POLYBUTENE

Description

Soltex polybutenes are viscous, odorless, non-drying liquids produced from polymerized butylenes. They are available in a range of molecular weights and offer a high degree of versatility in enhancing end-product characteristics.

Soltex polybutenes impart or improve a wide range of end-product physical properties, including:

• Flexibility
• Impact strength
• Stress crack resistance
• Clarity
• Tackiness
• Adhesion
• Water resistance
• Film formation

Application Benefits

When used as a processing aid, Soltex polybutenes offer a variety of advantages. For example, they can be used as a carrier or extender in manufacturing to decrease product-to-filler ratios. They can also reduce the use of solvents, resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits. When added as a plasticizer, they can make products easier to extrude and adhere to surfaces, as with adhesive tapes. In liquid products, the water whiteness of Soltex polybutenes allows easy dyeing or colorability.

Adhesives, Tapes & Laminates. Soltex polybutene is an key part of formulations for pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA), hot-melt adhesives (HMA), and hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesives (HMPSA).The addition of polybutene improves cold flexibility and adhesion, as well as quick stick-and-peel strength in elastomers such as high-molecular-weight polybutene, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers, and styrene butadiene rubber. Polybutene acts as a polymer extender, plasticizer, tackifier, and wetting agent when incorporated into HMA. Nonionic polybutene emulsions may be formulated into water-based pressure-sensitive adhesives to enhance adhesion and temperature stability while lowering adhesive costs in packaging, label, and product assembly applications. End-use applications include paper laminates, labels and tapes; masking and friction tapes; surgical tapes; colorless adhesives; paper, foil and fiber laminates; and industrial tapes.

Films. Soltex Polybutene is the tackifier of choice for linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) films. The availability of polybutene at a variety of molecular weights provides the ability to fine-tune property improvements. Soltex polybutene exhibits good clarity, durability and cling properties, and has food-grade approval for use in food wraps.

Sealants & Coatings. Soltex polybutene is used as a primary ingredient in wood and concrete sealers, as well as construction coating applications. They display good barrier properties, tackiness and wettability. Their plasticizer effect increases sealant flexibility. In caulks, they bind and wet the fillers, thereby improving flow characteristics.

Lubricating Oils. Soltex polybutene provides a variety of molecular weight derivative compositions for lubricant oils. They offer good high temperature properties and superior low temperature properties compared to bright stock. They are clean-burning and smokeless, forming very low or no deposits during combustion. They have excellent shear stability, are compatible with both mineral oils and synthetics, and are NSF H1 accredited for use in food-processing areas. Their thickening and tackiness properties improve the ability of gear oils to remain on protected surfaces.

Elastomers. Soltex polybutene adds tack and extends the elastomer, thereby reducing formulation costs. Polybutene is not easily extracted from vulcanized elastomers by solvents, heat or UV exposure, providing longer life for end-products. Polybutene also offers good color and chemical resistance.

Insecticides & Pesticides. Soltex light polybutene serves as a carrier for insecticides/pesticides, with improved tackiness increasing the effectiveness of the active ingredient. Soltex heavy polybutene grades are formulated to create pest entrapment products to control insect and rodent populations.

Dry Materials & Powders. Soltex polybutenes are used in base materials for dust suppressants and anti-caking agents, improving dry-blend fertilizers and other powdered products.

Personal Care Products. In cosmetics and other personal care products, Soltex polybutenes are used as an occlusive barrier, carrier fluid and glossing agent. They are non-comedogenic and non-irritating to skin.