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Is BreezeBond^TM Safe To Handle?

When selecting the right adhesive technology, there are a multitude of factors to consider. You want an adhesive that is functional, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. It should also not come at the expense of safety, as exposure to formaldehyde can pose serious risks to human health and the environment.

With the emergence of BreezeBond^TM, the search for a safe and reliable hot-press adhesive just got a little easier. In this article, we will walk you through the numerous reasons why BreezeBond^TM is considered safe to handle.

BreezeBond^TM: The “greenest” high strength, soy-based hot-press adhesive

BreezeBond^TM was originally developed to replace urea-formaldehyde plywood adhesives. Unlike those plywood glues, which often contain harmful petroleum products such as formaldehyde resins, the composition of BreezeBond^TM is made predominantly from soy flour and water, with a lesser amount of formaldehyde-free ingredients added to enhance moisture resistance and bond strength. As a result, it is a much safer and healthier alternative for humans and the environment.

The adhesive was originally created using a patented no-added formaldehyde (NAF) and petroleum-free formula for interior-rated plywood. The initial research was conducted at the University of Wisconsin where leading food science professor Dr. Damodaran found a way to inexpensively modify the amino acid groups in soy proteins by attaching phosphorus to them. This research was funded by the US forest service, under the direction of renowned forest products research scientist Dr. Frihart, to build on the natural adhesive qualities of early plywood glues (pre-1960’s) that were primarily made of soy flour before synthetic adhesives became en vogue. The aim was to find a way to make forest products safer for people and the environment. Since then, further research conducted at Specialty Organics has shown that by adjusting the viscosity, BreezeBond^TM also works well in many other hot-press applications!

Non-Toxic, Soy-Based Formulation of BreezeBond^TM for Safe Handling

The safety of customers is of utmost importance, which is why BreezeBond^TM is formulated with non-toxic ingredients. As a result, the adhesive is free from harmful substances that can release the volatile organic compound (VOC) formaldehyde, making it much safer for human handling and use. This also means that workers who come into contact with the adhesive during manufacturing can do so without risk of adverse formaldehyde-related health effects, as in the case of some existing hot-press adhesives. Since it is water-based with a mild pH, it can even be easily rinsed off. Consumers can also rest assured that they will not inhale any fumes emanating from their composite wood panel products.

Therefore, one of the main advantages of BreezeBond^TM is its low odor profile. Unlike traditional chemical adhesives that can emit a strong and unpleasant smell, the product is virtually odorless. This feature makes it more comfortable to use, improving the working conditions for employees and living conditions for the rest of us since many of us have composite wood panel products like plywood in our residences. The lack of fumes generated by the adhesive also makes it ideal for other more compact enclosed spaces where ventilation may be limited, such as pre-manufactured (mobile) buildings.

That’s right, in addition to being safe for human handling, BreezeBond^TM also has a positive impact on indoor air quality. The absence of added formaldehyde means no off-gassing, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality and cause health issues such as headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. This makes it ideal in all areas where indoor air quality is a concern, such as in schools, offices, residences, and hospitals. Considering that VOCs contribute to a number of ailments, using the right adhesive might even keep people from going to the hospital in the first place!

Other optional formulations of BreezeBond^TM also include a small amount of an abundant, formaldehyde-free additive that enhances its performance without compromising its safety. This addition further improves the product’s bond strength and moisture resistance, which may be necessary in some applications. This way, users can enjoy the benefits of a reliable adhesive without worrying about its impact on their health or the environment.

Choose BreezeBond^TM Hot-Press Adhesive for a Safer and Healthier Tomorrow

So, is BreezeBond^TM safe to handle? The answer is a resounding yes! It is a non-toxic adhesive that is safe for workers and consumers. In fact, it may even be possible to apply to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in preformed food packaging.

At Specialty Organics, we understand that each customer has unique needs and preferences. Our comprehensive services include adhesive and coating-related custom synthesis, pilot plant proof of concept, scale-up, and we offer manufacturing services if needed as well. We specialize in hot-press adhesives and can tailor our formulations to meet your requirements.

Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities!

What to Consider When Choosing the Right Hot-Press Adhesive Formulation or Blend

Hot-press adhesive manufacturing involves modifying, processing, and mixing/blending raw materials to create a range of adhesive formulations with specific properties and characteristics. Do you want an adhesive that will spread thinly to accommodate a smooth or thin decorative layer, or do you want a thicker adhesive that won’t get lost in the nooks and crannies of a rough surface? Do you need all the ingredients to be expensive synthetic ones or can a nature-based, low-cost extender be used? In the past, this optimization process sometimes included using an adhesive blend, a combination of two or more bonding agents. The resulting mixture improved the product performance by being tailored according to the project’s needs. Recently, single component adhesives, such as BreezeBond^TM, have also become available that can be specifically formulated for a range of wood composite panel applications.

Each application has specific requirements, such as unique substrate materials, environmental conditions, and required bond strength. Failing to consider these factors can result in inadequate bonding, compromising the final product’s reliability. In addition, the wrong blend can lead to costly rework, impacting production schedules and increasing expenses. Conveniently, since BreezeBond^TM can be offered as a single component from the adhesive factory, it can reduce the chance of these types of issues with forest products.

Some customers, however, may feel uncomfortable switching their adhesive completely over to BreezeBond^TM alone, and may prefer to retain some of the properties of their existing adhesive. Other applications may be looking to reduce costs and environmental footprint. In these instances, BreezeBond^TM can be blended with other water-soluble adhesives, acting as an “extender”. This can help customers reduce their exposure to the volatile petroleum markets, while making safer products in the process!

Here is a closer look at the key considerations when selecting the right adhesive formulation to ensure that you get the best possible bonding results:

1. 1. Surface Type and Cleanliness

   Different surfaces can require specific types of adhesives to achieve effective bonding. For example, smooth surfaces like sanded wood or paper may benefit from a lower viscosity adhesive than rough or porous surfaces. Such coarse surfaces may need a thicker, or higher viscosity adhesive mix to ensure adequate material is retained between the layers to be bonded.

   Another important consideration is the cleanliness of the surface. Adhesives usually work best when starting with a clean, dry surface. If the surface is contaminated with dust, grease, or other debris, it can prevent the product from forming a strong bond. In such cases, surface preparation may be necessary, which can include abrasive surface preparation or even a primer for some types of adhesive. Selecting an adhesive blend designed to bond with compromised surfaces may be necessary.

2. 2. Environmental Conditions

   It is necessary to understand the adhesive’s operating temperature range, load/shear requirements, and the application’s intended environment. This will allow selection of a blend or formulation specifically designed to maintain its properties and bonding strength within the required limits. Otherwise, for example, a product that could be exposed to an extreme-temperature environment may result in softened or lost adhesion or cracking due to a mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients. Another common failure mechanism is cracking due to choosing an adhesive that is too rigid for an application where there is a cyclical load like shifting winds pushing on a structural component bolted to the ground. BreezeBond^TM is perfect for composite wood panel products because since it is composed of natural components, its mechanical properties work well in tandem with those of the bonded substrate (wood veneers or plies).

3. 3. Dry and Wet Strength

   Dry strength pertains to the adhesive’s bond strength in dry conditions, while wet strength refers to its bonding capability in humid or wet conditions. Different types of bonds have varying levels of dry and wet strength. In some cases, a moisture barrier such as a sealant is also used.

   While most disposable packaging applications are primarily focused on cost and environmental footprint, some packaging applications may be exposed to damp environments such as occasional exposure to rain or defrosting as with food products. In these instances, blends with high wet strength are required. These may include disposable preformed fiber crates, cartons, or other containers. Otherwise, moisture can weaken the bond and cause the structural integrity of the packaging to break down, resulting in product damage or loss during shipping and handling.

   In other cases such as with toys, electronics, kitchenware, or ornamental collectibles, the dry strength of a molded packaging component is the most important consideration. This is because these parts tend to be nestled on the inside of an outer package. These types of goods also are less likely to be exposed to outdoor conditions.

4. 4. Tack

   Tack refers to the adhesive’s ability to adhere to a substrate quickly and form an instant bond under light pressure. The tack level required for a particular application depends on several factors, such as the substrate material, the application method, and the desired bond strength. It can also be adjusted by changing the formulation or modifying the processing conditions during adhesive manufacturing. Oftentimes, a cold press step is implemented prior to hot-press to ensure sufficient wetting onto the surface of the substrate. Other times, a desirable level of tack can be accomplished by letting the adhesive stand to partially air dry momentarily on the substrate before applying the next layer of veneer. This can help keep the plies in place as they move into the hot-press or this step can function to remove unnecessary excess moisture. This can also reduce the risk of venting or “blowouts” which can be loud and occur unexpectedly, affecting production yield. With a consistently implemented pre-dry step, these occurrences can be eliminated.

5. 5. Hot-Press Temperature

   Hot-press temperature refers to the temperature at which the adhesive is activated and the bonding process begins. Different adhesives have different temperature requirements; some bonds require high temperatures to activate, while others require lower temperatures. If the hot-press temperature is too high, it can cause the adhesive to break down or discolor. This can result in weak bonding or even adhesive failure. High temperatures can also adversely affect the materials being bonded, causing further discoloration, cracking, wrinkling, or even burning. In these instances, it may be necessary to extend the duration of the press at a lower temperature.

6. 6. Press Duration

   The press duration is the amount of time the adhesive and substrate are held together under pressure and temperature during bonding. As is the case with temperature, the duration depends on the adhesive type, substrate material, and total thickness. If the press duration is too short, the adhesive may not crosslink adequately. Conversely, it may break down if the duration period is too long. Sometimes though, as mentioned earlier, it is possible to extend the press duration at a lower temperature to achieve bonding if the product materials are sensitive to elevated temperatures.

Choose Specialty Organics to Find the Formulation Right for Your Product

Specialty Organics is an established, eco-friendly adhesive manufacturer offering a range of products and services, including BreezeBond^TM. We offer BreezeBond^TM in a variety of formulations, from low viscosity to high, and with standard or high wet strengths to tailor its characteristics to meet the needs of your specific application. Specialty Organics also offers toll manufacturing, pilot plant proof of concept, scale-up, and custom synthesis services to meet your adhesive and coating-related needs. We also offer contract manufacturing for businesses looking to outsource their adhesive production or sub-licensing opportunities to become a manufacturing partner.

Contact us today to learn more about our products and services or to find a BreezeBond^TM formulation for your wood composite panel!

Why You Should Use Formaldehyde-Free BreezeBond^TM Hot-Press Adhesive

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Hot-press adhesives are versatile products used in a broad range of applications, from construction plywood to furniture components to custom shaped disposable packaging. However, not all hot-press adhesives are equal; some contain potentially harmful formaldehyde. This substance can have adverse effects on indoor air quality and, consequently, human health.

Formaldehyde is a volatile compound that is often present in substantial quantities in common wood panel products like plywood and, to a greater extent, particleboard that use formaldehyde-containing adhesives like urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin. This widely used resin is very prevalent in modern society, currently being used for most wood-based composite products that make up the structural components of affordable furniture and cabinetry.

For this reason, while wood panel products with UF resin tend to be affordable, there may be a hidden cost associated with them. As alluded to previously, their utilization presents significant hazards, since UF resin products liberate a potentially harmful level of formaldehyde that is linked to respiratory issues and other health conditions. Moreover, since the industrial process that produces urea relies heavily on natural gas (heating exhaust gasses are combined with ammonia – which is also fuel-intensive to produce – in the first step to form urea), it can contribute to air pollution and has a substantial carbon footprint.

Formaldehyde-based resins are also commonly used in wall and flooring components. Although many of the wood panel products that are specifically designed for wall sheathing and flooring now use relatively expensive melamine-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde (PF, also known as Bakelite) resins that release far less formaldehyde than UF resin, the industrial processes to produce these lower-emission formaldehyde resins also rely heavily on fossil fuels and thus share many of the disadvantages with the production of UF resin regarding pollution and carbon footprint. While resins like Bakelite are very strong and moisture resistant to the point that they can be used for exterior applications, efforts are underway to find alternatives for those types of adhesives as well.

In this article, we will delve into why using a water-based, no-added formaldehyde hot-press adhesives like the Breezebond^TM family of adhesives is beneficial for both the consumer, the manufacturer, and the environment. We will also briefly discuss the common ingredients of a water-based adhesive or glue for the purposes of comparison to traditional adhesive resins.

What is a No-Added Formaldehyde Adhesive?

No-added formaldehyde adhesives are often formulated with ingredients derived from abundant, natural sources, inorganics, emulsions, or some combination thereof. Ideally, these ingredients may include plant-based materials like starches, waxes, natural gums, flours, and lignin. The plants that produce these materials are usually common, economical, abundant agricultural crops such as corn, soy, wheat, or even trees. In addition, if the NAF adhesive is water-based, it has little to none of the harmful petroleum-based solvents found in many existing petroleum derived adhesives, which also can account for a significant amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

Top Reasons to Choose a Water-Based, No-Added Formaldehyde (NAF) Hot-Press Adhesive

There are numerous compelling reasons why water-based, NAF hot-press adhesives are a better choice than common, traditional formaldehyde-based resins. Let us take a closer look at the most important ones:

Health Advantages

Prolonged exposure to elevated concentrations of certain VOCs can result in a range of health problems, from allergic sensitization to much worse, even certain types of cancer. This occurs from inhaling these VOCs, which are usually associated with the many common products that use formaldehyde resin adhesives. These products will slowly release formaldehyde gas over time. Water-based, NAF adhesives like BreezeBond^TM can reduce exposure to such substances and greatly reduce or eliminate the associated consumer health risks, especially in indoor applications.

Also, factory workers can benefit from a more pleasant working environment, potentially leading to increased productivity and lower health care costs. Unlike their formaldehyde-based counterparts that can trigger allergies, water-based, NAF hot-press adhesives often contain natural agents that have little to no harmful effects upon casual skin contact and can be easily rinsed off. Not only that, but because they contain no added formaldehyde, they are often virtually odorless once cured.

Environmental Benefits

Water-based, NAF hot-press adhesives are often made using natural and renewable ingredients, making them able to slowly break down into harmless substances (biodegradable). This may, in some cases, even allow certain products that have reached the end of their life cycle to be considered as compostable “green waste”. Moreover, heavy use of petroleum-based products can significantly contribute to carbon emissions, pollution, and according to some experts, possibly even climate change. Consequently, use of adhesives that rely predominantly on natural sources can lower a product’s carbon footprint, while reducing dependence on scarce, ever dwindling fossil fuels.

Performance Merits

Water-based, NAF hot-press adhesives have come a long way in terms of their performance capabilities. Specifically, new strides have been made with regard to wet strength and moisture resistance, allowing them to be used in a greater range of applications that were traditionally reserved only for resins based on formaldehyde. With recent advancements, even new plant-based, NAF hot-press adhesives can perform well enough to meet stringent industry performance requirements for certain common products. For instance, an esteemed independent composites laboratory demonstrated that BreezeBond^TM can pass the standard industry 3-cycle water soak test requirement for ¾” (19 mm) Type II (indoor) plywood.

This means that users may no longer have to compromise on performance when choosing a safer and more eco-friendly option. In fact, newer bio-based NAF adhesives have additional performance merits, making them an even more desirable alternative. For example, they may have a longer shelf life or even preferable mechanical properties for a given application, thanks to the fact these adhesives have similar thermal properties to the substrates they are bonding, which can reduce cracking.

Economic benefits

Safer, more sustainable adhesives have many economic benefits. They may reduce costs associated with dealing with hazardous materials, reduce liabilities such as health care expenses, and improve less quantifiable metrics such as employee retention rates and their sense of wellbeing, potentially leading to improved productivity. These advantages do not necessarily mean that water-based, NAF adhesives are more expensive. In fact, with the recent volatility in the crude oil markets, adhesives that use abundantly sourced, plant-based ingredients have more stable pricing over time, and may even be a way for your company to reduce costs, since many companies already use plant-based ingredients as “extenders”.

Sustainability Commitment

As more and more consumers and businesses become conscious of their ecological impact, they seek products and suppliers that align with their values. By choosing an adhesive sourced from abundant and renewable ingredients, companies can differentiate themselves from competitors and position themselves as socially responsible. This leads to a higher company environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rating, or a higher Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating on construction projects. This can help companies be awarded more contracts for new business in the future.

Let Specialty Organics help find the right adhesive for your products!

Specialty Organics offers a suite of formulations to meet your application’s needs. Our product development team can help your company bring products to market that are both safe and effective. Whether you require custom formulations, toll manufacturing, or private labeling services, we can find an arrangement to fulfill your requirements. For large volume requirements, sublicensing agreements are also available.

Get in touch with us now to gain more insight into how we can help your company thrive in tomorrow’s sustainable marketplace!

BreezeBond™ Shines on Decorative Paper for Wood, Fiberboard, and Particleboard

The right adhesive can make all the difference in creating natural looking, elegant, and durable decorative finishes. When it comes to bonding decorative paper to wood-derived substrates, the use of BreezeBond^TM hot-press adhesive stands out as a great way forward in a time when most companies are looking to reduce costs, emissions, and carbon footprint. This reliable and high-performance adhesive delivers consistently exceptional results with its novel formulation, eco-friendly features, and ease of use.

This article will explore how BreezeBond^TM shines on adhesive decorative foils for wood composite panels, providing insights into its advantages and applications.

Advantages of BreezeBond^TM

BreezeBond^TM offers a range of advantages that make it a preferred choice for bonding decorative paper foils to wood composite panel surfaces:

Innovative Formulation

BreezeBond^TM features a patented formula that is petroleum-free with no added formaldehyde. Its unique water-based formulation modifies the protein in soy flour. This results in a high-performance adhesive that offers high bond strength and moisture resistance, ensuring the decorative paper stays securely attached to the wood surface over time.

Eco-Friendly

As a plant-based adhesive, BreezeBond^TM is a sustainable alternative for bonding decorative paper to wood surfaces. Made from renewable ingredients, it helps reduce a product’s overall carbon footprint and supports green building initiatives.

Hassle-Free Application

BreezeBond^TM’s low viscosity formulation is designed for laminator applications, offering a smooth consistency and quick curing time. Its straightforward application process simplifies production processes by greatly reducing or eliminating environmental health and safety concerns while delivering efficient and professional results, especially when bonding decorative paper to wood surfaces, including medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard.

For those who are hesitant to completely switch to a new adhesive, BreezeBond^TM can even be used as an “extender” with existing, traditional adhesives to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining familiar characteristics that are similar to current adhesives.

Safe and Environmentally Friendly

BreezeBond^TM provides a safe, reliable option for bonding decorative foils to wood surfaces. It is made without harmful formaldehyde-based products, meets or exceeds strict environmental standards, and contributes to the well-being of employees and consumers alike by reducing or eliminating toxic compounds from their immediate living environment.

Enhanced Aesthetics

With its smooth bonding capabilities and appealing light hue, BreezeBond^TM helps enhance the aesthetics of products like furniture while giving people the peace of mind that it won’t contribute to lingering toxic odors. It allows manufacturers to add elegance and style to their products, creating a strong bond between the adhesive decorative paper and the wood or wood-derived surface, while offering fresh, clean indoor air quality.

Applications of BreezeBond^TM

BreezeBond^TM is a versatile adhesive that can be used in a range of applications for bonding decorative paper foils to wood composite panel surfaces. Here are some possible applications for BreezeBond^TM:

Furniture

Enhance the visual appearance of furniture while eliminating VOCs by switching to BreezeBond^TM. Create strong, moisture resistant bonds between adhesive decorative paper and wood composite surfaces in desks, dressers, tables, shelving, and more.

Interior Design

Enhance interior spaces with BreezeBond^TM by creating smooth adhesion between decorative paper and wood surfaces. Examples of possible finished products may include wall panels, wainscoting, and trim.

Cabinetry

BreezeBond^TM can reliably bond decorative paper to wooden panels in cabinetry projects, without the harmful emissions. When used in combination with a moisture resistant sealer or hydrophobic emulsion, it can even work in applications exposed to high humidity environments such as bathroom vanities or kitchen cabinets.

Retail Fixtures and Display

Achieve strong, odorless bonds facilitating smooth adhesion of decorative paper to wood surfaces in displays, fixtures, and signage.

Hospitality and commercial applications

BreezeBond^TM meets the performance and ultra-low VOC requirements of hospitality and commercial settings. It is ideal for hotel and restaurant interiors, retail spaces, and other commercial projects.

BreezeBond^TM by Specialty Organics: Bonding Decorative Paper to Wood Surfaces

Transform your wood-derived products with BreezeBond^TM by Specialty Organics! Our innovative adhesive offers versatility, achieving cohesive bonds between decorative paper and wooden materials in a wide range of applications.

BreezeBond^TM empowers you to bring your vision to life like never before without the compromises of formaldehyde-based hot press adhesives! Contact us now to unlock your company’s full potential with this game-changing adhesive.