Overview of Styrenic Block Copolymer Based Adhesives
Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBC) based adhesives are hot-melt, thermoplastic, pressure-sensitive or structural adhesive systems formulated using block copolymers such as SIS, SBS, SEBS and SEPS. They are widely used where high flexibility, excellent tack, fast set time and good heat resistance are required.
Meaning and Definition
SBC based adhesives are synthetic polymer adhesives in which the primary binder is a styrene-elastomer-styrene copolymer.
They offer a balance of rubber-like elasticity and thermoplastic processing performance.
Properties of Styrenic Block Copolymer Adhesives
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High flexibility and elongation
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Fast setting and strong initial tack
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Excellent adhesion to porous and non-porous substrates
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Wide viscosity control
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Good heat resistance (SEBS grades offer better performance)
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Compatible with tackifiers, waxes and plasticizers
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Thermoplastic – re-meltable and recyclable
Types of SBC Adhesives
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SIS based adhesives – high tack, used mainly for tapes and labels
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SBS based adhesives – economical, strong bonding for packaging and construction
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SEBS based adhesives – superior heat, UV and oxidation resistance
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SEPS based adhesives – premium elasticity and clarity
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SBC hot melt adhesives (HMA)
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SBC pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA)
Applications of Styrenic Block Copolymer Based Adhesives
1. Packaging Industry
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Case and carton sealing
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Paper bags and envelopes
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Flexible packaging lamination
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Hot-melt sealing for food and industrial boxes
2. Hygiene Products
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Baby diapers
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Adult incontinence pads
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Feminine hygiene products
SBC adhesives offer soft bonding, high peel strength and skin-friendly performance.
3. Tapes and Labels
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Pressure-sensitive tapes
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Packaging tapes
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Removable label adhesives
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Double-sided adhesive tapes
4. Bookbinding & Graphic Arts
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Perfect binding
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Spine gluing
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Cover lamination
5. Woodworking
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Furniture assembly
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Edge banding
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Profile wrapping
6. Construction & Flooring
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Carpet installation
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Tile fixing
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Underlayment bonding
7. Automotive Applications
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Interior trim bonding
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Sound-dampening layers
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Foam and fabric lamination
8. Footwear Industry
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Shoe sole attachment
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Insole lamination
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Fabric-foam constructions
9. Nonwoven Products
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Lamination of textiles
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Filter media bonding
Advantages of SBC Based Adhesives
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Very fast setting time
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Good balance of tack–peel–shear strength
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High flexibility even at low temperatures
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Thermal stability in modern HMA lines
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Low odor, clean processing
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Cost-effective compared to polyurethane or EVA systems
Summary
Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBC) based adhesives—including SIS, SBS, SEBS and SEPS—are versatile hot-melt and pressure-sensitive systems widely used in packaging, hygiene products, tapes, woodworking, footwear, automotive interior bonding and construction. Their combination of high tack, flexibility, fast setting and compatibility with various tackifiers makes them one of the most important adhesive families in industrial production.
