The Nature and Action of Tackifier Resins

Abstract

Abstract A good tackifler resin appears to require a combination of high T9 at low molecular weight, and for this a highly condensed alicyclic structure appears to be desirable. Except for the rosin derivatives, the chemical structures of common tackifier resins are not fully resolved and some more definitive studies are needed. In addition, a high degree of miscibility of resin with rubber is important. Although some common tackifier resins cause phase separation over certain concentration ranges when blended with rubbers, this is probably exceptional, and it seems likely that most adhesive compositions are single phase in this respect. Where phase separation does occur, there is a need for fuller elucidation of the phase morphology and composition of the phases. The widely-held view that a two-phase morphology is necessary for the development of high tack appears to be incorrect. The few studies which have been carried out so far indicate that the surface energy of a rubber is modified only slightly by the incorporation of a tackifier resin. It is unlikely that this surface energy change can seriously affect the tack value as measured by the common form of probe test. The viscoelastic behavior of rubber-resin blends provides an adequate explanation for the phenomenon of tack. Over long response times, the low modulus (high compliance) of the blend compared with that of the rubber alone allows a high degree of intermolecular contact to be achieved during the bonding stage of a tack test. Over short response times, corresponding to the de-bonding stage of the test, the blend shows transition zone response with high energy dissipation and consequent high separation force. For further progress in our understanding, however, there is a need to distinguish clearly between the bonding and debonding effects of the resin and also for a more definitive study of the factors controlling the bonding stage.