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 petrochemicals can pose serious risks to human health and the environment.
With the emergence of BreezeBondTM, the search for a safe and reliable adhesive just got a little easier. In this article, we will walk you through the numerous reasons why BreezeBondTM is considered safe to handle.
BreezeBondTM: The “Greenest” High Strength, Soy-Based Hot Press Adhesive
BreezeBondTM was originally developed to replace urea-formaldehyde plywood adhesives. Unlike those plywood glues, which often contain harmful petrochemicals such as formaldehyde, BreezeBondTM is made predominantly from soy flour and water, with non-petroleum-derived 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 created using a patented no-added formaldehyde (NAF) and petroleum-free formula for forest product hot press applications, with plywood being the original focus. Specifically, researchers at the University of Wisconsin found a way to inexpensively modify the amino acid groups in soy proteins by attaching phosphorus to the amino acid groups. This research was funded by the US forest service 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, BreezeBondTM also works well in many other hot-press applications!
Non-Toxic, Soy-Based Formulation of BreezeBondTM for Safe Handling
The safety of customers is of utmost importance, which is why BreezeBondTM is formulated with non-toxic ingredients. As a result, the adhesive is free from harmful substances that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, making it safe for human handling and use. This means that workers who come into contact with the adhesive during manufacturing can do so without fear of adverse health effects, as in the case of some existing hot-press adhesives. Consumers can also rest assured that they will not inhale any fumes emanating from their wood products.
Therefore, one of the main advantages of BreezeBondTM 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 wood products in our residences. The lack of fumes generated by the adhesive also makes it ideal for other enclosed spaces where ventilation may be limited, such as pre-manufactured (mobile) buildings.
That’s right, in addition to being safe for human handling, BreezeBondTM 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 indoors where air quality is a concern, such as in schools, offices, 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!
An optional formulation of BreezeBondTM also includes a trace non-petroleum derived additive that enhances its performance without compromising its safety. This addition further improves the product’s bond strength and moisture resistance, which may be desired in more strenuous applications. This way, users can enjoy the benefits of a reliable adhesive without worrying about its impact on their health or the environment.
Choose BreezeBondTM Hot-Press Adhesive for a Safer and Healthier Tomorrow
So, is BreezeBondTM 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!
Adhesive manufacturing involves formulating, mixing/blending, and processing raw materials to create a range of adhesives 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? In the past, this optimization process often 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 BreezeBondTM, have also become available that can be specifically formulated for a range of forest product 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 BreezeBondTM 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 BreezeBondTM alone, and would like to retain some of the properties of their existing adhesive, commonly polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), at least initially. In these instances, BreezeBondTM can be blended with PVA. 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. 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. Temperature Range
It is necessary to understand the adhesive’s operating temperature range 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, a product in a high-temperature environment beyond its recommended range may result in softened or lost adhesion.
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.
Packaging is one of the most prominent examples of an industry where blends with high wet strength are required. For example, disposable preformed fiber crates, cartons, or other containers must maintain their bonding strength even in humid or damp environments. 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.
4. Hot Press Temperature
Hot press temperature refers to the temperature at which the adhesive is activated and the bonding process begins. Different architectures 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 become over-cured. This can result in weak bonding or even adhesive failure. High temperatures can also adversely affect the materials being bonded, causing discoloration, cracking, wrinkling, or even burning. In these instances, it may be necessary to extend the duration of the press at a lower temperature.
5. 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, 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.
6. 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.
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 BreezeBondTM. We offer BreezeBondTM in a variety of formulations, including from low viscosity to high, 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.
We understand the importance of timely delivery and offer flexible production scheduling to cater to your needs! Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.
Hot press adhesives are versatile products used in a broad range of applications, from construction to furniture to packaging and beyond. However, not all hot press adhesives are equal; some contain potentially harmful petrochemicals. These substances can have adverse effects on both human health and the environment.
Petrochemicals are derived from petroleum and have various uses, such as in manufacturing adhesives, plastics, and fertilizers. Nonetheless, their utilization presents significant hazards, as certain types are often linked to respiratory issues and other health conditions. Likewise, they can also taint soil and waterways, causing severe ecological disruptions.
In this article, we will delve into why using a petrochemical-free hot press adhesive for many applications is beneficial for both the consumer and manufacturer. We will also briefly discuss the common ingredients of a non-toxic adhesive or glue.
What Is a Petroleum-Free Hot Press Adhesive?
Also called non-toxic adhesives, petroleum-free hot press adhesives are formulated with ingredients sourced from natural and renewable sources. These ingredients may include plant-based materials like starches, natural gums, and proteins. They can contain these materials from renewable sources, such as corn, soy, and sugar cane. In addition, some adhesives may employ water instead of harmful petroleum-based solvents as their carrier liquid.
Top Reasons To Choose a Petroleum-Free Hot Press Adhesive
There are numerous compelling reasons why non-toxic hot press adhesives are a better choice than those containing petroleum-based products. Let us take a closer look at the most important ones:
Environmental Benefits
The production and use of petroleum-based products contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, a leading cause of climate change. Consequently, using petrochemical-free glues can help reduce your manufacturing process’s carbon footprint by lowering dependence on fossil fuels. Moreover, these adhesives are often made using natural and renewable ingredients, making them biodegradable and able to break down into harmless substances. This may even allow certain products that have reached the end of their life cycle to be classified as “green waste”.
Health Advantages
Prolonged exposure to certain petrochemicals can result in severe health problems, including cancer from inhaling their associated volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Non-toxic adhesives can reduce contact with such substances and eliminate the associated consumer health risks, especially in indoor applications. Also, factory workers can benefit from a more pleasant working environment. Unlike their petroleum-based counterparts that can trigger allergies, most non-toxic adhesives also 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 often contain no added petroleum products, they are virtually odorless!
Performance Merits
Petrochemical-free hot press adhesives have come a long way in terms of their performance capabilities. With technological advancements, non-toxic hot press adhesives can perform just as well as petrochemical-based glues. By some measures, they even outperform their petroleum-based counterparts. This means that users no longer have to compromise on performance when choosing a more eco-friendly and safe alternative.
Some petrochemical-free adhesives have additional performance merits, making them a superior choice. For example, they may have a longer shelf life or better adhesion to certain materials. New strides have been made with regard to wet strength and moisture resistance as well, allowing them to be used in a greater range of applications that were traditionally only suited for petroleum-based adhesives.
Economic Benefits
Safer, more sustainable adhesives does not necessarily mean that they are more expensive. In fact, with the recent volatility in the petroleum product markets, petrochemical derivatives have experienced a considerable increase in prices. Abundantly sourced, plant-based adhesives are less likely to substantially increase in price over time, and may even be a way for your company to reduce costs!
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 have the expertise and resources to fulfill your requirements.
Get in touch with us now to gain more insight into how we can help your company gain a bigger piece of the market!
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™ 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 exceptional results with its cutting-edge formulation, eco-friendly features, and ease of use.
This article will explore how BreezeBond™ shines on adhesive decorative paper for wood, providing insights into its advantages and applications.
Advantages of BreezeBond™
BreezeBond™ offers a range of advantages that make it a preferred choice for bonding decorative paper to wood surfaces:
Innovative Formulation
BreezeBond™ features a patented formula that is petroleum-free with no added formaldehyde. Its unique water-based formulation mimics natural bioadhesive proteins such as those found in barnacles and sea mussels. 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™ is a sustainable choice for bonding decorative paper to wood surfaces. Made from renewable ingredients, it helps reduce a product’s overall carbon footprint and supports sustainable green building initiatives.
Hassle-Free Application
BreezeBond™’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™ can even be used as a blend with existing, traditional adhesives such as polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining familiar characteristics that are similar to your current adhesive.
Safe and Environmentally-Friendly
By prioritizing sustainability, BreezeBond™ provides a safe, reliable option for bonding decorative paper to wood surfaces. It is crafted without harmful petroleum-based products, meets or exceeds strict environmental standards, and contributes to the well-being of people by reducing or eliminating toxic compounds from their immediate living environment.
Enhanced Aesthetics
With its smooth bonding capabilities, BreezeBond™ helps enhance the aesthetics of products like furniture while giving people the peace of mind that it won’t contribute to a toxic living environment. 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 air indoors.
Applications of BreezeBond™
BreezeBond™ is a versatile adhesive that can be used in a range of applications for bonding decorative paper to wood surfaces. Here are some suggested applications for BreezeBond™:
Furniture
Elevate the visual appearance of furniture while eliminating VOCs by switching to BreezeBond™. Create strong, moisture resistant bonds between adhesive decorative paper and wood surfaces in desks, cabinets, tables, chairs, and more.
Interior Design
Enhance interior spaces with BreezeBond™ by creating smooth adhesion between decorative paper and wood surfaces. Examples of possible finished products include wall panels, wainscoting, trim, and moldings.
Cabinetry
BreezeBond™ can work well in cabinetry projects, including kitchen cabinets and when used in combination with a moisture barrier or sealer, can even work in applications exposed to high humidity environments such as bathroom vanities, for reliable bonding of decorative paper to wooden fixtures, without harmful emissions that these conditions tend to accelerate with some other adhesives like urea formaldehyde (UF) resins.
Decorative Woodworking
Let your customer’s creativity shine by using BreezeBond™ in materials used for decorative woodworking projects. Whether your company produces picture frames, mirror frames, or other crafts, BreezeBond™ will ensure a seamless bond between the adhesive decorative paper and various wood surfaces.
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™ 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™ by Specialty Organics: Bonding Decorative Paper to Wood Surfaces
Transform your wood-derived products with BreezeBond™ by Specialty Organics! Our innovative adhesive offers versatility, achieving cohesive bonds between decorative paper and wooden materials in a wide range of applications.
BreezeBond™ empowers you to bring your vision to life like never before without the compromises of petroleum-based hot press adhesives! Contact us now to unlock your company’s full potential with this game-changing adhesive.
Glues and other adhesives are used in products and systems that we encounter daily. Many types of glue emit harmful fumes into the surrounding environment, posing a risk to the health of people in the area. To mitigate the health risks of toxic glues, it is essential to choose a non-toxic glue product that doesn’t sacrifice performance.
What Is Non-Toxic Glue?
Many adhesives contain solvents, chemicals, and other toxic ingredients that can cause adverse health issues for the people who encounter them, whether these people are glue factory employees, end users, or because of environmental-related effects. Certified non-toxic glues are made of ingredients that are shown to be safe for human use with minimal impact on the environment.
Some of the toxic fumes, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in petroleum-based glues include formaldehyde, methylene chloride, xylene, toluene, light aliphatic naphtha, and N-hexane. Breathing in toxic fumes from glues can induce an array of health issues, including headache, nausea, difficulty breathing, seizures, and may even lead to certain types of cancer.
Non-toxic glues are often water-based and thus have low VOCs, or in some cases, no detectable VOCs. Therefore, they are generally much safer to use.
Benefits of Non-Toxic Glue
Aside from being non-toxic, other benefits of non-toxic glue include:
Excellent bonding: Non-toxic glue forms a strong, permanent bond, with comparable strength to their less people-friendly competitors.
Water-solubility: Non-toxic glue’s uncured or unused residues will readily dissolve in water and can be washed away with soap and water.
Biodegradable and recyclable: Non-toxic glues are made from naturally occurring sources with minimal modification. Since it is made from these materials, it readily biodegrades, unlike solvent-based adhesives.
Can be FDA approved for indirect food contact: Non-toxic glue has no toxic components in significant quantities and are thus safe for direct human contact after cure. Therefore, it can be submitted to the FDA for testing for use in outer food packaging, provided it does not come into direct contact with the food. The FDA may even conclude that some non-toxic glues are safe enough to be used in inner food packaging in some cases.
Safe to handle: Products containing non-toxic glue are usually safe to handle by direct contact and, in many cases, are safe enough to be handled by children.
Reduced waste: Non-toxic glue reduces waste and conserves resources since it is made from natural and/or abundant materials that have undergone minimal processing and, in some cases, are designed to mimic natural processes.
Why Breezebond™?
Breezebond™ adhesive is a plant-based hot-press glue that exhibits high strength and is suitable for many wood-based applications, such as plywood and other wood composites. It is the only soy-based adhesive that does not contain petrochemical ingredients, including no additional toxic formaldehyde over natural background levels.
Breezebond™ is suitable for the wood products industry because it is made from abundant and low-cost starting materials, its strength compares well to traditional adhesives, is safe to work with, and allows end customers to meet sustainable building goals.
During the production process, a compatible reagent is added to modify the amino acid groups of the soy protein, making them behave like natural protein glue (think sea mussels and barnacles). After this step, depending on the application, an oxidizing agent can be added to help form bonds to boost the performance of the glue. This gives the bond even higher strength and better moisture resistance.
Advantages of Breezebond™ Adhesive
BreezebondTM adhesive has several advantages over other types of glue. Some of these pros include:
It is made from low-cost, abundantly available sources.
It is comprised of a single component with an optional trace additive incorporated before use.
It has a low viscosity and meets various wet and dry strength industry requirements.
It is tested at independent laboratories for strength and VOC content.
It does not require an expensive investment to convert from traditional glue.
No petrochemical ingredients are added during the manufacturing process.
It has a longer shelf-life than other soy-based glues (3 months).
Helps companies realize their net zero carbon emission goals.
Why Choose Specialty Organics Inc.?
With a commitment to producing environmentally friendly products, Specialty Organics, Inc. produces adhesives for a variety of hot-press applications. We are eager to offer a formulation to meet your specific product’s requirements.
Contact us today and let us deliver quality products to meet your sustainable bonding needs.
Plywood is a very versatile material that is used throughout a wide range of interior, exterior, and structural applications. It is created by gluing together three or more thin layers of wood veneer using a plywood adhesive, resulting in a flat sheet of wooden material.
How is Plywood Made?
Most people have heard of plywood, but how is it made? The specific process depends on whether you are making hardwood or softwood, but the main steps of the plywood manufacturing process include:
Step One: Selecting the Log
The first step in the plywood manufacturing process involves selecting a log from a tree type that meets the physical and aesthetic requirements of your application.
Step Two: Debarking and Cutting
The logs are loaded into a debarking machine, which removes the bark using sharp-tooth grinding wheels or high-pressure water. The debarked logs are then carried down a conveyor where a large circular saw cuts them into standard-sized sections.
Step Three: Peeling the Logs
Before the veneer can be peeled and cut into sheets, the logs must be soaked and heated to soften the wood. The amount of time it takes depends on the type of wood, the diameter of the log, and other factors. Then, the softened blocks of wood are fed into the peeler lathe.
Step Four: Creating A Ribbon of Wood
The peeler lathe rotates the softened woodblock as a full-length knife blade peels a continuous sheet of veneer from the spinning block. When the diameter of the block shrinks to about 3 or 4 inches, the block is ejected from the lathe. The ribbon of wood that is produced can be immediately processed, wound onto rolls, or stored in long trays.
Step Five: Cutting and Stacking
Processing the ribbon of wood entails cutting it into usable widths. The sections of veneer can then be sorted, stacked, and dried to reduce their moisture content and shrink them before gluing.
Step Six: Gluing
Once the sections of veneer emerge from the dryer, they are ready for gluing. The back veneer is fed through a glue spreader, which applies an even layer of glue. Then, the short sections of core veneer are placed crossways on top of the glue and the whole sheet runs through the glue spreader again. The face veneer can then be placed on top of the glued core. For long-lasting and sustainable results, use Specialty Organics’ BreezeBond™, a formaldehyde-free adhesive, to bind inner core layers and face veneer.
Step Seven: Pressing
After the gluing process, the sheets are then pressed together in a hot press. They are squeezed together under high levels of pressure while being heated to high temperatures. The pressure ensures good contact between layers and the heat works to cure the adhesive for maximum strength.
Step Eight: Trimming and Sanding
The rough sheets are sent through a set of saws, which trim them into their final dimensions. The sanding process can differ depending on the grade of the sheets. For higher grade sheets, both the face and back are sanded, whereas intermediate grade sheets are only spot sanded.
Why Use BreezeBond™ as Your Plywood Glue?
BreezeBond™ offers a wide range of benefits when used for manufacturing plywood. For example, BreezeBond™ is a formaldehyde-free adhesive which features high strength. This makes it suitable for producing plywood while reducing your net carbon footprint and meeting sustainability goals. This low viscosity, hot press adhesive also meets wet or dry strength adhesion standards for a variety of industries.
For more information about our BreezeBond™ adhesive, contact Specialty Organics today. This page goes over the various steps of the plywood manufacturing process and how Specialty Organics’ BreezeBond™ is an ideal plywood adhesive.
