Chlorinated & Non-Chlorinated Spray Glues: We Explain The Differences
General-purpose spray glues such as Timbond Professional Spray Adhesive are widely used and, providing standard safety precautions are taken, these present a low risk to workers and the environment. As non-chlorinated (NC) contact glues are promoted as a safer alternative, let’s compare the two products to see which might be the better one for you to use.
Why Are Non-Chlorinated Contact Glues Safer?
Most general-purpose spray contact glues are what we call chlorinated glues, containing a solvent called dichloromethane. This can be a health hazard, known to cause skin irritation, serious eye irritation and possible drowsiness or dizziness. It is also suspected of being a cause of cancer and triggering health issues if the spray or vapour is inhaled.Â
As a dichloromethane-free spray glue, Timbond Professional NC Spray Adhesive is less hazardous than chlorinated contact glues.
What Precautions Should Be Taken With Chlorinated Contact Glues?
These measures include using adequate and appropriate PPE, keeping the container and glue spray away from sources of heat or ignition, not inhaling the vapours or glue spray and disposing of empty containers and glue residue appropriately. Always use them in a well-ventilated space or outdoors, cover any exposed skin and use the correct filters on appropriate breathing apparatus.
Having said that, all contact glues contain substances that cause problems if they are inhaled, ingested or get into the eyes. Even NC contact glues require suitable safety measures including appropriate PPE and responsible handling of the product and waste residues.
How Does Their Performance Compare?
As a general rule, contact glues that contain dichloromethane have a lower flash point, meaning they dry faster. They are also often the preferred choice for bonding to hard plastics such as polypropylene (PP), as they will etch into the surface of the plastic and develop a better bond strength.
Timbond Professional NC Spray Adhesive is different to other NC contact spray glues, drying as quickly as a dichloromethane-based contact spray glue but safer to use. It also features a long open time, good heat resistance and a finer spray pattern that delivers more uniform coverage. Â
So Which Spray Contact Glue Should I Choose?
Adkwik is committed to providing glues that balance performance with user safety. If all safety precautions are followed closely there is no reason why either product should be a cause for concern.
However, if you are unable to provide a suitable working environment for chlorinated contact glues or if you have a particular concern for workers’ safety – for example, if you using spray glue in high volumes, are unable to fully contain spray fumes within the working area or have workers who are susceptible to skin or lung conditions – you may need to consider switching to a dichloromethane-free contact spray glue.
Both of these Timbond products are fast, efficient bonding methods, held in stock for immediate despatch.
If you would like more information on Timbond contact spray glues, call 01223 412373 to speak with a member of the friendly technical and sales team at Adkwik.
