What are non-chlorinated adhesives?

Firstly, it is important to distinguish the difference between the adhesive as a complete product, the adhesive in its raw form (rubbers, resins, polyols etc) and the solvent content.

When we talk about non-chlorinated adhesives in relation to our products at Quin Global UK, we are only talking about the solvent content, as the raw adhesive content would not be classified under the 'chlorinated / non-chlorinated' category. Chlorinated solvents are a large family of chemical compounds that contain chlorine, for example, dichloromethane (DCM). Workers can be exposed to chlorinated solvents through the absorption of solvents, through inhalation and skin contact. Inhalation is the most common form of workplace exposure because the solvents can readily evaporate.

Important information (The bad)

Some chlorinated solvents, including dichloromethane, will carry specific warnings which relate to the GHS hazard statements found on the SDS. Dichloromethane has a warning statement "H351, Suspected of causing cancer".

To fully protect yourself against exposure, please follow the instructions on the SDS. Alternatively, speak to our team at Quin Global to see if we can offer an alternative product.

Important information (The good)

Dichloromethane is a solvent which has a low boiling point of 39.6°C, which means the flash time for the adhesive is very low, typically 90 – 120 seconds. Dichloromethane based products are often the best choice to use when bonding to hard plastics such as polypropylene (PP), due to the ability to etch into the surface.

Another USP of this solvent is the fact it is non-flammable, meaning you can use dichloromethane based products around flames and electrics without risk. A good example of this is a vehicle converter, who will have hot metalworks near someone wanting to re-trim a vehicle.

Quin Global, as an innovative manufacturer of adhesives, has been working on finding alternative solvent blends to our chlorinated products for many years now. We are committed to providing you with the safest and most technically advanced products in the market and have launched these under the banner of "healthy adhesives."

Perceived issues vs reality

"They take too long to flash off" – Based on the datum point being 90-120 seconds for an acceptable flash time, we have always been working towards this with our non-chlorinated blends. In recent years, we have surpassed the 90-120 target, with certain blends of adhesive achieving a flash time of 30-60 seconds.

"We don't like the smell" - Typically, the non-chlorinated blends tend to be lighter than the chlorinated products; thus, meaning you will have more of the smell hitting your nostrils. Simply because you can smell more of the product, does not mean it is more harmful. Always refer to the SDS.

"The cost is too high" - With our products, this couldn't be further from the truth. We have general purpose adhesives, ranging all the way up to the most certified spray adhesives worldwide, in both chlorinated and non-chlorinated solvent blends. You simply need to match the right product, for the right application, at the right price.

Conclusion

Chlorinated adhesives still do have their place in the market; however, it is important that as business owners you are aware of the plethora of alternatives available to you, so you are able to make an informed choice. Due to the vast range we offer at Quin Global, we are sure to have something that will fit everyone's needs. Please feel free to pick up the phone and speak to one of our Category Managers or Technical Team to find the right product for your application.

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