties inherent in all AFFINITY GA resins, allowing HMAs formulated with AFFINITY GA 1000R POE to take on some of the most difficult bonding challenges faced across the value chain: Low surface energy substrates, such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) Low porosity or low surface roughness substrates, such as paper or cardboard that s coated for functionality or aesthetics Substrates with short fiber length due to high content of recycled material Table 10: Typical Properties of GA 1000R POE Property GA 1000R Density, g/cm 3 (ASTM D 792) 0.878 Brookfield Viscosity @ 350 F (177 C), cps (ASTM D 1084) 13,000 Approximate Melt Index, g/10 min 660 (190 C, 2.16 kg weight) DSC Melting Point, F ( C) 154 (68) Crystallinity, % 20 Glass Transition Temperature, F ( C) -72 (-58) Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. Value is approximate; points are outside normal testing range. Dow Method. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow STICK INGTO INNOV ATION Imagine what s next 8

Testing was conducted to compare the bonding of HMAs produced with GA 1000R POE with that of HMAs based on an EVA and GA 1900 POE on two hard-to-bond substrates: a beverage packaging substrate from China (Figure 6) and a coated, non-printed cardboard from South Africa (Figure 7). The results show significantly increased fiber tear for both substrates across a range of temperatures as the AFFINITY GA 1000R content increases. Figure 6: Percent Fiber Tear of Beverage Packaging Substrate Using HMAs Formulated with Selected Base Polymers at Various Temperatures 100 80 Fiber Tear, % 60 40 20 ~1 F (-17 C) Room Temperature 140 F (60 C) 0 40 wt% EVA 40 wt% GA 1900 5 wt% 10 wt% GA 1000R GA 1000R HMA Formulation 20 wt% GA 1000R 30 wt% GA 1000R 40 wt% GA 1000R Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. Basic Formulation: 40 wt% Polymer, 34.5 wt% Tackifier, 25 wt% Wax, 0.5 wt% Anti-oxidant Balance of 40 wt% Polymer is comprised of GA 1900 (e.g., 5 wt% GA 1000R/35 wt% GA 1900) Figure 7: Percent Fiber Tear of Coated, Non-printed Cardboard Using HMAs Formulated with Selected Base Polymers at Various Temperatures 100 80 Fiber Tear, % 60 40 20 ~1 F (-17 C) Room Temperature 140 F (60 C) 0 40 wt% GA 1900 5 wt% GA 1000R 10 wt% GA 1000R 20 wt% GA 1000R 30 wt% GA 1000R 40 wt% GA 1000R HMA Formulation Data per tests conducted by Dow. Test protocols and additional information available upon request. Properties shown are typical, not to be construed as specifications. Basic Formulation: 40 wt% Polymer, 34.5 wt% Tackifier, 25 wt% Wax, 0.5 wt% Anti-oxidant Balance of 40 wt% Polymer is comprised of GA 1900 (e.g., 5 wt% GA 1000R/35 wt% GA 1900) www.stickingtoinnovation.com Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow 9

Case Closed By combining excellent performance and processability with strong potential for lower total costs, GA Polyolefin Elastomers offer a very attractive option for both conventional and low temperature hot melt adhesives. Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow STICK INGTO INNOV ATION Imagine what s next 10

For more information on products, innovations, expertise, and other services available to you from Dow Elastomers, visit www.dowelastomers.com or contact us as indicated below. North America U.S. & Canada 1-800-441-4369 1-989-832-1426 Mexico +1-800-441-4369 Latin America Argentina +54-11-4319-0100 Brazil +55-11-5188-9000 Colombia +57-1-219-6000 Mexico +52-55-5201-4700 Europe/ Middle East +800-3694-6367 +31-115-672626 Italy +800-783-825 South Africa +800-99-5078 Asia Pacific +800-7776-7776 +603-7965-5392 The principles of Responsible Care and Sustainable Development influence the production of printed literature for The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ). As a contribution towards the protection of our environment, Dow s printed literature is produced in small quantities and on paper containing recovered/ post-consumer fiber and using 100 percent soy-based ink whenever possible. NOTICE: Any photographs of end-use applications in this document represent potential end-use applications but do not necessarily represent current commercial applications, nor do they represent an endorsement by Dow of the actual products. Further, these photographs are for illustration purposes only and do not reflect either an endorsement or sponsorship of any other manufacturer for a specific potential end-use product or application, or for Dow, or for specific products manufactured by Dow. NOTICE: No freedom from infringement of any patent owned by Dow or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time, the Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate for the Customer s use and for ensuring that the Customer s workplace and disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other gov ernmental enactments. Dow assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED. NOTICE: If products are described as experimental or developmental : product specifications may not be fully determined; analysis of hazards and caution in handling and use are required; there is greater potential for Dow to change specifications and/or discontinue production; and (4) although Dow may from time to time provide samples of such products, Dow is not obligated to supply or otherwise commercialize such products for any use or application whatsoever. NOTICE REGARDING MEDICAL APPLICATION RESTRICTIONS: Dow will not knowingly sell or sample any product or service ( Product ) into any commercial or developmental application that is intended for: a. long-term or permanent contact with internal bodily fluids or tissues. Long-term is contact which exceeds 72 continuous hours; b. use in cardiac prosthetic devices regardless of the length of time involved ( cardiac prosthetic devices include, but are not limited to, pacemaker leads and devices, artificial hearts, heart valves, intra-aortic balloons and control systems, and ventricular bypass-assisted devices); c. use as a critical component in medical devices that support or sustain human life; or d. use specifically by pregnant women or in applications designed specifically to promote or interfere with human reproduction. Dow requests that customers considering use of Dow products in medical applications notify Dow so that appropriate assessments may be conducted. Dow does not endorse or claim suitability of its products for specific medical applications. It is the responsibility of the medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturer to determine that the Dow product is safe, lawful, and technically suitable for the intended use. DOW MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, CONCERNING THE SUITABILITY OF ANY DOW PRODUCT FOR USE IN MEDICAL APPLICATIONS. This document is intended for use within North America Published January, 2013. Printed in USA. 2013 The Dow Chemical Company www.stickingtoinnovation.com Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ( Dow ) or an affiliated company of Dow Responsible Care is a service mark of the American Chemistry Council. Dow is a partner in the American Chemistry Council Responsible Care initiative. Form No. 258-14221-0113 SMG SMG 12482