Stephen Boulton, technical service manager at F. Ball and Co. Ltd., discusses how
APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE
advancements in technology are facilitating the manufacture of new adhesives that are helping contractors to meet ever-greater customer expectations.
Every year, F. Ball invests significantly in research and development, which is managed by a committee of specialists from sales, marketing and technical departments. It has a laboratory on-site at its Staffordshire headquarters exclusively for this purpose. The aim is to make life easier for contractors, who face increasing demands and pressure to complete projects to ever-shorter timescales, and to ensure compatibility with new floorcoverings that are constantly entering the market.
Recent advancements in adhesives technology have allowed the formulation of hybrid adhesives, which combine a variety of application requirements, as well as enabling manufacturers to add new properties to adhesives already on the market. By keeping abreast of these developments, contractors are better equipped to meet ever-changing customer expectations and retain a competitive advantage.
COMBINATIONS OF PROPERTIES In recent years, advancements in hybrid polymer adhesives enabled F. Ball to create Styccobond F49, a high performance vinyl adhesive that combines both pressure sensitive and temperature tolerant characteristics; two key benefits for installing vinyl floorcoverings in areas subject to significant temperature changes that have never been available before in one adhesive.
High temperatures or extreme temperature fluctuations can cause vinyl tiles and planks to expand and contract significantly, which can lead to unsightly tenting and gapping in the floorcoverings over time. This is often the case in conservatories or rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, which are subject to ‘solar gain’. For such areas, temperature tolerant adhesives are available, which have the ability to hold floorcovering securely in place over a wide range of temperatures. Traditionally, these adhesives have been ‘wet-lay’, and contractors have had to forgo the advantages of pressure sensitive adhesives – a popular choice for the installation of vinyl tiles and planks because of the high initial grab afforded by them, making it easier to create intricate patterns and designs.
Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS offers the familiar characteristics of pressure sensitive adhesives and, when fully cured, develops the extremely high bond strength required to hold floorcoverings in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations (as low as -20°C and up to +60°C).
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Since its launch, Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS has also been approved for the installation of vertical PVC flooring accessories, such as skirting, capping and coving, making it an alternative to traditional contact adhesives.
CONTINUING INNOVATION Ongoing research and development also enables F. Ball to make enhancements to existing products. Following extensive testing and reformulation, F. Ball’s flexible tube adhesive, Stycco Flex, has also been approved for installing PVC flooring accessories as a result of improved plasticiser resistance and enhanced dimensional stability. Stycco Flex is well known for its ability to bond almost any absorbent or non-absorbent material found in the flooring and construction industries. The high strength build-up and fast curing time means it can secure stair nosings and trims, without the need for mechanical fixings, in as little as 60 minutes. This same high bond performance also restricts the movement of PVC accessories, helping to eradicate gapping at joints.
The new formulation of Stycco Flex also has improved application properties; it is now easier to gun out and has better nip-off qualities, meaning no mess and less waste. The ability to apply to vertical substrates has been improved to ensure there is no slipping or sliding when using it to bond accessories in these types of situations.
F. Ball has also launched a new, improved version of its popular Styccobond F41 carpet tile tackifier. The adhesive has been reformulated to provide improved coverage capabilities, faster drying time and increased tack, whilst still allowing carpet tiles to be lifted easily when required. Flooring contractors will also notice that Styccobond F41 is now significantly easier to apply as a result of reduced viscosity.
www.f-ball.com/en ADHESIVES & SEALANTS | 27
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