Adcote 3220 October 2009 Page 1 of 4 

ADCOTETM 3220 

Laminating Adhesive 

Description 

Adcote 3220 adhesive is a solution of a very tough and hard solid polyester resin. Adcote 3220 can be used

as supplied or it can be crosslinked with Coreactant F to further improve chemical and temperature 

resistance. Adcote 3220 resin has excellent adhesion to most plastic films and to metal surfaces.

Features and Benefits

• Low Glass Transition Temperature

• U.V. Stable

• Crosslinkable 

• Broad Temperature Range Flexibility

• Excellent Weatherability

• Enhanced Chemical and Temperature Properties

Typical Applications

• Blending/Modifying Resin 

• Binding Resin and Web Saturant

• Laminating Adhesive

• Heat Seal Coating 

Typical Solution Properties*

Weight Percent Solids 19-21%

Viscosity 75-500 cps 

Specific Gravity 0.965-0.985

Weight/gallon 8.0-8.2 lb

Solvent Mixture Toluene,1,3-dioxolane 

Recommended Diluents Toluene, methyl ethyl ketone, tetrahydrofuran, cyclohexanone, 

1,3-dioxolane

Shelf Life 365 days (unopened containers)

Typical Dry Resin Properties*

Specific Gravity 1.24

Flow Melt Point 115°C (221°F)

Tensile Strength 1000 PSI

Elongation 1000%

Dielectric Strength 1400 volts/mil

Dielectric Constant 4.9 

Acid Number <2

Hydroxyl Number <10

Glass Transition -18°C (0°F) 

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

considered part of a product specification.

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PACKAGING AND

CONVERTING 
Suggested Curatives: 

100 parts Adcote 3220: 1.8 parts Coreactant F 

100 parts Adcote 3220: 1.4 parts Coreactant 9L10 

100 parts Adcote 3220: 1.4 parts Coreactant CT 

Precautions

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

information. Adcote 3220 resin can react or interact with other components of the structure. Retained 

solvents, slip additives, antiblock agents and contaminated solvents are some of the components that may

cause property changes of the substrates and/or Adcote 3220 resin.

General Information

The initial color and clarity of Adcote 3220 resin will remain unchanged after outdoor exposure. In addition, 

Adcote 3220 resin is resistant to attack by dilute acid and alkali solutions. When mixed with coreactant, the

tensile strength and resistance to chemical plasticizers, solvents and water are noticeably improved. The

melting temperature range will also increase. With some substrates, the addition of a coreactant may 

improve adhesion. 

High molecular weight polyester adhesives like Adcote 3220 have a 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 are 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. 

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 

Note: Due to the aggressive nature of the solvents in the product, it is recommended that all rubber rolls in 

the coating head be EPDM or a suitable rubber to resist solvent attack. 

Apply Adcote 3220 resin by any of the conventional methods, including gravure coater, reverse roll coater,

knife and spraying. Dilution may be necessary. Apply enough wet coating to deposit 0.1-0.3 dry mils (or

approximately 2–6 dry lbs. per 3000 square feet) and completely remove the solvents. Laminate with heated 

nip rolls to provide a minimum glue line temperature of 140°F. 

The preferred method for bonding is to coat the more stable substrate, heat the glue to a temperature above

140°F, and laminate. A heated press can be used for general purpose bonding by employing enough

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

the glue line reaches 140°F. 

When using Coreactant, use the amount shown in the Suggested Curatives 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 without. Curing begins after solvent removal and continues

slowly at room temperature. Approximately 7–14 days are necessary to complete the cure at room 

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

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Pot Life 

It is best not to mix more Adcote 3220 resin and coreactant than will be used in 8 hours. Any mixed

solution that is left over should be stored in tightly closed containers and should be used within 3 days. 

When reusing, we recommend that you combine the old mixed solution with newly mixed solution in the

ratio of 25% old and 75% new, and mixed thoroughly.

Safety Precautions

Adcote 3220 resin contains somewhat toxic and/or flammable solvents and suitable handling precautions 

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

contact must be prevented. Synthetic gloves, face shields, and aprons impermeable to these solvents

should be worn when there is possible 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 http://www.rohmhaas.com/AdhesivesSealants

Rohm and Haas Company, Midwest Technical Center, 2531 Technology Drive, Suite 301, Elgin, IL 60124

Phone: 847-649-3800 Fax: 847-649-3760 

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Rohm and Haas Food and Drug Opinion 

Name: ADCOTE (TM) 3220 

Regulation Complies Opinion 

Date Limitations 

21CFR175.105 Y 05/25/2004

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. 

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