Adcote 1640 January 2010 Page 1 of 4 

ADCOTETM 1640 

Laminating Adhesive 

Description

Adcote 1640, a solution coating based on Mor-Ester

®

 49006 polyester resin. It provides excellent adhesion

to most plastic and metal surfaces, and can be used as a primer, heat seal coating, binding resin or ink

vehicle base. This product's performance can be further enhanced by using recommended coreactants.

Typical Properties (Not a Specification)

* 

Weight Solids 40%

Viscosity 1000 cps (Brookfield RVT, #4 Spindle, 20 rpm @ 75°F)

Density 7.9 lb/gal

Solvent MEK 

Recommended Diluents MEK, Toluene

Coreactant Coreactant F**

Mix Ratio 100 pbw Adcote 1640

 3.2 pbw Coreactant F

Shelf Life 360 Days (unopened containers)

*

These items are provided for general information only. They are approximate values and are not considered

part of a product specification. **Other coreactants are available for special uses. Consult your sales representative for further information.

Precautions 

See Material Safety Data Sheets for hazardous ingredients, flammability, disposal and related handling

information. Alcohols and similar materials containing active hydrogen can react with Adcote 1640 resin,

causing inadequate cure. Adcote 1640 resin can react or interact with other components of the structure. 

Retained solvents, slip additives, anti-block agents and contaminated solvents are some of the components

that may cause property changes in substrates and/or Adcote 1640 resin.

General Information

The initial color and clarity of Adcote 1640 resin will remain unchanged after outdoor exposure. In addition, 

Adcote 1640 resin is resistant to dilute acid and alkali solutions. When Adcote 1640 is mixed with 

coreactant, its tensile strength and resistance to chemical plasticizers, solvents and water are noticeably

improved, and its melting range increases. Also, with some substrates, the addition of a coreactant may

improve adhesion.

High molecular weight polyesters that are used in solution adhesives like Adcote 1640 have tendency to

form a reversible structure in solution with time. This structuring is accelerated when the adhesive is

exposed to temperatures below 50°F. The structuring is reversible if heat and shear is applied to the

adhesive. We recommend placing the container of adhesive in a steam cabinet, allowing venting of the 

container and heating to 110-140°F. After the adhesive reaches the proper temperature, mix the adhesive

in the container for 1-3 hours under moderate shear. Use of a disperser or “Cowles” type blade will

shorten the time needed.

Adcote 1640 January 2010 Page 1 of 4 

PACKAGING AND

CONVERTING 
Caution must be taken because of the flammability of the solvents used in the adhesive. Please 

review MSDS for hazards associated with the adhesive. 

Attempting to redisperse without heat may reduce the apparent viscosity, but not result in a 

homogeneous mix. Before using the adhesive, check, to make sure that all resin has returned to a true 

solution and no gels remain. 

Directions For Use 

Apply Adcote 1640 resin using any of the conventional methods, including gravure coater, reverse roll 

coater, knife and spraying. Dilution may be necessary. Apply enough wet coating to deposit 

0.15-0.25 dry mils (or approximately 2 - 6 lbs./3000 sq. ft.) and completely remove the solvents. 

The preferred method for bonding is to 1.) coat the more stable substrate, 2) heat so the glue line is 325°F 

minimum, and 3.) bond. A heated press can be used for general purpose bonding by employing enough 

pressure to ensure intimate contact between the adhesive and both surfaces, and holding this pressure until 

the glue line reaches 325° - 375°F. 

When using Coreactant F, use the amount shown in the Typical Properties section as a guide. The

optimum level of coreactant should be determined experimentally for each particular end use. Coating with 

coreactant is handled in the same manner as coating without coreactant. Curing begins after solvent 

removal and continues slowly at room temperature. Approximately 7-14 days are needed to complete the

cure at room temperature, but a post cure at elevated temperatures can reduce this time. 

Pot Life 

Do not mix more Adcote 1640 resin and coreactant that will be needed in 8 hours. Any mixed solution that

is left over should be stored in tightly closed containers and used within 3 days. When reusing, we 

recommend combining the old mixed solution with the newly mixed solution at a ratio of 25% old/75% new. 

Mix thoroughly. 

Safety Precautions 

Adcote 1640 resin contains somewhat toxic and/or flammable solvents, and suitable handling precautions

should be observed. Do not inhale the fumes. Avoid prolonged and repeated skin contact. Eye contact

must be prevented. Wear synthetic gloves, face shields and aprons impermeable to these solvents

whenever there is a possibility of skin contact. Use NIOSH approved respirators to avoid fumes. 

______________________________________________________________________ ADCOTE is a registered trademark of Rohm and Haas Company 

These suggestions and data are based on information we believe to be reliable. They are offered in good faith, but without 

guarantee, as conditions and method of use of our products are beyond our control. We recommend that the prospective user 

determine the suitability of our materials and suggestions before adopting them on a commercial scale.

Suggestions for uses of our products or the inclusion of descriptive material from patents and the citation of specific patents in this 

publication should not be understood as recommending the use of our products in violation of any patent or as permission or license 

to use any patents of the Rohm and Haas Company. 

Visit us at www.rohmhaas.com/AdhesivesSealants 

Address: Midwest Technical Center, 2531 Technology Drive, Suite 301, Elgin, IL 60124 

Phone: 847-649-3800

Adcote 1640 January 2010 Page 2 of 4 
Rohm and Haas Food and Drug Opinion

Product Name: ADCOTE(TM) 1640 

Regulation Number Complies Limitations Opinion Date

21CFR175.105 L 1 Sep 18, 2002

21CFR175.300 L 1, 2 Sep 18, 2002

21CFR175.320 L 1 Sep 18, 2002

21CFR176.170 L 1, 2, 3 Sep 18, 2002

21CFR176.180 L 1 Sep 18, 2002

21CFR177.1390 L 1, 2 Sep 18, 2002

 Paragraphs (c)(2)(ii), (c)(2)(v)(a) and (c)(2)(vi)(a)(2) 

21CFR177.1395 L 1, 2 Sep 18, 2002

21CFR177.1630 L 1, 2, 4 Sep 18, 2002

Legend:

L Yes, this product is cleared with limitations as noted.

Limitations:

1 SOLVENT MUST BE COMPLETELY EVAPORATED DURING DRYING 

AND CURING. 

2 FOR USE ONLY IN CONTACT WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FOODS. 

3 PROVIDED THAT THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE PAPER 

AND PAPERBOARD COMPLIES WITH THE EXTRACTIVES 

LIMITATIONS IN 21CFR176.170 PARAGRAPH (C). 

4 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 21CFR177.1630, PARAGRAPH (E)(3). 

Regulations:

 21CFR175.105 ADHESIVES 

 21CFR175.300 RESINOUS AND POLYMERIC COATINGS 

 21CFR175.320 RESINOUS AND POLYMERIC COATINGS FOR POLYOLEFIN FILMS 

 21CFR176.170 COMPONENTS OF PAPER AND PAPERBOARD IN CONTACT WITH 

AQUEOUS AND FATTY FOODS 

 21CFR176.180 COMPONENTS OF PAPER AND PAPERBOARD IN CONTACT WITH 

DRY FOOD 

 21CFR177.1390 LAMINATE STRUCTURES FOR USE AT TEMPERATURES OF 250F 

AND ABOVE

 21CFR177.1395 LAMINATE STRUCTURES FOR USE AT TEMPERATURES BETWEEN 

120F AND 250F 

 21CFR177.1630 POLYETHYLENE PHTHALATE POLYMERS 

Disclaimer:

This information relates specifically to this product. We believe this information to 

be accurate and reliable as of this date. 

We recommend that our customers make their own determination on the suitability 

of this product for their particular application. 

We cannot guarantee that the indirect food additives/food-contact status of this 

product will remain unchanged indefinitely; therefore we recommend that you

periodically verify its status. 

Adcote 1640 January 2010 Page 3 of 4 
Rohm and Haas Food and Drug Opinion

Name: Coreactant F 

Regulation Complies Opinion 

Date Limitations 

21CFR175.105 Y 02/29/2008

Legend: 

L Yes, this product is cleared with limitations noted

N No, this product is not cleared

Y Yes, this product is cleared.

A Affirmed as compliant based on migration studies.

Regulations: 

21CFR175.105 Adhesives

Disclaimer: 

 This information relates specifically to this product. We believe this information to be accurate and 

reliable as of this date. 

 We recommend that our customers make their own determination on the suitability of this product for 

their particular application.

 We cannot guarantee that the indirect food additives/food-contact status of this product will remain 

unchanged indefinitely; therefore we recommend that you periodically verify its status. 

Adcote 1640 January 2010 Page 4 of 4