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Adhesion is a combination of chemical and physical processes that determines how well adhesive labels and coatings attach to different substrates on a macroscopic level. Adhesion depends on molecular interactions and bonding that take place on a microscopic level, for instance, between an inorganic ingredient and a polymer in a coating formulation.
The process that leads to adhesion is highly diverse, and takes place on different length scales and on different time scales. For a pressure-sensitive adhesive it results from compressing two surfaces in less than a second. For coatings, it results from drying of a fluid formulation on a solid surface in minutes.
Currently there is no conventional, high-throughput adhesion test that is applicable to both pressure-sensitive adhesives and coatings. To bridge this gap, we seek to find or develop an innovative fast adhesion screening test capable of evaluating the adhesion properties of 20-50 samples daily.
This capability would enable us to efficiently screen a large number of model recipes, enhancing our understanding of the factors that influence adhesion in specific applications. We intend to utilize this rapid adhesion testing tool for preliminary assessments, allowing us to refine our approach before advancing to more detailed and targeted application tests.
We are looking for technologies, tools and methodologies capable of generating relative adhesion data from coating applications across multiple industries - including automotive, furniture, and architecture - or from pressure-sensitive adhesives. We are interested in technologies that can provide an evaluation of both microscopic and/or macroscopic adhesion factors, preferably through methods designed to analyze the failure of samples, thereby providing insights applicable to real-life applications. We are also interested in partnership opportunities to co-develop a technology solution aimed at creating a tool or equipment for rapid adhesion testing.
- Innovative testing technology or a combination of methods that can evaluate adhesion for adhesives and coatings
- Eventual solution after development must be fast enough to allow 50 adhesion tests per day with minimum manual labor.
- Solution should be capable of adapting to test adhesion on larger interfaces, such as coated articles or adhesive labels
- Eventual solution after development can be operated by trained analytics lab staff and does not require complicated infrastructure.
- The ideal solution should operate in an automated or semi-automated manner to enhance efficiency.
- A technology method that has NO potential to be developed into a commercial testing apparatus within 3-4 years.
- After 3-4 years: a testing apparatus that cannot be manufactured and sold by an analytical instruments company (because we need the after-sales service of an analytical tools company).
As a global chemical company, we operate in diverse markets with varying requirements. To ensure responsible conduct and maintain our license to operate, we are guided by our core values and standards. These values shape our daily actions and foster respectful relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners.
Our teams are committed to putting health and safety first, making sustainability a part of every decision, and meeting strict compliance and environmental standards. We embrace diversity—in people, perspectives, and experiences—and promote open feedback grounded in honesty, respect, and trust. We see setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.
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