Bostik’s Thermelt® hot melt polyamide range is continuously improved to be relevant for customers as they face sustainability challenges posed by modern manufacturing processes. Made predominantly from renewable raw materials, Thermelt offers easy processing at low pressure and low temperatures, and facilitates disassembly at the end of a product’s lifecycle. This results in less waste and increased opportunities for component recycling.
Thermelt is a non-reactive, solvent-free and bio-based adhesive, consisting of rapeseed and castor bean derivatives. It is designed for many manufacturing applications, from assembly processes in the shoe industry to Low Pressure Molding (LPM) applications used in the electronic and automotive component manufacturing sectors. It is increasingly being used in new and emerging technologies in agriculture, electric vehicles, and batteries.
The hot melt is made from up to 90% bio-based raw materials and enables products to be easily disassembled. This supports manufacturers’ goals to achieve circularity and lessen the environmental impact of products while maintaining their performance. Bostik develops customized bonding solutions for Its clients, tailored to their required strength, viscosity, curing, and other properties. This tailor-made approach is made possible through Bostik’s parent company, Arkema, which has the rare capability of being able to control its entire vertical supply chain.
“For 40 years, Bostik has been investing heavily in developing this product to meet the changing needs of both assembly and LPM manufacturing,” said Polivio Goncalves, head of engineering, Adhesives at Bostik. “Since the 1980s for instance, the continuing miniaturization and sophistication of electronics has led to sensors which are a pervasive part of life today, from electric vehicles to solar panels, to smart devices. Bostik has continuously reformulated Thermelt to provide the additional strength and protection these increasingly sensitive components need.”
Sophie Chhun, head of assembly, Adhesives at Bostik, said “Bostik is a leader in the field of specialty hot melts and holds the largest market offering to date. Our Thermelt manufacturing site in Privas, France, has been expanded to address market growth and product demand. With the benefit of vertical integration with our parent company, Arkema, customers can rest assured that bio-based products such as Thermelt will continue to innovate and provide new possibilities to provide solutions for modern sustainability challenges.”
To learn more, visit www.bostik.com.
