LOCTITE LIOFOL LA 1139-04

Designed for medium performance, slip film laminations and general purpose laminating at high line speeds. It can be used for film/film and film/foil food packaging laminations. Long potlife and rapid zippered pouch application are advantages of the LOCTITE LIOFOL LA 1139-04 solventless adhesive system. This adhesive also can be used for general-purpose food packaging laminations, health care, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Adhesive selection:

• The selection of the adhesive system, substrates and process conditions are critical to the success of the final structure.
• Thorough qualification on your equipment and substrates is recommended before commercial production begins.
• Note: Although not common, some high slip containing films, EVA films, PA films and white-pigmented PE films may contribute to the migration of monomeric MDI with this adhesive system. This can have a detrimental effect on the final sealing ability of the lamination and result in anti-seal. You should thoroughly pre-test the laminations.

Mixing:

• This adhesive system requires the use of Meter/Mix/Dispense (MMD) equipment that will automatically control the temperature, measure, and mix the correct amounts of adhesive and deliver them to the laminator. It is necessary to use a static mixer, which provides effective mixing. A new static mixer should be used after longer dosing stops. Verification that the MMD unit is providing the correct amounts of adhesive and coreactant is recommended prior to startup. If the unit is capable of phasing issues (one material enters the static mixer before the other) verification that each side is being dispensed at precisely the same time is required.
• The adhesive is sensitive to moisture. Tanks or large containers such as drums will require nitrogen purging or the attachment of a desiccant dryer.

Temperature vs Viscosity Chart:

Pot life:

• Typically, the mixed adhesive has a working time of approximately 45 minutes. If an equipment shutdown continues beyond this time, clean all the coating rollers in the application station and purge the mixer attached to the meter/mix/dispense unit. Adhesive that is left on the rollers for a long period of time will become extremely difficult to remove.

Application method:

• The recommended method of application for this adhesive mix is with a standard gravure roll coater. The adhesive is mixed by the MMD unit, deposited onto the first two rollers, and metered by the remaining rollers in the application station (typically 3 to 5 rollers). In order to achieve the best possible flow and good wetting, the following temperatures are recommended. Modifications of the below temperatures may be required depending on line speed, substrates, and roller size.

Application weight:

• The coating weight will be dependent upon the film or foil combination, the end use of the lamination, and the thickness of the printing inks. Typically, 0.8 - 1.3 lb/ream (1.3 - 2.1 gm/m²) is suggested. 

Initial tack:

• There will be little or no initial tack with most solventless adhesive systems. Precise web tension control together with a suitable winding parameters help to avoid tunneling as well as telescoping and curling effects. High laminating nip temperature (suitable for the substrates in use) together with a high pressure in the wound roll improve the bond strength and optical appearance of the laminate

Appearance Off-line:

• Very small bubbles (1/2 mm) between the layers of the lamination are typical off line. With proper winding parameters, the adhesive will flow, and the bubbles will dissipate by the following day.

Curing:

• The laminate normally can be rewound and slit within 6 hours at room temperature (77 °F/25°C). Testing on your slitting equipment is recommended. Many structures can be formed into pouches within 24 hours of lamination. To achieve maximum chemical and thermal resistance, allow 2 to 5 days of storage at room temperature. Cure rate (migration compliance) will depend on film combination. If rolls are subjected to low temperatures, a substantially longer cure time may result.

All components of this adhesive system compositionally comply with the FDA 21 Code of Federal Regulation 175.105. This system contains aromatic isocyanates. Migration testing under conditions of use is required, particularly with high temperature applications, to demonstrate compliance with the limits of primary aromatic.

Storage

• Containers of the adhesive or curing agent should not remain open for an extended period of time.
• Material from opened containers should be consumed within a short period.
• It is necessary to use all the adhesive, once the container is opened, unless there is means of purging the container with dry nitrogen.

If exposed to below freezing temperatures, these products may solidify. Large containers (drums and pails) may be slow to reliquefy. Slight warming at 104 - 122°F(40 - 50°C) will aid the process. Freezing and thawing have no effect on the performance of this product.
Handling:

• The adhesive, as received, has chemically active Isocyanate groups that will react with water, alcohols, amines, and similar materials containing active hydrogen groups. Reseal containers and keep them tightly closed to maximize the storage life. Nitrogen purging of original containers will have a similar effect.
• Positive fresh air ventilation is necessary: otherwise use air supplied hood or chemical facemask. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors and mists. In case of persistent coughing, call a physician.
• Keep adhesive away from heat, sparks and open flame. Avoid prolonged contact with skin. Wash hands thoroughly after using or before smoking or eating.