Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Development

Applique films are under consideration as replacements for traditional paint based coating systems in newer military aircraft. Despite advantages in decreased corrosion, their practical use for this application has been hindered due to poor adhesion, particularly at extreme temperatures. To enable this promising technology, revolutionary developments in new pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) systems must be accomplished to achieve excellent peel strength (2-8 lbs) at the temperatures to which the surface of the aircraft will be exposed (-55 to 140°C). Luna proposes a novel polymeric system based on our current developments that will surpass these requirements with excellent adhesion to a wide range of materials within this temperature range. This program will produce a new class of low volatile organic compound (VOC) adhesives that will demonstrate superior adhesion to polyurethane, nylon, polyimide, and fluoropolymer films, as well as to metal and composite substrates.