Water soluble EVOH for adhesives and coatings

 
The novel EU directive on Single Use Plastic is defining new recycling benchmarks for coatings and adhesives. PVOH is used as a raw material to produce aqueous adhesives solutions in a similar manner as natural products. PVOH has the advantage of a more uniform chemical structure and greater adhesion. However the hydrophilic nature of PVOH is well known to have detrimental impacts on the water resistance of the coated layer. In this study we will present the performance of water soluble EVOH in formulated adhesives and coatings. The paper will clearly show that water soluble EVOH have a significantly better water resistance and barrier performance than PVOH therefore allowing the reduction of conventional crosslinking agents in adhesives applications. The barrier properties against oxygen, aroma, oil, grease and mineral oils of water soluble EVOH will be reviewed for biodegradable, compostable and repulpable paper structures.