Adcote 2140 March 2007 Page 1 of 4 

ADCOTETM 2140 Laminating Adhesive

Description

Adcote 2140 is a solution adhesive based on Mor-Ester

TM 49021-P polyester resin. Excellent adhesion is

achieved to some plastic and most metal surfaces. Adcote 2140 resin can be used a primer, heat seal

coating, an ink base or as an adhesive. The performance of Adcote 2140 resin can be further enhanced with

the use of recommended coreactants.

Typical Solution Properties*

Weight Solids 34-36% 

Viscosity, cps 300-700 

Weight/Gallon 8.0-8.3 lb 

Solvents Toluene

Recommended Diluents MEK, ethyl acetate, toluene, etc.

Coreactant Coreactant F**

Mix Ratio 100 pbw Adcote 2140 

 5 pbw Coreactant F

Shelf Life 270 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 2140 resin,

causing inadequate cure. Adcote 2140 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 of the substrates and/or Adcote 2140 resin. 

High molecular weight polyesters that are used in solution adhesives like Adcote 2140 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. 

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. 

Adcote 2140 March 2007 Page 1 of 4

PACKAGING AND

CONVERTING

ADHESIVES AND SEALANTS 
General Information

The initial color and clarity of Adcote 2140 resin will remain unchanged after outdoor exposure. In addition, 

Adcote 2140 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 range will also increase. With some substrates, the addition of a coreactant may improve adhesion.

Directions For Use

Apply Adcote 2140 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 (approximately 2–6 dry lbs per 3,000 square feet) and completely remove the solvents. Laminate 

with heated nip rolls to provide a minimum glue line temperature of 290°F. 

The preferred method for bonding is to coat the more stable substrate, heat so the glue line is 290°F 

minimum, and bond. 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 290°F. 

When using Coreactant F, use the amount shown in the Typical Solution Properties section as 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. 

Pot Life

It is best not to mix more Adcote 2140 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 mix thoroughly. 

Safety Precautions

Adcote 2140 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 and Mor-Ester are registered trademarks 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 

Adcote 2140 March 2007 Page 2 of 4 
Rohm and Haas Food and Drug Opinion 

Name: ADCOTE(TM) 2140 

Regulation Complies Opinion 

Date Limitations 

21CFR175.105 Y 01/17/2007

21CFR175.300 L 01/17/2007 ▪ FOR USE ONLY IN CONTACT WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FOODS. 

21CFR175.320 Y 01/17/2007

21CFR176.170 L 01/17/2007 ▪ PROVIDED THAT THE FOOD CONTACT SURFACE OF THE

PAPER AND PAPERBOARD COMPLIES WITH THE

EXTRACTIVES LIMITATIONS IN 21CFR176.170 PARAGRAPH (C).

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

21CFR176.180 Y 01/17/2007

21CFR177.1390 L 01/17/2007 ▪ FOR USE ONLY IN CONTACT WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FOODS. 

▪ Compositional compliance with 21 CFR 177.1390 requires the use 

of another component that is listed in the same paragraph of 21 

CFR 177.1390. In other words, a component listed in (c)(2)(v) may

NOT be used with a component listed in (c)(2)(vi), unless migration 

studies have affirmed the combination to be in compliance with the 

FDA regulations. This requirement for use of components in the 

same section of 21 CFR 177.1390 applies to the use of this material 

in compliance with 21 CFR 177.1395 as well. 

Paragraph (c)(2)(v)(a) and (c)(2)(vi)(a)(2)

21CFR177.1395 L 01/17/2007 ▪ In accordance with the limitations as described under 

21CFR177.1390 above. 

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

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

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 2140 March 2007 Page 3 of 4 
Rohm and Haas Food and Drug Opinion 

Product Name: Coreactant F

Regulation Number Complies Limitations Opinion Date 

21CFR175.105 L 1 May 12, 2000

Legend: 

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

Limitations: 

1 SOLVENT MUST BE COMPLETELY EVAPORATED 

DURING DRYING AND CURING. 

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/foodcontact status of this product will remain unchanged 

indefinitely; therefore we recommend that you periodically 

verify its status. 

Adcote 2140 March 2007 Page 4 of 4