Rosin Ester | High-Performance Tackifier for Adhesives & Coatings
Rosin ester, also known as glycerol ester of rosin (CAS 8050-31-5), is a versatile tackifying resin widely used in adhesive formulations, coatings, and polymer applications. This high-performance material offers excellent adhesion properties, thermal stability, and compatibility with various elastomers including SBS, SIS, EVA, and natural rubber systems.
Product Overview
Rosin ester is produced through the esterification of wood rosin or gum rosin with glycerol, creating a stable, light-colored tackifying resin. The resulting product maintains the beneficial properties of natural rosin while offering improved thermal stability, reduced odor, and enhanced compatibility with modern polymer systems. This chemical modification transforms the acidic rosin into a neutral ester, making it suitable for applications requiring low acidity and excellent aging resistance.
The molecular structure of rosin ester consists primarily of glycerol di- and tri-esters of resin acids, with abietic acid derivatives being the predominant components. This unique chemistry provides exceptional tackifying properties while maintaining good thermal and oxidative stability, making it an ideal choice for demanding industrial applications.
Key Features & Benefits
- Superior Tackifying Performance: Excellent initial tack and peel adhesion strength
- Broad Polymer Compatibility: Works effectively with SBS, SIS, EVA, natural rubber, and synthetic elastomers
- Thermal Stability: Maintains properties at elevated processing temperatures up to 180°C
- Light Color: Pale amber appearance suitable for light-colored formulations
- Low Odor: Minimal volatile emissions during processing and application
- Excellent Solubility: Dissolves readily in aromatic solvents, esters, and ketones
- Oxidation Resistance: Enhanced stability compared to unmodified rosin
- Cost-Effective: Economic tackifier solution for various applications
Applications
Rosin ester finds extensive use across multiple industries due to its versatile tackifying properties:
Hot Melt Adhesives
Essential component in EVA-based hot melt adhesives for packaging, bookbinding, and woodworking applications. Provides excellent heat resistance and bond strength.
Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
Key tackifier in SIS and SBS-based PSA formulations for tapes, labels, and medical adhesives, offering balanced tack and cohesive strength.
Solvent-Based Adhesives
Widely used in natural rubber and synthetic rubber adhesive systems for automotive, construction, and industrial assembly applications.
Road Marking Paints
Functions as a binder and tackifier in thermoplastic road marking formulations, providing durability and weather resistance.
Protective Coatings
Used in alkyd resin systems and protective coatings to enhance hardness, gloss, and adhesion properties.
Technical Specifications
Rosin ester typically appears as a hard, pale amber-colored solid with excellent thermal stability. Key properties include a softening point range of 85-95°C, low acid number (≤10 mgKOH/g), and excellent solubility in organic solvents. The material demonstrates good compatibility with various polymer systems and maintains stability under normal storage conditions.
For full details, please view our datasheet (TDS).
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to unmodified rosin, rosin ester offers superior thermal stability, lower acidity, and reduced crystallization tendency. When compared to hydrocarbon resins, rosin ester provides better adhesion to polar substrates and enhanced compatibility with natural rubber systems. Alternative tackifiers include pentaerythritol ester of rosin (offering higher softening point) and hydrogenated rosin ester (providing improved color stability and oxidation resistance).
The choice between different rosin derivatives depends on specific application requirements such as temperature resistance, color requirements, and polymer compatibility needs.
FAQ
What is Rosin Ester used for?
Rosin ester is primarily used as a tackifying resin in adhesive formulations, including hot melt adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, and solvent-based systems. It's also used in road marking paints, protective coatings, and various polymer applications.
Is Rosin Ester suitable for high-temperature applications?
Yes, rosin ester demonstrates good thermal stability up to 180°C, making it suitable for hot melt adhesive processing and applications requiring moderate heat resistance. For higher temperature requirements, consider hydrogenated or modified rosin esters.
What's the difference between Rosin Ester and Pentaerythritol Ester of Rosin?
Rosin ester (glycerol ester) typically has a lower softening point (85-95°C) and offers good flexibility, while pentaerythritol ester of rosin provides higher softening points (100-115°C) and enhanced thermal stability for more demanding applications.
Can Rosin Ester be used with water-based systems?
Rosin ester is not water-soluble and is primarily designed for solvent-based and hot melt systems. For water-based applications, consider rosin soap or specially modified water-dispersible rosin derivatives.
What polymers are compatible with Rosin Ester?
Rosin ester shows excellent compatibility with SBS, SIS, EVA, natural rubber, synthetic rubber (SBR, CR), and various thermoplastic elastomers. It's particularly effective in styrenic block copolymer formulations.
Contact Rosin Ester Supplier Shenzhen Bohr Chem
Ready to enhance your formulations with high-quality rosin ester? Contact us today for product samples, specifications, or custom solutions tailored to your industrial needs.