Emulsifier

The addition of emulsifiers to aqueous thermoplastic paste systems achieves a strong emulsifying effect for the rapid incorporation of the thermoplastics.

There are several hot-melt adhesives that do not react with plasticizers. In these cases, a lowering of the melting point and melt index – along with the associated reduction in fusing conditions – does not occur. These primarily include:

• high- and low-pressure polyethylene
• certain thermoplastic polyurethanes
• highly crystalline copolyesters
• EVA

Nevertheless, good dispersion properties are required for the paste. Accordingly, a suitable emulsifier is used. Without this additive, clean paste printing and high operational reliability would not be possible.