Block copolymer KRATON D1184 ASM

Description

KRATON® D1184 ASM is an asymmetric (branched) styrene-butadiene block copolymer (SBS) produced by Kraton Corporation. Grade designation: D — diene (butadiene)-based SBS series, 1184 — internal formulation index, ASM — Asymmetric (a branched molecular architecture with radial, star-shaped chains, as opposed to the linear D series).

The styrene content of 30 wt % is a medium concentration that provides a balance of strength and elasticity. The branched architecture gives D1184 ASM three critically important properties that set it apart from linear SBS: 1) low melt viscosity at standard processing temperatures — easier hot-melt processing and adhesive application; 2) high cohesive strength — the adhesive does not flow under load; 3) retention of elasticity over a wide temperature range.

Supplied as a powder dusted with amorphous silica (anti-block agent) to prevent caking during storage and transport. This is a distinctive feature of D1184 ASM compared with pelletized SBS grades, which are more convenient for pellet feeding of extruders but less effective for direct hot-melt compounding.

Typical parameters: polystyrene content 30 wt %, MFR ~5–10 g/10 min (200 °C / 5 kg), Mooney viscosity ML(1+4) 100 °C ≈ 50, Shore A hardness ~65–75, tensile strength 25–30 MPa, elongation at break 700–900 %, compression set 30–40 % at 70 °C / 22 h. Density 0.94 g/cm³.

Key advantages

• Low melt viscosity — easier hot-melt processing, lower compounding energy consumption
• High cohesive strength combined with high adhesion — an ideal balance for PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesives)
• Branched architecture — better hot-melt stability compared with linear SBS
• Good solubility in hydrocarbon solvents (toluene, cyclohexane) — for solvent-based adhesives
• Compatibility with hydrocarbon resins and paraffins for tackifier formulation
• Elasticity down to −40 °C — suitable for cold climates
• Standard styrene content of 30 % — a balance of strength and elasticity (for higher adhesion — D-series grades with 15-20% styrene, for higher strength — 40 %)
• Powder form with anti-block — easy dosing into compounding equipment

Applications

• Hot-melt adhesives (HMA): industrial hot-melt adhesives for packaging, carton converting, furniture edging and lamination — the main market for D1184 ASM
• Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA): hot-melt adhesives for self-adhesive labels, tapes, medical plasters and hygiene products (diapers, feminine hygiene)
• Adhesives for hygiene products: construction and elastic adhesives in the manufacture of diapers and sanitary pads — bonding nonwovens, elastic strips, tampons
• Construction adhesives and sealants: assembly adhesives based on hydrocarbon resins, silicone and SBS sealants
• Bitumen modifier (PMB): addition of 3–5 % to bitumen to improve the elastic-plastic properties of asphalt concrete and extend the service temperature range of road pavements (polymer-modified bitumen)
• Roofing mastics and membranes: bituminous roofing materials with improved elasticity and crack resistance
• Shoe soles: compounding with other SBS / SBR / extender oils for the production of soles for sports and casual footwear
• Plastics modifier: impact modifier for PS and PP at 5–15 % loading — increases impact strength, especially at low temperatures

Limitations

• SBS is an unsaturated elastomer; not for long-term outdoor service under UV exposure without UV stabilization (for outdoor use — hydrogenated SEBS grades, e.g. the Kraton G series)
• Sensitivity to ozone — cracking of surface layers at ozone concentrations >0.1 ppm
• Not for contact with aromatic solvents (dissolves in toluene and xylene)
• Not for continuous high-temperature service above 80 °C (Tg of the polystyrene blocks is ~95 °C — cohesive strength is lost above this)

Global market counterparts: ENI Versalis Europrene® Sol T 161 (linear SBS 30 %), Total Cray Valley Calprene® C 540 (radial SBS), Asahi Kasei Tufprene® A (linear SBS), LCY Globalprene® 3540 (radial SBS). KRATON® is the original brand of Kraton Corporation (USA/Netherlands).

The stated values are measured using in-house methods close to the corresponding ISO, ASTM and GOST standards. This information is for reference only and does not constitute an official batch data sheet. Please request the TDS and MSDS for the specific batch before industrial use.