Methacrylate binders from Evonik, marketed as DEGALAN, offer unique possibilities for formulation of heat-sealing lacquers. They are used in the sealing of yoghurt containers and Pharmaceutical blister packaging. 

The requirements placed on packaging coatings are high because packaging substrates can vary widely. Yogurt lids, for example, consist of aluminum or plastic; these in turn must be sealed to a variety of container materials such as polypropylene (PP) polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). 

Evonik’s methacrylate experts have now succeeded in developing a new generation of heat-sealing bead polymers. The new product, DEGALAN VP P 34, reduces the complexity of coating formulation enormously because only a single binder is used and only one solvent is therefore necessary. The reason is that DEGALAN VP P 34 is a bead polymer that is easily soluble in ethyl acetate, a commonly used, highly volatile solvent for heat-sealing lacquer formulations. 

DEGALAN VP P 34 based formulations can be applied directly on the aluminum foil so that primers or formulations with a PVC-based adhesion promoter, which are still necessary today, can now be dispensed with. 

A further advantage is the heat seal strength on a variety of substrates and over a range of temperatures. A coating based on DEGALAN VP P34 applied on aluminum foil and sealed against PVC blister packs, has a heat seal strength exceeding 7 N/15 mm at a sealing temperature of 180 °C. For yogurt lids sealed against PS this same heat seal strength can be attained at a sealing temperature of only 140 °C. 

About Evonik
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders 
in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms. 

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2013 more than 33,500 employees generated sales of around ?2.7 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about ?.0 billion.
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_{Forward-looking Statements
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.}

Source: Evonik