Cold-Apply Adhesive for Apparel Labels

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved washable adhesives that can effectively bind labels and embellishments to apparel fabrics, including heat-sensitive materials, without leaving a heat mark or 'halo' and allowing for easier application and later application in the manufacturing or aftermarket processes, while providing superior wash resistance and adhesion.

Innovation Solution

A crosslinkable pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising acrylic polymers with functional groups, specifically a combination of ethylenically unsaturated monomers with hydroxy and carboxyl substituents, and polyisocyanate and polyaziridine or polyepoxy crosslinking agents, which react to form a strong bond with fabrics, ensuring high shear strength and wash resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional heat-based adhesives are used to bind labels to apparel fabrics, then strong adhesion is achieved, but heat marks or 'halos' are left on heat-sensitive materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidheat marks on fabric

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal energy-based adhesion with mechanical pressure-sensitive adhesion. The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition bonds labels through applied pressure rather than heat, eliminating thermal damage to heat-sensitive fabrics while maintaining strong adhesion through the crosslinked polymer network structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bonding mechanism from thermal to mechanical/chemical parameters. By using a pressure-sensitive adhesive that cures through crosslinking reactions (isocyanate, aziridine, or epoxy groups) rather than thermal melting, the process parameters shift from temperature-dependent to pressure and time-dependent bonding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If traditional adhesives are used for label application, then binding strength is achieved, but wash resistance deteriorates after multiple wash cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding strengthVSAvoidwash resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite adhesive system combining acrylic polymer base resins with multiple crosslinking agents (isocyanate, aziridine, and/or epoxy groups). This composite structure creates a three-dimensional crosslinked network that provides both strong initial adhesion and exceptional wash resistance, maintaining bond integrity through repeated washing cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces functional groups with specific local properties (isocyanate, aziridine, epoxy) distributed throughout the adhesive composition. These localized reactive groups form crosslinks at critical bond points, creating regions of enhanced strength and wash resistance within the adhesive matrix

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If pressure-sensitive adhesives are used for seamless application, then ease of operation is improved, but adhesion durability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication easeVSAvoidadhesion durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates crosslinking agents (isocyanate, aziridine, or epoxy groups) into the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition in advance. These preliminary incorporated reactive groups remain dormant during application but activate afterward to form crosslinked networks, providing durable adhesion without compromising the ease of initial pressure-sensitive application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a continuous bonding process where pressure-sensitive adhesion initiates the bond, and subsequent crosslinking reactions continuously strengthen and seal the bond. This continuous action from initial contact through crosslinking ensures both ease of application and long-term adhesion durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adhesive provides seamless application without sewing or fabric penetration, maintains adhesion through multiple wash cycles, and offers superior wash resistance and peel strength, suitable for various fabric types including heat-sensitive materials, ensuring labels and embellishments remain firmly attached.

Implementation Method 1

a polyisocyanate crosslinking agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a polyaziridine crosslinking agent or a polyepoxy crosslinking agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrosslinking reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10563102B2Wash durable cold apply adhesive for apparel labeling and embellishment

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 AVERY DENNISON RETAIL INFORMATION SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A pressure sensitive adhesive composition, comprising a first acrylic resin having from 1% to 10% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a hydroxy substituent; a second acrylic resin having from 1% to 10% by weight of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having an acidic carboxyl group; a polyisocyanate crosslinking agent; and a polyaziridine crosslinking agent or a polyepoxy crosslinking agent.