Patent Publication Number: US-5026756-A

Title: Hot melt adhesive composition

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Hot melt adhesive compositions are typically thermoplastic materials which are solid at room temperature. When heated to liquid or molten form, the hot melt adhesive can be applied to a first substrate. The hot melt adhesive can then join the first substrate together with a second substrate as the hot melt adhesive cools back to a solid. 
     Hot melt adhesives are generally composed of three components: (1) a polymer; (2) a tackifier; and (3) a wax. 
     The polymer provides strength and adhesive characteristics. The tackifier allows the polymer to be more adhesive by improving wetting during the application. The tackifier is typically necessary in preferred compositions. The wax reduces the overall viscosity of the adhesive, thereby allowing the adhesive to liquify for a hot melt application at lower temperatures. The wax also controls the set time of the system--i.e. the time required to solidify the adhesive once the first and second substrates are compressed together. 
     Other components such as plasticizers are used in the formulation of hot melt adhesives for various applications. Plasticizers reduce the overall viscosity of the adhesive and promote flexibility and wetting. Typical types of plasticizers used are phthalates, glycolates, polybutenes, and mineral oil. See &#34;Adhesive Bonding&#34;, Chap. 8 Hot-melt Adhesives, by Thomas Flanagan, at p. 8-3, published by MacMillan. 
     Waxes can adversely affect the adhesion characteristics of the polymer. In addition, waxes are not compatible with polymers with high vinyl acetate contents. Thus, plasticizers are used in some applications instead of waxes. Examples of plasticizers are given in U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,026, such as dicyclohexyl phthalate. 
     Of particular importance is the change in heat, i.e., ΔH, as the hot melt adhesive changes from one phase to another. The lower the ΔH, the less heat is required to convert the solid adhesive to the liquid phase. ΔH is proportional to melt down rate, i.e., the rate of melt down of the adhesive from a solid phase to the liquid phase. Adhesives that melt down to a liquid phase quickly and easily can be used in faster manufacturing applications than adhesives with slower melt down rates. Therefore the lower the ΔH, and the faster the melt down rate, the easier the adhesive is to work with in manufacturing applications. See 1988 Hot Melt, &#34;Thermal Analyses as a Predictor of Performance&#34;, by Ernest Eastman, published in 1988 TAPPI Conference Papers. ΔH values can be readily determined using Differential Scanning Calorimeters (Perkin-Elmer). 
     Another major factor in hot melt adhesive compositions is compatability--i.e. the degree of solubility of one component in another. The greater the compability, the more uniform and homogeneous the adhesive, and the better the bond the adhesive will provide. The closer the solubility parameters of different components are to each other, the greater the compatibility. See &#34;Some Factors Affecting the Solubility of Polymers&#34;, by P. A. Small, J. Appl. Chem., 3, Feb. 1953 (which teaches how to predict solubility parameters). 
     Compatibility is related to cloud point temperature. Cloud point temperature is the temperature at which a component begins to solidify or &#34;cloud up&#34; as it cools from a clear liquid phase to the solid phase. For example, for waxes, the cloud point is usually the melting point of the wax. Generally, the lower the cloud point temperature, the greater the compatibility. See &#34;Adhesives and Coatings Manual&#34; by National Distillers and Chemical Corporation (1983). 
     As Previously mentioned, set time is the time required to solidify the adhesive once the first and second substrates are compressed together. Fast set times are desirable in most manufacturing applications. Generally, the higher the melting point, the crystallinity, and the viscosity, the faster the set time. Id. Open time is the time during which the adhesive is applied to the first substrate and remains sufficiently molten to effect a bond between the first and second substrate. Long open times are desirable in most manufacturing applications. Generally, the lower the melting point, the crystallinity, and the viscosity, the longer the open time. Id. 
     Thus, it is desirable to have a highly crystalline adhesive component that has both high-melting-point and low-melting-point characteristics. 
     The primary object of the present invention is to provide a hot melt adhesive composition containing 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate as a unique component. The physical properties of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate indicate that it would be an improvement over existing hot melt adhesive components such as dicyclohexyl phthalate. More specifically, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate provides shorter set times than dicyclohexyl phthalate without adversely affecting open times. 
     In addition, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate has a slightly lower ΔH than dicyclohexyl phthalate. Although other solid benzoates may have a lower ΔH than 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate, they tend to super cool. During the cool down cycle, these other solid benzoates that super cool remain liquid in the system and act as liquid plasticizers would act. i.e., resulting longer open times and adversely affecting set times. 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate is highly crystalline and does not super cool. 
     Furthermore, the 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate would be very useful as a polyester hot melt modifier. The crystalline nature of the 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate would contribute significantly to the properties of a polyester hot melt (e.g., faster set time, improved viscosity reduction, etc.). Further, the polyester hot melts containing the 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate would be useful in applications not now possible without it. Polesters are generally not compatible with waxes and are not easily modified by waxes. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,172,824 and 4,340,526 teach that certain benzoates are of use in polyester hot melts. However, the cited benzoates are limited in nature due to their tendency to super cool. The 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate is an improvement over these prior art benzoates. 
     The use of polyesters comprising 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol as a hot melt adhesive when blended with certain monomeric ester plasticizers is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,526. However, this patent does not teach the use of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate as a plasticizer in a hot melt adhesive composition. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It has now been discovered that a hot melt adhesive composition comprising a polymer, a tackifier, and a plasticizing amount of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate works well as a hot melt adhesive. More particularly, it has been discovered that a hot melt adhesive composition comprising ethylene vinyl acetate as the polymer, a tackifier, and a plasticizing amount of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate is a suitable hot melt adhesive. In the present invention, the adhesive comprises a range of about 5-40% by weight of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. More preferably, the adhesive comprises a range of about 25-35% by weight of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. Most preferably, the adhesive comprises about 30% by weight of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. 
     It has also been discovered that a hot melt adhesive composition comprising a polymer, a tackifier, a wax, and a plasticizing amount of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate is suitable as a hot melt adhesive. In such a composition, the adhesive comprises a range of about 5-40% by weight of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. More preferably, this adhesive comprises a range of about 8-25% by weight of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. Most preferably, the adhesive comprises about 16.6% by weight of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. 
     In addition, based on solubility parameters, it is anticipated that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate would work well in hot melt adhesive formulations having other polymers, such as polyvinyl acetate, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, block copolymers (styrene-isoprene-styrene, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-isobutylene-styrene), polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride/polyvinyl acetate, polyurethanes, polyesters and polyamides. Specifically, the solubility parameter of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate is about 8.0. Comparison of this value with, for example, those listed on p. 76 of the P.A. Small article cited above, indicates that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate is compatible with many different polymers. 
     For example, it is known that glycerol tribenzoate functions very well in polyester hot melt applications. Since 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate has a similar solubility parameter as glycerol tribenzoate, it would be expected that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate would also work well in polyester hot melt applications. It is expected that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate is advantageous over glycerol tribenzoate in that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate has a significantly higher melting point resulting in faster set times without adversely affecting open times. 
     Furthermore, it has been discovered that compared to prior art compositions, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate requires a lower amount of heat to change from its solid to its liquid phase, and provides faster set times without adversely affecting open times. 
     1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate has the folowing structure wherein the dimethanol dibenzoate groups can be cis or trans and the cyclohexane ring can have either a chair of boat configuration: 
    
    
     The following examples of the present invention demonstrate the advantages of the present invention over the prior art. 
     EXAMPLES 
     The Differential Scanning Calorimeter (&#34;DSC&#34;) curves for 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate are depicted in FIG. 1. The curve shown is binodal and shows that this molecule has both high melting point and low melting point characteristics. The sharpness of the primary curve demonstrates that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate is highly crystalline. Because of the binodal curve, the melting point is at two different temperatures, namely about 123° C. at the primary curve and about 80° C. at the secondary curve. The ΔH is about 8.85 mcal/mg. 
     FIG. 2 is the DSC curve for a ethylene vinyl acetate compound Elvax 250 made by E. I. duPont de Nemours Company, having a melt Index of 22-28 and comprising 28% vinyl acetate. 
     FIG. 3 is the DSC curve for paraffin wax. 
     FIG. 4 is the DSC curve for microcrystalline wax. 
     FIG. 5 is the DSC curve for dicyclohexyl phthalate. 
     FIG. 6 is the DSC curve for triphenyl phosphate. 
     FIG. 7 is the DSC curve for glycerol tribenzoate. 
     FIG. 8 is the DSC curve for neopepentyl benzoate. 
     FIG. 9 is the DSC curve for pentaerythritol tetrabenzoate. 
     FIG. 10 shows curves of thermal viscosity versus temperature for various adhesive compositions. FIG. 10 demonstrates the affect 1,4-cyclohexanol dimethanol dibenzoate has in decreasing the thermal viscosity of adhesive compositions. Thermal viscosity was determined using a Brookfield RVT Viscometer and Thermosel. 
     FIG. 11 shows curves of thermal viscosity versus temperature for two different adhesive compositions, one containing 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate and one containing dixylcohexyl phthalate. FIG. 11 demonstrates that at a specific temperature, the composition containing 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate has a lower thermal viscosity than the composition containing dicyclohexyl phthalate. Thermal viscosity was determined using a Brookfield RVT Viscometer and Thermosel. 
    
    
     TABLE I 
     Table I is a summary of data taken from FIG. 1 for the plasticizer of the present invention, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenozate and FIGS. 3-9 for prior art plasticizers and waxes. 
     As shown in Table I, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate is the only adhesive component which had all the following advantageous characteristics: 
     Low ΔH, high melting point, high crystallinity as shown by the sharpness of the primary curve, and a binodal curve. 
     
                       TABLE I                                                     
______________________________________                                    
                             Sharpness                                    
Plasticizer         Melting  of                                           
Or        ΔH  Point    Primary Binodal                              
Wax       (mcal/mg) (°C.)                                          
                             Curve   Curve                                
______________________________________                                    
1,4-cyclohexane                                                           
          8.85      80, 123  extremely                                    
                                     Yes                                  
dimethanol                   sharp                                        
dibenzoate                                                                
Paraffin Wax                                                              
          16.80     69       moderate                                     
                                     No                                   
Micor-    16.60     64, 80   not sharp                                    
                                     Yes                                  
crystalline                                                               
Wax                                                                       
Dicyclohexyl                                                              
          9.94      70       moderate                                     
                                     No                                   
Phthalate                                                                 
Triphenyl 9.25      54       moderate                                     
                                     No                                   
Phosphate                                                                 
Glycerol  4.53      73       moderate                                     
                                     No                                   
Tribenzoate                                                               
Neopentyl 5.09      54       moderate                                     
                                     No                                   
Benzoate                                                                  
Pentaerythritol                                                           
          6.78      103      moderate                                     
                                     No                                   
Tetrabenzoate                                                             
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     TABLE II 
     Table II shows cloud point temperatures (° F.) and consisting of a 1:1 mixture of various polymers containing vinyl acetate and various plasticizer benzoates, including in Column 4 for plasticizer 1, mixing containing the adhesive component of the present invention, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. 
     Table II shows that when the plasticizer 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate constitutes 50% parts by weight of the adhesive composition, it acts much like a wax. Table II also gives an estimate on the upper limits of the % plasticizer in mixture with polymers before compatibility begins to become adversely affected. Thus, in the present invention the 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate in the adhesive is preferably less than 50% parts by weight. 
     
                                           TABLE II                                
__________________________________________________________________________
CLOUD POINT TEMPERATURE (°F.)/CONSISTENCY                          
1:1 MIXTURE OF POLYMER AND PLASTICIZER                                    
                                 Plasticizer 2                            
                                 1:1 Mixture                              
                                 of dipropylene         Plas-             
                                 glycol                 ticizer 5         
Ethylene         %      Plasticizer 1                                     
                                 dibenzoate and         Pen-              
Vinyl            Vinyl  1,4-cyclohexane                                   
                                 diethylene                               
                                         Plasticizer 3                    
                                                 Plasticizer              
                                                        taerythritol      
Acetate Melt Index                                                        
                 Acetate in                                               
                        dimethanol                                        
                                 glycol  Neopentyl                        
                                                 Glycerol                 
                                                        tetraben-         
Polymer Of the Polymer                                                    
                 the Polymer                                              
                        dibenzoate                                        
                                 dibenzoate                               
                                         Benzoate                         
                                                 Tribenzoate              
                                                        zoate             
__________________________________________________________________________
ELVAX 40W                                                                 
        48-66    40%    196°                                       
                                 &lt;160    &lt;160    &lt;160    260              
                        Cheesy,  Smooth  Smooth  Smooth Smooth            
                        Plasticizer                                       
                        Crystallized                                      
                        out                                               
ELVAX 150                                                                 
        38-48    33%    210      &lt;160    &lt;160    262    &gt;350              
                        Cheesy   Smooth  Smooth  Smooth Smooth            
                        Plasticizer                                       
                        Crystallized                                      
ELVAX 150W                                                                
        38-48    33%    230°                                       
                                 &lt;160    &lt;160    260    &gt;360              
Anti Blocking           Cheesy   Smooth  Smooth  Smooth Smooth            
Additive                Plasticizer                                       
                        Crystallized                                      
ELVAX 210                                                                 
        365-440  28%    262°                                       
                                  190     204    260    &gt;360              
                        Cheesy   Smooth  Smooth  Smooth Smooth            
                        Plasticizer                                       
                        Crystallized                                      
ELVAX 250                                                                 
        22-28    28%    210°                                       
                                  166    &lt;160    260    &gt;360              
                        Cheesy   Smooth  Smooth  Smooth Smooth            
                        Plasticizer                                       
                        Crystallized                                      
ELVAX 260                                                                 
        53-67    28%    188°                                       
                                 &lt;160    &lt;160    265    &gt;360              
                        Cheesy   Smooth  Smooth  Smooth Smooth            
                                                        Not all           
                                                        went              
__________________________________________________________________________
                                                        in                
 
    
     TABLE III 
     Table III shows cloud point temperatures for various polymer/plasticizer or wax mixtures. M-8880 is microcrystalline wax with a melting point of 183° F. and R-0855 is a paraffin wax with a melting point of 153° F. Elvax 150 as already described in Table III is an ethylene vinyl acetate polymer with a melt index of 38-48 and a 33% vinyl acetate in the polymer. Table III demonstrates that adhesive compositions with 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate and Elvax 150 had lower cloud point temperatures than similar mixtures with Elvax 150 and the M-8800 and R-0855 waxes. This data confirms that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate has greater compatibility with Elvax 150 than M-8880 and R-0855 waxes. 
     
                       TABLE III                                                   
______________________________________                                    
Polymer/       % of Polymer to                                            
                             Cloud Point                                  
Plasticizer or Wax                                                        
               Plasticizer or Wax                                         
                             Temp. °F.                             
______________________________________                                    
Elvax 150/1,4-cyclohexane                                                 
               75/25         134°                                  
dimethanol dibenzoate                                                     
Elvax 150/1,4-cyclohexane                                                 
               88/12          68°                                  
dimethanol dibenzoate                                                     
Elvax 150/M-8880                                                          
               50/50         184°                                  
Elvax 150/M-8880                                                          
               75/25         152°                                  
Elvax 150/M-8880                                                          
               88/12         150°                                  
Elvax 150/R-0855                                                          
               50/50         164°                                  
Elvax 150/R-0855                                                          
               75/25         150°                                  
Elvax 150/R-0855                                                          
               80/12         142°                                  
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     TABLE IV 
     Table IV shows cloud point temperatures for various polymers and other adhesive components. Elvax 250, as already described in Table II, is an ethylene vinyl acetate polymer with a melt index of 22-28 and 28% vinyl acetate in the polymer. Piccovar L60 is a low molecular weight, nonpolar, thermoplastic, alkylaryl hydrocarbon polymer modifier made by Hercules, Incorporated. Piccovar L60 has a density of 0.05 kg/L at 25° C., and a flashpoint of 243° C. Piccovar L60 has a melt viscosity of 1 poise at 129° C., 10 poises at 97° C., and 100 poises at 77° C. H-100 is a tackifier and is specifically a hydrocarbon resin made by Eastman Chemical Products, Inc. under the trade name &#34;Eastotac H-100&#34;. H-100 has a melting point &gt;185° F., and a specific gravity of 1.04 Table IV shows that M-8880 and R-0855 waxes have no lower cloud point temperatures and thus no better compatibility than 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate in mixtures with Piccovar L60 and Elvax 250, and H-100. 
     In addition, Table IV shows that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate, when mixed with Elvax 250 has a lower cloud point temperature and greater compatibility than mixtures of M-8880 and R-0855 waxes with Elvax 250. 
     Furthermore, Table IV shows that in a mixture of Elvax 250, H-100, M-8880, and 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate, as the ratio of 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate to M-8880 increases the cloud point temperature decreases, thereby indicating greater compatibility. 
     
                       TABLE IV                                                    
______________________________________                                    
                 Ratio of                                                 
                 polymer to                                               
                 other       Cloud Point                                  
Polymer/Other Components                                                  
                 components  Temp. (°F.)                           
______________________________________                                    
Elvax 250/1,4-cyclohexane                                                 
                 50/50       210°                                  
dimethanol dibenzoate                                                     
Elvax 250/1,4-cyclohexane                                                 
                 75/25       140°                                  
dimethanol dibenzoate                                                     
Elvax 250/M-8880 75/25       186°                                  
Elvax 250/R-0855 75/25       168°                                  
Piccovar L60/Elvax 250/                                                   
                 33/33/33    160°                                  
1,4-cyclohexane dimeth-                                                   
anol dibenzoate                                                           
Piccovar L60/Elvax 250/                                                   
                 33/33/33    160°                                  
M-880                                                                     
Piccovar L60/Elvax 250                                                    
                 33/33/33    160°                                  
R-0855                                                                    
Elvax 250/H-100/1,4-                                                      
                 33/33/33    160°                                  
cyclohexane dimethanol                                                    
dibenzoate                                                                
Elvax 250/H-100/M-8880                                                    
                 33/33/33    182°                                  
Elvax 250/H-100/R-0855                                                    
                 33/33/33    160°                                  
Elvax 250/H-100/M-8880/                                                   
                 33/20.5/20.5/25                                          
                             178°                                  
1,4-cyclohexane dimeth-                                                   
anol dibenzoate                                                           
Elvax 250/H-100/M-8880/                                                   
                 33/8/33/25  190°                                  
1,4-cyclohexane dimeth-                                                   
anol dibenzoate                                                           
Elvax 250/H-100/M-8880/                                                   
                 33/33/8/25  163°                                  
1,4-cyclohexane dimeth-                                                   
anol dibenzoate                                                           
______________________________________                                    
 TABLE V M-8880
 
    
     Table V shows tensile strength and % elongation at break date for various adhesive compositions. Tensile strength was determined pursuant to ASTM D638-64T. Table V shows that in specific formulations, 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate outperforms dicyclohexyl phthalate in terms of tensile strength and % elongation at break. Specifically, Table V shows formulas A.2 and A.8 have greater tensile strength than corresponding formula B.2 and B.8. Table V also shows that formula C.1. has greater tensile strength and % elongation at break than corresponding formula D.1, and that C.4 has greater tensile strength than corresponding formula D.4. 
     
                                           TABLE V                                 
__________________________________________________________________________
Parts by Weight                                                           
                1,4-cyclohexane                                           
                        Tensile                                           
   Elvax    M-8880                                                        
                dimethanol                                                
                        strength                                          
                             % Elongation                                 
No.                                                                       
   250 H-100                                                              
            wax dibenzoate                                                
                        (psi)                                             
                             at break                                     
__________________________________________________________________________
1  100 --   --  --      847  400                                          
2  75  --   --  25      423  54                                           
3  50  --   --  50      128  10                                           
4  75  --   25  --      514  28                                           
5  50  --   50  --      721  20                                           
6  30  30   --  30       69  10                                           
7  30  30   30  --      540  20                                           
8  30  30   15  15      603  26                                           
9  30  15   15  30      172  10                                           
10 30  --   30  30       53  10                                           
__________________________________________________________________________
Parts by Weight         Tensile                                           
   Elvax    M-8880                                                        
                Dicyclohexyl                                              
                        strength                                          
                              % Elongation                                
No.                                                                       
   250 H-100                                                              
            wax phthalate                                                 
                        (psi)                                             
                             at break                                     
__________________________________________________________________________
1  100 --   --  --      847  400                                          
2  75  --   --  25      300  246                                          
3  50  --   --  50      230  292                                          
4  75  --   25  --      514  28                                           
5  50  --   --  50      721  20                                           
6  30  30   --  30      134  378                                          
7  30  30   30  --      540  20                                           
8  30  30   15  15      302  73                                           
9  30  15   15  30      243  88                                           
10 30  --   30  30      476  20                                           
__________________________________________________________________________
Parts by Weight                                                           
                1,4-cyclohexane                                           
                        Tensile                                           
   Elvax                                                                  
       Piccovar                                                           
            M-8880                                                        
                dimethanol                                                
                        strength                                          
                             % Elongation                                 
No.                                                                       
   250 L-60 wax dibenzoate                                                
                        (psi)                                             
                             at break                                     
__________________________________________________________________________
1  30  30   --  30      288  646                                          
2  30  30   30  --      472  126                                          
3  30  30   15  15      234  128                                          
4  30  15   15  30      523  20                                           
5  30  --   30  30       53  10                                           
__________________________________________________________________________
Parts by Weight         Tensile                                           
   Elvax                                                                  
       Piccovar                                                           
            M-8880                                                        
                dicyclohexyl                                              
                        strength                                          
                              % Elongation                                
No.                                                                       
   250 L-60 wax phthalate                                                 
                        (psi)                                             
                             at break                                     
__________________________________________________________________________
1  30  30   --  30      137  60                                           
2  30  30   30  --      472  126                                          
3  30  30   15  15      246  232                                          
4  30  15   15  30      249  112                                          
5  30  --   30  30      476  20                                           
__________________________________________________________________________
 
    
     TABLE VI 
     Table VI shows cloud point temperatures for various adhesive compositions. Table VI shows that certain formulations having 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate has the same cloud point temperatures and thus, the same compatibility as those of corresponding formulations containing dicyclohexyl phthalate. Specifically, A.10. through A.13, has the same cloud point temperatures, and thus, the same compatibility as corresponding formulations B.10 through B.13. 
     
                                           TABLE VI                                
__________________________________________________________________________
Parts by Weight                                                           
                     1,4-cyclohexane                                      
   Elvax   Piccovar                                                       
                M-8880                                                    
                     dimethanol                                           
                             Temperature                                  
No.                                                                       
   250 H-100                                                              
           L-60 wax  dibenzoate                                           
                             (°F.)                                 
__________________________________________________________________________
1  75  --  --   --   25      460                                          
2  75  --  --   25   --      186                                          
3  50  --  --   --   50      210                                          
4  50  --  --   50   --      180                                          
5  30  30  --   30   --      182                                          
6  30  30  --   --   30      160                                          
7  30  30  --   15   15      184                                          
8  30  15  --   15   30      188                                          
9  30  --  --   30   30      180                                          
10 30  --  30   30   --      &lt;160                                         
11 30  --  30   --   30      &lt;160                                         
12 30  --  30   15   15      &lt;160                                         
13 30  --  15   15   30      &lt;160                                         
14 30  --  --   30   30      180                                          
__________________________________________________________________________
Parts by Weight              Cloud Point                                  
   Elvax   Piccovar                                                       
                M-8880                                                    
                     dicyclohexyl                                         
                              Temperature                                 
No.                                                                       
   250 H-100                                                              
           L-60 wax  phthalate                                            
                             (°F.)                                 
__________________________________________________________________________
1  75  --  --   --   25      &lt;160                                         
2  75  --  --   25   --      186                                          
3  50  --  --   --   50      &lt;160                                         
4  50  --  --   50   --      180                                          
5  30  30  --   30   --      182                                          
6  30  30  --   --   30      &lt;160                                         
7  30  30  --   15   15      &lt;160                                         
8  30  15  --   15   30      &lt;160                                         
9  30  --  --   30   30      &lt;160                                         
10 30  --  30   30   --      &lt;160                                         
11 30  --  30   --   30      &lt;160                                         
12 30  --  30   15   15      &lt;160                                         
13 30  --  15   15   30      &lt;160                                         
14 30  --  --   30   30      &lt;160                                         
__________________________________________________________________________
 
    
     TABLE VII 
     Table VII shows temperature and viscosity data for various adhesive compositions. Table VII shows that as 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate is substituted for tackifier H-100, the viscosity of the composition is dramatically reduced. Viscosity was determined using a Brookfield RVT Viscometer and Thermosel. 
     
                       TABLE VII                                                   
______________________________________                                    
Ratio of Parts by Weight Adhesive Components                              
                      1,4-cyclohexane                                     
                                Temper-                                   
Elvax M-8880          dimethanol                                          
                                ature   Viscosity                         
250   wax     H-100   dibenzoate                                          
                                (°F.)                              
                                        (cps)                             
______________________________________                                    
1     1       1       --        250     1250                              
                                300     450                               
                                350     225                               
1     --      1       1         250     2650                              
                                300     950                               
                                350     425                               
1     1       --      1         250     525                               
                                300     275                               
                                350     175                               
1     .5      1       .5        250     1600                              
                                300     700                               
                                350     325                               
1     .5      .5      1         250     900                               
                                300     350                               
                                350     200                               
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     TABLE VIII 
     Table VIII shows set times and open times for two adhesive compositions, one containing 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate and the other containing dicyclohexyl phthalate. This data shows that adhesive compositions with 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate has faster set times and the same open time as a corresponding adhesive composition containing dicyclohexyl phthalate. Open times were determined pursuant to ASTM D4497-85. Set times were determined by the following test: 
     The adhesive and the drawdown bar were heated to 350° F. A 1.5 inch by 10 inch strip of 40 lb. Kraft paper was glued to a 40 lb. Kraft paper substrate using the drawdown bar to administer a 10 mil thick film and press the strip to the substrate. Immediately after application, the strip was peeled away from the substrate. The time at which 50% of the paper fiber tore was taken as the set time. 
     
                                           TABLE VIII                              
__________________________________________________________________________
Ratio Of Parts By Weight Of Adhesive Components                           
            1,4-cyclohexane                                               
                           Set Open Set                                   
                                       Open                               
Elvax                                                                     
    M-8880  dimethanol                                                    
                    dicyclohexyl                                          
                           Temp.                                          
                               Viscosity                                  
                                    Time                                  
                                       Time                               
250 wax H-100                                                             
            dibenzoate                                                    
                    phthalate                                             
                           (°F.)                                   
                               (cps)                                      
                                    (sec)                                 
                                       (sec)                              
__________________________________________________________________________
1   1   1   --      --     250 1250     5                                 
                           300 450                                        
                           350 225                                        
1   --  1   1       --     250 2650    10                                 
                           300 950                                        
                           350 425                                        
1   1   --  1       --     250 525      5                                 
                           300 275                                        
                           350 175                                        
1   .5  1   .5      --     250 1600                                       
                           300 700                                        
                           350 325                                        
1   .5  .5  1       --     250 900      5                                 
                           300 350                                        
                           350 200                                        
1   .5  1   --      .5     250 2200 44 15                                 
                           300 725                                        
                           350 350                                        
1   .5  1   .5      --     250 1600 35 15                                 
                           300 575                                        
                           350 300                                        
__________________________________________________________________________
 
    
     TABLE IX 
     Table IX shows the cloud point temperatures and viscosity at specific temperatures for compositions containing 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate. This table shows that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate works well as an adhesive component with polymers other than ethylene vinyl acetate. Kraton D1107 is made by Shell Chemical Corporation. Macromelt 6239 is made by Henkel Corporation. Viscosity was determined using a Brookfield RVT Visometer and Thermosel. 
     
                                           TABLE IX                                
__________________________________________________________________________
            Parts                                                         
                 Parts by Weight                                          
            by   1,4-cyclohexane                                          
                         Cloud Point                                      
      Type of                                                             
            Weight                                                        
                 dimethanol                                               
                         temperature                                      
                                Viscosity                                 
                                     Temp                                 
Polymer                                                                   
      Polymer                                                             
            Polymer                                                       
                 dibenzoate                                               
                         °F.                                       
                                (cps)                                     
                                     (°F.)                         
__________________________________________________________________________
Kraton                                                                    
      Styrene-                                                            
            75   25      160    9500 350                                  
D1107 Isoprene-                                                           
      Styrene                                                             
Block       90   10      120    Too viscous to                            
                         be measureable                                   
Copolymer                                                                 
Macromelt   75   25      &lt;140   --   --                                   
Polyamide   90   10      &lt;140   --   --                                   
6239                                                                      
__________________________________________________________________________
 
    
     
                       TABLE X                                                     
______________________________________                                    
Formulations Figure 10                                                    
Ratio of Parts by Weight of Adhesive Components                           
                             1,4-cyclohexane                              
                                       Dicyclo-                           
Formu- Elvax   M-8880        dimethanol                                   
                                       hexyl                              
lation 250     Wax     H-100 dibenzoate                                   
                                       phthalate                          
______________________________________                                    
A      1       1       --    1         --                                 
B      1       .5      .5    1         --                                 
C      1       1       1     --        --                                 
D      1       .5      1     .5        --                                 
E      1       --      1     1         --                                 
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     
                       TABLE XI                                                    
______________________________________                                    
Formulations Figure 11                                                    
Ratio Of Parts By Weight Of Adhesive Components                           
                             1,4-cyclohexane                              
                                       Dicyclo-                           
Formu- Elvax   M-8880        dimethanol                                   
                                       hexyl                              
lation 250     Wax     H-100 dibenzoate                                   
                                       phthalate                          
______________________________________                                    
A      1       .5      1     .5        --                                 
B      1       .5      1     --        .5                                 
______________________________________                                    
 
    
     OTHER APPLICATIONS AND SUMMARY 
     Other components besides a polymer, a tackifier, and 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate can be added to the adhesive compositions of the present invention. 
     It is expected that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate can be used in many other applications besides hot melt adhesive compositions. For example, it is believed that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate would work well in latex applications, powdered coating applications, and in heat reactive thermal delayed tack applications. In addition, it is expected that 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol dibenzoate would work well as a thermoplastic process aid. 
     The foregoing detailed description of the invention has been made in general terms and with respect to several preferred embodiments. Many of the specific preferred materials, temperatures, and methods stated herein may be varied by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention resides solely in the claims hereinafter appended.