Kraton Revolutionizes Hot Melt Butyl Sealant Applications

Houston, TX - Kraton Polymers LLC (Kraton) announced recently the availability of a new technology created for hot melt butyl sealant manufacturers which allows for an increase in the range of product service temperatures, as well as the potential for expanded use into new markets, including insulated glass windows for warmer climates. The addition of this Kraton® G hydrogenated SBC (HSBC) to hot melt butyl sealants improves both their high temperature slump and creep resistance while maintaining excellent processability.

Conventional hot melt butyl sealants are 100 percent solid thermoplastics, typically exhibiting extremely low moisture vapor transmission with excellent adhesion character, while being applied at very low cost. These butyl sealants are used in a variety of sealing applications such as insulated glass windows, automotive weather stripping and automotive taillight lens sealing. Although easily processable and cost effective, butyl sealants can become rather fluid at higher temperature causing increased flow, slump or creep during use. In more demanding applications, such as insulated glass windows, they often must be used with thermosets to improve performance, at the expense of processability. By using this Kraton HSBC technology, sealant manufacturers can capture the aforementioned processing benefits of conventional hot melt butyl sealants, with an increased range in service temperature and improved creep and slump resistance.

"Kraton is committed to providing new technology solutions that allow our customers to profitably expand and grow their market segments," said Jim Smith, Global Vice President and General Manager of Kraton's Adhesives, Sealants and Coatings Market. "This SEBS technology for butyl sealants is an excellent example of how our efforts are helping innovators gain a competitive advantage in their markets by bringing new & high-value solutions to their downstream customers."

SOURCE: Kraton Polymers LLC