Selecting Tackifiers and Plasticizers for PSA Formulations

The huge offering of plasticizers, and the application-based selection of tackifiers make it difficult to choose the right ones. And after initial selection, you still have to balance the couple plasticizer / tackifier in your PSA for optimal properties. Many hurdles to overcome! Join this course and have it under control!

1. Reach optimal properties of your PSA with selection criteria to best balance the plasticizer / tackifier couple
2. Learn about testing procedures to perform (compatibility, migration...) for your specific PSA formulation
3. Implement strategies that will reduce cost without lowering performance (melt properties, wetting, adhesion, shear, peel, tack, durability)

PSA formulators who need support to evaluate plasticizers and tackifiers in new formulations or as an alternative in current formulations

The following sections will be covered during this session:

1. Introduction (What are plasticizers and tackifiers?)


2. How do plasticizers and tackifiers work together in a PSA formulation?


3. Plasticizers selection


• Basic plasticizer requirements
• Current and newly developed plasticizer materials
• Selection of plasticizers for new PSA development and as alternatives in current formulations
• Standard process for evaluating plasticizers in specific PSA formulations


4. Tackifiers selection


• Basic tackifier requirements
• Current and newly developed tackifier materials
• Selection of tackifiers for new PSA development and as alternatives in current formulations
• Standard process for evaluating tackifiers in specific PSA formulations


5. Method to well balance the plasticizer / tackifier couple