Flock Adhesives

There are many types of water and solvent-based adhesives available. These include acrylics, polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - both latex and plastisol, styrene butadiene (SBR) and butadiene acrylonitrile (NBR) - epoxies and urethanes.

The adhesive(s) chosen for a particular flocking job must possess the characteristics needed in the finished product. Desired characteristics might include solvent resistance, washability, rigidity or flexibility, pigmentation, flame retardancy, or other requirements specified by the designer. For example, an acrylic might be used to achieve good lightfast properties; a PVC might provide the desired adhesion to vinyl; or a urethane might be used for added toughness. When flock coating is to be done through electrostatic means, the conductive characteristics of the adhesive are an important variable.

There are many methods available for applying flock adhesives. In roll-to-roll flocking, adhesive is usually applied with knife, reverse roll, or roll-over-platform coaters. Other flock adhesive application methods include engraved rolls, spray applicators, rotary screen printers, silk-screen, dipping, brushing, and spraying.