Benzoflex® 352 for Hot-Melt Adhesives

Technical Advantages of Benzoflex® 352 for Hot-Melt Adhesives Without proper plasticization, HMAs can become brittle, difficult to process, or exhibit weak adhesion in nonporous or flexible substrates. Traditional liquid plasticizers lower Tg (glass transition temperature) but can weaken cohesive strength. Solid plasticizers like Benzoflex® 352 bridge this gap by delivering flexibility while maintaining structural integrity. Benzoflex® 352 offers the following technical advantages for hot-melt adhesive formulations.

 

• Fast Set Times with High Crystallinity: High melting points (118°C for the predominant trans isomer) that enable rapid crystallization, viscosity control, and fast set times without imparting unwanted pressure-sensitive behavior

 

• Excellent Polymer Compatibility: Works effectively with EVA, SBC (SBS & SIS), APAO, and polyurethane-based HMAs, ensuring stable formulations

 

• Improved Flexibility & Tack: Provides long-lasting softness and tack, enhancing adhesion to both porous (paper, wood) and nonporous (plastics, films, foils) substrates

 

• Low Volatility & High Stability: Maintains performance under elevated processing and service temperatures, reducing fogging and migration risks

 

• Enhanced Processing Efficiency: Reduces melt viscosity, improving flow, wetting, and overall processability during extrusion or coating

 

• Improved Cohesive Strength: Enhances bond durability, ensuring adhesives maintain strength under stress

 

• Extended Open Time: Gives converters flexibility during application without slowing overall production

 

• Durability & Performance: Contributes to adhesives that remain strong and flexible over time, even under dynamic stress or vibration

Hot-Melt Adhesive Applications

Benzoflex® 352 improves performance in multiple hot-melt adhesive applications, including:

 

Comparison to Alternative Plasticizers

Benzoflex® 352 offers a safer, higher-performing replacement compared to dicyclohexyl phthalate or glycerol tribenzoate with broader compatibility and improved handling properties.

Conclusion

For formulators looking to improve hot-melt adhesive performance, Benzoflex® 352 provides a unique balance of fast set times, strong cohesive strength, extended open time, and substrate compatibility. Its solid-state characteristics make it a superior alternative to liquid plasticizers, ensuring adhesives are both efficient to process and reliable in service. If you are interested in technical data sheets or would like to talk to an expert, click the link below to learn how Benzoflex® 352 can improve hot-melt formulations.