Innovation in phenolic resins to produce greener rubber adhesives

Rubber adhesives are essential in the footwear industry. Think of the soles of shoes or the manufacture of boots. Bonding the rubber parts to each other or to another material requires specific properties of the rubber adhesive. If you are a manufacturer and have your adhesive custom made, or if you are an adhesive manufacturer and produce adhesives for shoe constructing, read on or contact us directly. There is a new heat reactive alkyl phenolic resin using a regulatory-compliant solvent system that can be used as a raw material for polychloroprene adhesives.

The advantages of phenolic resin in products containing rubber

Phenolic resin is a critical raw material in the manufacturing of rubber adhesives. The phenolic resin is then mixed with a solvent to make it dissolve better in rubber. Phenolic resin is essential in the manufacturing of rubber products. Without out it the adhesive doesn’t stick. • The phenolic resin improves the abrasion resistance of the rubber and makes the rubber less susceptible to wear and tear. • It reduces the risk of rubber tearing by lowering its viscosity. • The phenolic resin makes the rubber stronger and gives the rubber better heat, oil and solvent resistance.

Phenolic resin in rubber adhesive

The property of a heat-reactive alkyl phenolic resin is that when cured, the product is tremendously strong, yet flexible. This makes the use of phenolic resin in rubber adhesives a valuable ingredient. It enhances the benefits of rubber, is flexible and does not release. This is why phenolic resin is widely used in rubber adhesives for footwear, for example. The adhesive ensures that the sole retains its flexibility and cushioning, and that it does not loosen, even with frequent and intensive use. A good rubber adhesive extends the life of footwear.

The demand of xylene and toluene free solvents for rubber adhesives

As explained above, phenolic resin is a critical ingredient in rubber adhesives. It has so many good properties that polymers cannot perform without it. Whether you manufacture adhesives for industry or use adhesives in your manufacturing process, you face a challenge: How can you eliminate restricted solvents from your supply chain while still producing a superior product?

ZDHC compliant phenolic resin

One such development is the modification of the phenolic resin that has been used for years. A new phenolic resin has been developed that does not contain xylene or toluene. As a result, this raw material also meets the ZDHC guidelines: Zero Discharge of Harzardous Chemicals. The use of the newly developed heat-reactive alkyl phenolic resin does not even leave harmful traces in wastewater.

Xylene and toluene free phenolic resin

The major difference between this new phenolic resin and its predecessors is the replacement of xylene and toluene. These are commonly used solvents in adhesives and rubber, among a range of other products. During production, most of the solvent evaporates quickly. In some cases, a small amount remains in the final product for long after it has reached a store. Over time, these impurities can cause irritation of the skin and the respiratory system of customers. This is a potential health hazard, not just for the people that buy the final product, but even more so for the people that manufacture it on a daily basis. By eliminating xylene and toluene as solvents in phenolic resin, a new phenolic resin is now available that is acceptable to the shoe industry.

The benefits of switching to this new phenolic resin

This new alkyl phenol resin does not contain xylene or toluene, which is great news. This phenolic resin is just as effective as its predecessors using the old solvents. After rigorous testing, it was confirmed that the level of solubility of the new resin was not affected. In addition, the phenolic resin was found to be compatible with both natural rubber and synthetic rubber, but also with natural and synthetic resins. Also, the compatibility of this resin with other commonly used ingredients isn’t reduced or otherwise affected. Another field where this new resin shines in, is in its adhesive performance. The best news for manufacturers of adhesives, for instance, is that they should be able to use it in their recipes like before, with no or only minor changes to their process. It offers the same, unimpeded performance, while being environmentally friendly. A win-win situation.

Can we help you with the production or use of greener rubber adhesives?

Are you looking for a heat-reactive alkyl phenolic resin, that is strong, flexible, easy to use and xylene and toluene free? This phenolic adhesive is well suited for the production of rubber adhesives, but due to its properties it can also be used in adhesives for leather. In addition, this xylene- and toluene free phenolic resin is also well suited for the production of adhesives used in applications other than the fashion industry, such as the construction, furniture and automotive industries. Maybe you have a different use for an alkyl phenol resin that will help you develop or manufacture greener products. Either way, you have come to the right place. We can advise you towards manufacturers of sustainable chemicals and components that are compliant with the dominant certifications on the market. This is another step towards a healthier world.