Solution Vinyl Resins Revitalized for Demanding Applications

Blister pack

The advantages and unique combination of
properties of UCAR solution vinyl resin prod-
ucts make them suitable for a wide variety of
application areas. In packaging, for instance,
they are used in heat-sealable coatings on
aluminum foil for lids, pouches, blister packs
(shown above) and laminating adhesives in
foil/plastic composite films.

Though not widely known outside of the coatings segment, solution vinyl resins (SVRs) are unique polymers which can be used both as thermoplastics and as lightly crosslinked thermosets in a variety of applications. These clear, tough resins have good adhesion to a wide range of substrates and can be used for direct food applications.

Since acquiring the UCAR technology platform from Union Carbide Corporation, Dow has renewed its efforts to increase the value of SVRs for customers across the value chain.

"In a sense, solution vinyl resins have been a 'forgotten technology,'" said Rajesh Turakhia, senior specialist. "They are not studied extensively in universities, and many scientists with experience in SVR have retired. However, there is still enormous potential for these polymers to enhance the performance of today's applications - and that is where we are focusing at Dow."

New options for packaging, paints, coatings, shoes and waterproofing
The higher molecular weight and greater flexibility of SVR combine with additional performance advantages, including:

  • Superior adhesion
  • FDA approval for direct food contact
  • Fast drying, highly flexible inks
  • Low moisture transmission rate
  • Resistance to acids and alkalis
  • Good abrasion properties
  • Corrosion resistance

This combination of properties is gaining interest for a variety of applications, including:

  • Flexible packaging, including retortable packaging pouches
  • Rigid food packaging, including coil coating and stamping
  • Heat seal adhesives for aluminum yogurt cup lids
  • Blister packaging
  • Inks for plastic substrates (drink pouches that are pasteurized, wallpaper, tiles, shower curtains)
  • Paints and coatings
  • Adhesives for athletic footwear

New water-borne SVR provides industry-leading low-VOC option
To further enhance customers' competitive advantage with SVR, Dow has developed AW-875, a water-dispersion resin that provides the performance benefits of SVR without solvents, to comply with VOC legislation and protect workers and the environment. AW-875 is the only commercial water-borne SVR available today and is available for sampling.

Collaborators wanted
Dow is actively seeking customers with performance challenges that may be met through the combination of properties offered by SVR. "We will be visiting customers, sharing data and looking for opportunities in the coming months," said Turakhia. "We believe there are key applications where the performance of acrylic dispersions and coatings are not meeting customers' needs, and where SVR can offer a value advantage."

Learn more about the advantages of UCAR solution vinyl resins at www.dowsvr.com.

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