Natural Rubber Latex Adhesive for Vinyl Tiles

Manufacturer: We are manufacturer of adhesives for a varied applications. Lately one of our customers requested that we develop a water-based adhesive based on natural rubber latex for vinyl tiles. We would appreciate if you can guide us on the formulation of such adhesives.

John Woon (Senior Latex Consultant): Here's my simplified explanation and guides for your evaluation. As requested, the detailed formulation and mixing method have been sent to you separately:

1) The formulation I suggested is suitable for a number of substrates including plaster, wood and concrete.

2) To achieve sufficient tackiness, both terpene-phenolic resin and coumarone resin are to be used.

3) To obtain gap-filling property and stiffness while reducing material cost, filler such as clay can be used.

4) To assist in wetting property, the usual level of latex stabilisers/soaps can be increased.

5) To aid spreading and to retard the loss of water when used on concrete and porous substrates, a thickener should be added to the adhesive.

6) Both LATZ and HA latex concentrates can be used.

7) ZDEC can be added to act as an antioxidant and fungicide.