Novatech develops first sprayable MS hybrid polymer adhesive
In terms of sprayable adhesives and full-surface bonding, contact adhesives and PU adhesives are the most well-known and used adhesive types. Despite their known advantages, they also have some major drawbacks, including health risks, water and temperature resistance, repositionability and so on.
Therefore, many adhesive manufacturers are looking at the MS Hybrid polymer technology as a future-proof alternative, a technology that could potentially address the disadvantages of contact adhesives and PU adhesives, without sacrificing adhesion capacity. But to date, polymers have always proved too viscous to be sprayable.
As an expert in MS Hybrid polymer technology, Novatech has taken a leading role in developing a high-performance solution in recent years.
The first sprayable MS hybrid polymer adhesive
After years of extensive research and testing, Novatech has succeeded in developing the first sprayable MS Hybrid polymer adhesive. This brand new spray adhesive, based on the latest generation of low-viscosity MS Hybrid polymers, represents a major leap forward in adhesive technology. The patent-pending formulation combines strength and efficiency with safer and healthier working conditions.
The adhesive is currently offered through two brands. To construction wholesalers through Tec7 under the name ST7-101 SprayTec Large Surfaces and through B2B brand Novatio under the name MS SprayBond.
Ecological impact
SprayTec and SprayBond are an ecological alternative to the well-known, more harmful contact adhesives that contain very high levels of VOCs and hydrocarbon-based solvents, which are still used in large quantities today.
Due to its solvent- isocyanate and phthalate-free composition and the use of more environmentally friendly DME as propellant, SprayTec has no hazards for the user and reduces CO2 impact by 50-60% compared to traditional contact adhesives. This equates to 1.5 to 2 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of sprayable adhesive. Considering more than 1 million tonnes of contact adhesives are used annually in Europe, SprayTec consequently has a significantly lower environmental impact.
Moreover, SprayTec offers a safe and harmless alternative for professional users of sprayable PU adhesives, who are recently required to undergo mandatory safety training due to health risks such as the development of asthma.
Working more efficiently
This new spray adhesive makes it possible to quickly and efficiently start bonding large surfaces in construction and industrial applications, including EPDM, insulation panels, flooring and so on.
The development of this new adhesive offers unprecedented advantages in several areas. For instance, the adhesive is temporarily repositionable, single-sided application suffices and it can be used on slightly damp surfaces and sensitive materials such as EPS, XPS and polystyrene. "With these additional advantages, there is less chance of incorrect application, the yield per square metre doubles and the end-user can start working immediately in case of morning dew, for example. In other words, it is possible to work much more efficiently with both the adhesive and the materials to be bonded."
Moreover, the adhesive also withstands much higher temperature peaks, up to 150°C. "With the changing climate conditions, this is not an excessive luxury on flat roofs, for example."
Being the first development of a new generation of adhesives in this type of application, Novatech is paving the way for further innovations of safer and more ecological spray adhesives for construction and industry.