Airflex 400 vinyl acetate ethylene copolymer Air Products Ethylene copolymers - emulsions (VAE, EVC) >> Vinyl Acetate Ethylene copolymers, VAE Airflex 400 emulsion is a 0 °C Tg vinyl acetate ethylene copolymer emulsion developed as a versatile high-performance base for adhesives. The emulsion offers a superior balance of adhesive/cohesive properties and, depending on how it is compounded, can be used in an extremely wide variety of applications. The backbone of the polymer gives the dried adhesive film both toughness and flexibility that persist even with fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The resistance to creep demonstrated by Airflex 400 emulsion at elevated temperatures is much greater than that exhibited by other similar Tg vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl acetate-maleate and vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymers. Its powerful initial adhesive strength is maintained even after aging, and it resists plasticizer migration. Airflex 400 emulsion offers a rapid setting speed, strong wet tack, and good machinability because of its poly(vinyl alcohol) stabilization. It also has a total volatiles content of less than 1,000 ppm. Compounding Airflex 400 emulsion is compatible with other vinyl acetate-based emulsions including Vinac® homopolymer, Flexbond® copolymer and Airflex copolymer emulsions. It is also compatible with rubber lattices; with poly(vinyl chloride) dispersions; and with an assortment of resins, solvents, plasticizers and other modifiers. Airflex 400 emulsion thickens rapidly to high viscosities with the addition of plasticizers and/or solvents. The viscosity can also be increased with additives such as poly(vinyl alcohol), cellulosic thickeners, starch and alginates. Inverse polyacrylate emulsions or associative thickeners may also be used. The addition of plasticizers to Airflex 400 emulsion will improve its specific adhesion, water resistance and setting speed. Additionally, the adhesive emulsion accepts high loadings of dry fillers and wets them well; in many cases they do not even need to be predispersed. Applications: Airflex 400 emulsion forms strong bonds between porous substrates and such films as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(vinylidene chloride) (Saran), cellulose acetate, polystyrene, Saran-coated cellophane and acrylic. Airflex 400 emulsion adheres such widely diversified substrates as paper, wood, cotton cloth, nylon cloth, hardboard (Masonite), urethane foam and certain types of coated paperboard — notably SBR-coated board and acrylic-coated board. It even bonds tin plate, stainless steel and galvanized metallic surfaces. (This does not mean, however, that it can be used as a structural adhesive for metals.) The excellent adhesion of Airflex 400 emulsion to so many substrates suggests its broad use as a versatile base in adhesives manufactured for such applications as packaging, luggage and handbags, bookbinding, shoes, textiles, upholstery, wall paneling, siding and molding, and furniture construction. Airflex 400 emulsion machines well at high speeds and is suitable for the variety of roll, extruder or spray application for wet adhesives. It can also be preapplied and heat reactivated (heat sealed). 0°C Tg vinyl acetate ethylene copolymer emulsion developed as a high-performance base for adhesives. (polyvinyl alcohol protected emulsion). Powerful initial adhesive strength. Provides rapid setting speed, strong wet tack, good machinability. The dried adhesive film has toughness and flexibility. Good resistance to creep at elevated temperatures.<br> Adhesion to porous substrates and films (PVC, Saran, cellulose acetate, polystyrene, Saran-coated, cellophane and acrylic), paper, wood, cotton cloth, nylon cloth, hardboard, urethane foam, tin plate, stainless steel and galvanized metallic surfaces.