Adhesives polarity

Molecular groups. . . Change in adhesion polar particles. nonpolar particles. . ... 

When we talk about the history of polarizers for the LCD industry, we first have to mention the adhesive polarizers. 

Two paths approach were carried out to increase brightness of a polarizer. As mentioned above, making adhesive polarizers has contributed greatly to increase the brightness. 1 might get reproached by my superiors on saying this, but the other approach was that several fortunate findings enabled us to accomplish industry standards. 

Porous substrates (paper, cardboard, wood, plaster, etc.) allow the total elimination of water in the formulations, through diffusion. These are the materials that are best suited to water-based formulations. With substrates that are non-permeable to water (hydrophobic polymer films, metals, etc.), water evaporation is the only solution, but it is difficult to ensme that it is achieved completely, due especially to the very strong interactions that occur between the water and the adhesives polar groups. Optimized formulations, with high dry matter rates (60%, even 70% or 75%), as well as specially developed applicator equipment (hot air drying tunnels, infrared radiation, microwave radiation, etc.,) are designed to solve this problem. 

The use of hydroxyethyl (also hydroxypropyl) methacrylate as a monomer permits the introduction of reactive hydroxyl groups into the copolymers. This offers the possibility for subsequent cross-linking with an HO-reactive difunctional agent (diisocyanate, diepoxide, or melamine-formaldehyde resin). Hydroxyl groups promote adhesion to polar substrates. 

The utihty of these adhesives arises from the electron-withdrawing character of the groups adjacent to the polymerizable double bond, which accounts for both the extremely high reactivity or cure rate and thek polar nature, which enables the polymers to adhere tenaciously to many diverse substrates. 

The cured polymers are hard, clear, and glassy thermoplastic resins with high tensile strengths. The polymers, because of their highly polar stmcture, exhibit excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrate combinations. They tend to be somewhat britde and have only low to moderate impact and peel strengths. The addition of fillers such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) reduces the brittleness somewhat. Newer formulations are now available that contain dissolved elastomeric materials of various types. These mbber-modifted products have been found to offer adhesive bonds of considerably improved toughness (3,4). 

A number of chemical products are derived from Sasol s synthetic fuel operations based on the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis including paraffin waxes from the Arge process and several polar and nonpolar hydrocarbon mixtures from the Synthol process. Products suitable for use as hot melt adhesives, PVC lubricants, cormgated cardboard coating emulsions, and poHshes have been developed from Arge waxes. Wax blends containing medium and hard wax fractions are useful for making candles, and over 20,000 t/yr of wax are sold for this appHcation. 

In order to increase the solubiUty parameter of CPD-based resins, vinyl aromatic compounds, as well as other polar monomers, have been copolymerized with CPD. Indene and styrene are two common aromatic streams used to modify cyclodiene-based resins. They may be used as pure monomers or contained in aromatic steam cracked petroleum fractions. Addition of indene at the expense of DCPD in a thermal polymerization has been found to lower the yield and softening point of the resin (55). CompatibiUty of a resin with ethylene—vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, which are used in hot melt adhesive appHcations, may be improved by the copolymerization of aromatic monomers with CPD. As with other thermally polymerized CPD-based resins, aromatic modified thermal resins may be hydrogenated. 

Terpolymers from dimethy]-a.-methy]styrene (3,4-isomer preferred)—a-methylstyrene—styrene blends in a 1 1 1 weight ratio have been shown to be useful in adhesive appHcations. The use of ring-alkylated styrenes aids in the solubiHty of the polymer in less polar solvents and polymeric systems (75). Monomer concentrations of no greater than 20% and temperatures of less than —20° C are necessary to achieve the desired properties. 

Functional polyethylene waxes provide both the physical properties obtained by the high molecular weight polyethylene wax and the chemical properties of an oxidised product, or one derived from a fatty alcohol or acid. The functional groups improve adhesion to polar substrates, compatibHity with polar materials, and dispersibHity into water. Uses include additives for inks and coatings, pigment dispersions, plastics, cosmetics, toners, and adhesives. 

Polybutenes enjoy extensive use as adhesives, caulks, sealants, and glaring compounds. They are used as plasticizers in mbber formulations with butyl mbber, SBR, and natural mbber. In linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) blends they induce cling to stretch-wrap films. Polybutenes when modified at their unsaturated end groups with polar fiinctionahty are widely employed in lubricants as dispersants. Blends of polybutene with polyolefins produce semisoHd gels that can be used as potting and electrical cable filling materials. 

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