Licensing Opportunity: Low-Cost Hot Melt Adhesives with Improved Adhesive Strength

Adhesives for metal parts typically are liquid-based which require complex processing. This technology is a hot melt adhesive that is mixed and applied in a solid form and after the heating and cooling cycle creates strong bonds with the substrates in a matter of seconds. These adhesives show excellent adhesion on the metal surface such as steel while they can be readily removed on demand. These adhesives can also adhere to aluminum, wood, paper.

Description This technology is a high-performance hot melt adhesive (HMA), which is useful for a variety of applications where simplified processing, streamlined manufacturing, and end-product protection are paramount. One of the unique features of hot melt adhesives is their ability to form bonds quickly upon cooling, which is especially beneficial in situations where adjustments or repositioning of components are required. They create strong bonds in a matter of seconds.

They also possess a reversible quality that enables them to be washed away or reactivated when necessary, allowing for easy disassembly without damaging the materials. This technology creates a hot melt adhesive using a polymer composite that uses temperature of 100 degree C to melt the material between the substrates where the strong bond to substrates will be created upon cooling. The adhesive resists corrosion and forms chemical bonds that significantly improve adhesion between the polymers and metal surfaces.

HMA exhibits exceptional adhesion on stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron, while providing a facile disassembly capability.

Benefits Stronger adhesion Works quickly Relatively inexpensive Simplified processing; no complicated mixing or curing Can adhere to metals, aluminum, wood, stainless steel Can be washed off or reactivated in seconds Applications and Industries Packaging Manufacturing and assemblies Hygiene Welding Woodworking Electronics Contact To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.