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Improve Adhesive Strength with PARALOID™ Impact Modifiers
Dow’s PARALOID™ Impact Modifier portfolio includes toughening agents for structural adhesives that enhance mechanical properties and improve performance in the final product. They can be used in epoxy and methyl methacrylate (MMA) adhesive systems to enhance the mechanical performance of formulations for structural and challenging applications and where lightweight is a requirement.
Dispersible Core-Shell Rubber (CSR) Additives
PARALOID™ Impact Modifiers are based on dispersible core-shell rubber (CSR) technology and provide a dispersed nano particle that acts as a toughener for thermoset resins. PARALOID™ Impact Modifiers with a dispersible core-shell contribute to exceptional mechanical properties without significantly raising the viscosity of the resin matrix compared to other toughening technologies used in structural adhesives.
PARALOID™ Impact Modifiers are based on dispersible core-shell rubber (CSR) technology and provide a dispersed nano particle that acts as a toughener for thermoset resins. PARALOID™ Impact Modifiers with a dispersible core-shell contribute to exceptional mechanical properties without significantly raising the viscosity of the resin matrix compared to other toughening technologies used in structural adhesives.
These nano-sized particles are manufactured with a rubbery core and a compatibilizing shell and impart excellent ambient and cold-temperature impact strength with extended weathering resistance. The particles are isolated in powder form to allow for ease of storage, transportation, handling, and dosing.
To achieve a seamless dispersion process, vital for formulation and performance, new designs in surface interaction and chemistry were employed, along with advanced isolation techniques. This can be seen illustrated in the dispersion triangle below:
To achieve a seamless dispersion process, vital for formulation and performance, new designs in surface interaction and chemistry were employed, along with advanced isolation techniques. This can be seen illustrated in the dispersion triangle below:
Epoxy Adhesives
Epoxy adhesives are commonly used in demanding and high-performance applications, but their brittleness and rigidity can pose mechanical issues. To address this challenge, epoxy resin systems require the inclusion of a readily dispersible impact modifier additive like PARALOID™ TMS-2670J Impact Modifier. This versatile additive enhances toughness and durability while preserving the resin's heat resistance properties. With its chemical resistance, adhesion to difficult substrates, and electrical insulation properties, PARALOID™ TMS-2670J Impact Modifier effectively transforms epoxy resin systems, rectifying their brittle mechanical nature while retaining their desirable attributes.
Epoxy adhesives are commonly used in demanding and high-performance applications, but their brittleness and rigidity can pose mechanical issues. To address this challenge, epoxy resin systems require the inclusion of a readily dispersible impact modifier additive like PARALOID™ TMS-2670J Impact Modifier. This versatile additive enhances toughness and durability while preserving the resin's heat resistance properties. With its chemical resistance, adhesion to difficult substrates, and electrical insulation properties, PARALOID™ TMS-2670J Impact Modifier effectively transforms epoxy resin systems, rectifying their brittle mechanical nature while retaining their desirable attributes.
PARALOID™ TMS-2670J Impact Modifier provides a dispersed rubber phase that enhances fracture strength and impact durability in epoxy-based thermosets. This MBS impact modifier provides measurable increases in epoxy's toughness compared to competitive products. Remarkably, PARALOID™ TMS-2670J Impact Modifier achieves significantly improved fracture toughness even at lower dosage levels, surpassing other impact modifiers by threefold.
Epoxy adhesive compositions also require reduced maintenance due to their weatherability and outstanding fatigue resistance.
PARALOID™ TMS-2670J improves adhesion strength when tested on various substrates, such as thermoplastics or metals as highlighted in the chart below.
PARALOID™ TMS-2670J contributes to better energy and productivity savings based on the time and temperature required for curing and dispersing. The chart below demonstrates enhanced mixing, curing, and productivity in epoxy formulations, as evidenced by improvements in glass transition temperature and viscosity.
Furthermore, the newest MBS Impact modifier grade, PARALOID™ TMS-2672 Impact Modifier, exhibits a slight increase in viscosity over a base epoxy resin and a considerable reduction in viscosity compared to traditional CSR additives.
- Improves toughness in room- and extreme-temperature conditions
- Will not change the Tg of cured resins
- Increases adhesion strength and elongation
PARALOID™ TMS-2672 Impact Modifier offers high-quality dispersion capabilities compared to a competitive CSR additive shown below.
MMA Adhesives
Methyl methacrylate adhesives (MMA) are widely used in a variety of market applications such as marine, aerospace, automotive vehicles (buses and trucks), and alternative energy (wind turbines). MMA adhesives can cure rapidly and develop their full strength in room-temperature environments, and this fast reaction and cure give MMA its advantage in the adhesives market. They also bond to critical substrates such as thermoplastics, thermoset composites, and various metals.
PARALOID™ TMS-2672 Impact Modifier is a critical factor for optimal strength in MMA adhesive with an excellent dispersion rate. PARALOID™ TMS-2672 provides that key dispersion factor by delivering a lower viscosity for MMA thermoset adhesives.
Methyl methacrylate adhesives (MMA) are widely used in a variety of market applications such as marine, aerospace, automotive vehicles (buses and trucks), and alternative energy (wind turbines). MMA adhesives can cure rapidly and develop their full strength in room-temperature environments, and this fast reaction and cure give MMA its advantage in the adhesives market. They also bond to critical substrates such as thermoplastics, thermoset composites, and various metals.
PARALOID™ TMS-2672 Impact Modifier is a critical factor for optimal strength in MMA adhesive with an excellent dispersion rate. PARALOID™ TMS-2672 provides that key dispersion factor by delivering a lower viscosity for MMA thermoset adhesives.
| 25% CSR Polymer Powder in MMA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | Viscosity at 25 C, KCP | ||
| PARALOID™ BTA-751U | > 1000 | ||
| PARALOID™ TMS-2670J | 250 | ||
| PARALOID™ TMS-2672 | 20 | ||
With many different adhesive systems on the market today, MMA and epoxy offer various benefits for automotive, marine, building and construction, and other demanding applications. Dow PARALOID™ Impact Modifiers improve adhesion to difficult substrates, such as metal, and increase fatigue performance. Talk to one of our technical specialists today to discuss which grade works best for your application.
PARALOID and the DOW Diamond are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow.
NOTICE: No freedom from infringement of any patent owned by Dow or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate for Customer's use and for ensuring that Customer's workplace and disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other government enactments. The product shown in this literature may not be available for sale and/or available in all geographies where Dow is represented. The claims made may not have been approved for use in all countries. Dow assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean the Dow legal entity selling the products to Customer unless otherwise expressly noted. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
NOTICE: No freedom from infringement of any patent owned by Dow or others is to be inferred. Because use conditions and applicable laws may differ from one location to another and may change with time, Customer is responsible for determining whether products and the information in this document are appropriate for Customer's use and for ensuring that Customer's workplace and disposal practices are in compliance with applicable laws and other government enactments. The product shown in this literature may not be available for sale and/or available in all geographies where Dow is represented. The claims made may not have been approved for use in all countries. Dow assumes no obligation or liability for the information in this document. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean the Dow legal entity selling the products to Customer unless otherwise expressly noted. NO WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN; ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
Why is impact modification important for epoxy-based structural panels?
Epoxy resins are widely used in structural composites, adhesives, coatings, and castings, including applications associated with aerospace structures, wind energy components, and marine construction. While epoxies offer strong adhesion and mechanical performance, they are inherently brittle if not toughened, which can limit fracture resistance and impact performance in structural panel applications.
What toughening strategy is commonly used in epoxy composite formulations?
A widely recognized approach is the incorporation of a dispersed rubber phase within the epoxy matrix. This method is regarded as effective for improving fracture resistance and impact strength in brittle epoxy systems used in structural applications.
How do Dow’s PARALOID™ Impact Modifiers function in epoxy panel formulations?
PARALOID™ Impact Modifiers are based on dispersible core shell rubber (CSR) technology designed for liquid thermoset resins such as epoxy. Each powder grain contains aggregates of billions of submicron particles that disperse during mixing. Effective toughening depends on dispersing these aggregates into individual particles or very small clusters within the epoxy matrix.
Why is CSR design relevant for composite panel processing?
CSR particles feature cross-linked rubber cores and acrylic shells that are highly compatible with epoxy resins. The shells are functionalized to promote interaction with the epoxy matrix. This design supports consistent morphology independent of mixing and processing conditions, which is important for reproducibility across panel manufacturing processes.
How does dispersion quality influence final panel performance?
Dispersion quality is critical because toughness efficiency is achieved only when large aggregates are broken down into smaller structures. Faster and more complete dispersion is preferred, as it impacts production efficiency, equipment utilization, and final thermoset properties in epoxy composite systems.
What types of property improvements are associated with PARALOID™ Impact Modifiers in epoxy systems?
Documented benefits of PARALOID™ Impact Modifiers for thermosets include improved toughness at room and subzero temperatures, increased elongation at break, enhanced fatigue performance, and improved adhesion to metal substrates, while not affecting the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the cured epoxy.
How do CSR impact modifiers compare to traditional liquid rubber tougheners?
Traditional CTBN liquid rubber toughening relies on forming an epoxy adduct and is highly dependent on formulation composition and cure conditions. It typically requires higher loadings and can introduce higher viscosity or reductions in Tg and modulus if phase separation is not well controlled. CSR impact modifiers use a different mechanism and provide morphology that is less dependent on processing variables.
Why is viscosity control relevant for aerospace, wind, and marine panels?
Epoxy systems used for composite panels often require controlled viscosity for efficient processing. Newer Dow CSR materials demonstrate minimal viscosity increase compared to neat epoxy and significantly lower viscosity than traditional dispersible CSR materials at comparable loadings, indicating high quality dispersion behavior.
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