Monobenzoate useful as a plasticizer in adhesive preparations

Abstract

A unique monobenzoate useful as a plasticizer in polymeric dispersions, such as adhesives, comprising 3-phenyl propyl benzoate, a monobenzoate ester used as a flavor and fragrance additive, but not heretofore utilized as a plasticizer for polymeric dispersions, such as adhesives, caulks and sealants. The inventive monobenzoate provides a suitable non-phthalate, lower VOC alternative plasticizer that is compatible with a wide variety of polymers. Advantages rendered by the use of the inventive monobenzoate include, among other things, excellent viscosity response, low viscosity, viscosity stability, improved rheology, good film formation and comparable or better adhesion, peel strength, set time, open time, chalk point and MFFT, compared with that achieved by traditional plasticizers. The inventive monobenzoate also has an excellent health, safety and environmental profile and provides a viable alternative for adhesives used in food contact applications, such as packaging, where migratory concerns are an issue.

1 . A monobenzoate plasticizer for use in polymeric compositions, comprising 3-phenyl propyl benzoate. 
     
     
         2 . An adhesive composition comprising:
 a. a polymeric dispersion; and   b. a plasticizer that is 3-phenyl propyl benzoate,   wherein the 3-phenyl propyl benzoate is used to provide viscosity response, improved open and set times, MFFT, and Tg suppression and facilitates formation of the adhesive bond, whether used alone as a primary plasticizer or as a secondary plasticizer in combination with other traditional plasticizers.   
     
     
         3 . The plasticizer as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric composition is waterborne latex glue. 
     
     
         4 . The plasticizer as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric composition is a caulk composition. 
     
     
         5 . The plasticizer composition of  claim 1 , wherein the polymeric composition is a sealant composition. 
     
     
         6 . The adhesive composition of  claim 2 ,
 wherein the polymeric dispersion is waterborne and the polymer is selected from the group consisting of waterborne acrylics, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate ethylene, methacrylates, styrene acrylates, polychloroprenes, polyurethanes, and nitriles.   
     
     
         7 . The adhesive composition of  claim 2 , wherein the polymeric dispersion is non-aqueous and the polymer is selected from the group consisting of acrylics, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl acetate ethylene, methacrylate, styrene acrylate, polychloroprenes, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polysulfides, aminos, epoxies and polyamides. 
     
     
         8 . A plasticizer comprising a blend of 3-phenyl propyl benzoate in combination with other plasticizers comprising: phthalate plasticizers up to C5, phosphate esters up to C4, terephthalates, polyesters, citrates, adipates, succinates, 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylate esters, isobutyrates, alkyl glycol esters, sulfonamides, sulfonic acid esters, benzoates, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         9 . A plasticizer comprising a blend of 3-phenyl propyl benzoate in combination with other plasticizers comprising: isononyl benzoate, isodecyl benzoate, 2-ethyl hexyl benzoate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate, or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A method of providing viscosity response, improved open and set times, Tg suppression and formation of the adhesive bond in adhesive formulations, comprising:
 a. adding a plasticizer that is 3-phenyl propyl benzoate to a polymeric dispersion.