FAQS PSA
Wood Adhesives | Pressure Sensitive Adhesives | Specialty Polymers
Using pressure sensitive adhesives with your application can be a very complex endeavor. We have compiled some frequently asked questions to help you understand our products, applications and regulatory issues. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our technical support team. For a definition of unfamiliar terms, please refer to our glossary.
What is a PSA?
PSA stands for pressure sensitive adhesive. This is an adhesive that forms a bond by applying pressure to the adhesive to join two substrates together.
How are PSAs applied?
PSAs are applied by industrial coaters such as rod, roll or slot die.
What is transfer coating?
Transfer coating is when the adhesive is applied to a liner then transferred to the face stock after the adhesive is dried.
Can the adhesive be applied directly to the face stock?
Yes, providing the facestock material can withstand the heat necessary to dry the adhesive without being derformed..
How do I clean up coating equipment?
Most often water can be used when coating a water-based product, providing the adhesive is not allowed to dry into a film.
Can I use solvents?
Yes, especially if the adhesive is solvent based; in that case, water will not work.
What are typical coating weights of PSAs?
PSAs are coated between 0.5mils to 1.5mils dry. There are some applications that will require more adhesive up to 5mils dry.
Does Franklin custom formulate PSAs?
Yes, we formulate our products to be coater-ready. Our formulations are designed to run on your specific coater and meet your application requirements.
Can I buy base polymer and formulate in my facility?
Yes, please contact our customer service department for a quote.
What types of products does Franklin manufacture?
Franklin produces water base acrylic and vinyl acrylic polymers. These products range from permanent to ultra-removable and repositionable.
Are your products low in VOCs?
Yes, since our products are water-based, they are inherently low in VOCs.
What is the suggested application temperature for Acrynax?
We recommend 350°F. Depending on your equipment and desired coating speed you could adjust this temperature up or down.
What material can be used to clean the coater after using Acrynax?
Several solvents will work but we recommend mineral spirits.
Does Acrynax need UV light to cure?
No, Acrynax does not need UV light to cure. Acrynax coats and cures like any conventional hot melt PSA.
Does Acrynax require an oven or dryer to cure?
No, Acrynax does not require an oven or dryer to cure. The adhesive starts to cure seconds after it coats.
Can Acrynax be used for skin contact applications?
Yes, Acrynax has been tested and approved for “skin friendly” medical or personal care applications.
Can Acrynax be formulated to enhance performance?
Yes, We can formulate Acrynax to dial in the performance you need.
Is Acrynax an environmentally friendly product?
Yes, Acrynax is solvent-free and contains no VOCs.
Is Acrynax a liquid or a solid?
Acrynax is a 100% solid at room temperature.
Are there certain substrates that Acrynax will not adhere to?
Acrynax adheres to most surfaces, including non-wovens and difficult substrates such as Tyvek.
What is the shelf life of Acrynax?
We currently certify Acrynax for a shelf life of 4 years. We expect the product to have a much longer shelf life. We will adjust our certification on a yearly basis.
Where is Acrynax used?
It is currently used in wound care, medical products, construction and automotive applications.
How is Acrynax applied?
Do I need special equipment?
No, Acrynax is applied by using conventional hot melt equipment such as roll and slot die coaters. It can also be applied using Roto-Gravure.
What are the advantages of Acrynax versus solution and emulsion pressure sensitives?
It is 100% solids so what you buy is what you use. It requires no ovens for drying. There are no problems with solvent recovery, flammability or worker exposure.
Will Acrynax contaminate UV Acrylic Hot Melt PSA?
No, Acrynax is compatible with UV Acrylic Hot Melts. Acrynax can be used on the same coating equipment without fear of contamination.
Can Acrynax be used as a tackifier for other polymers?
Yes, our acrylic hot melt can be used as a tackifier for other polymers looking for plasticizer and UV resistance.
Is Acrynax clear?
Yes, Acrynax is optically clear when coated which makes it excellent for film and medical applications.
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FAQs are designed to provide a quick reference to the most commonly asked questions about our products, applications and regulatory issues.
If you need further assistance, please contact technical support. For a definition of unfamiliar terms, please refer to our glossary.
Click here to download information about ASTM Standards.