Technology Gains of Reactive Urethane Hot Melts for Textiles

A brief overview of the chemistry of these products and what makes them different from their thermoplastic and solvent based counterparts. We will dis cuss the recent history of reactive urethane hot melts adhesives during their introduc tion to the American textile industry and the shortcomings that were exposed as a result. Our industry's needs have driven the development of new systems that will have far reaching effects in many sectors. Performance and processing advancements have led to ultraviolet stable and flame retardant systems. Among other areas high lighted are: hydrolytically stable products to better handle sterilization, low applica tion temperature products for films, and temperature sensitive substrates.