SikaMelt®-173

Polyolefin and EVA hot melt adhesive

SikaMelt®-173 is a multipurpose, thermoplastic hot melt in pellets for assembly and sealing applications. It combines very good applicability and initial strength with a broad adhesion range on non-polar and some polar substrates. Due to its medium open time SikaMelt®-173 can also be used for processing within its open time.  

  • High strength and flexibility
  • Good adhesion on a wide range of substrates
  • Excellent applicability by bead, spray and foam melt
  • Very good heat resistance
  • Low residual tack
 
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PRODUCT BENEFITS

  • High strength and flexibility
  • Good adhesion on a wide range of substrates
  • Excellent applicability by bead, spray and foam melt
  • Very good heat resistance
  • Low residual tack

 

Areas of Application

SikaMelt®-173 has very good adhesion properties on polar and non-polar substrates like polypropylene and metals. It is suitable for permanent sealing on a wide range of materials. SikaMelt®-173 is designed for the assembly and sealing for home appliances.
This product is suitable for experienced professional users only. Tests with actual substrates and conditions must be performed ensuring adhesion and material compatibility.  

Product Details

Typical Product Data
Chemical base

Polyolefin and EVA blend

Color (CQP001-1)

Amber

Cure mechanism

Physical hardening

Density (uncured)

0.95 kg/l aprox.

Viscosity (by Brookfield)

At 150 °C

2.500 mPa.s aprox.

Softening temperature (CQP538-5)

105 °C aprox.

Application temperature

120 – 170 °C

Open time (CQP559-1)

Medium

Shelf life

12 months

CQP = Corporate Quality Procedure
Technical Information

CURE MECHANISM

SikaMelt®-173 is a physically hardening adhesive.

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

SikaMelt®-173 is resistant to aqueous solutions of detergents, weak acids, and basic solutions. SikaMelt®-173 is temporarily resistant to fuels, solvents, and mineral oils. Regarding chemical resistance it also depends on the substrate, chemical concentration, duration of exposure and temperature, we recommend evaluating the performance of the adhesive with tests. The above information is provided as a general guide only. Specific application recommendations will be provided upon request

Application

Application Information

Surface preparation

Surfaces must be clean, dry and free from grease, oil, dust and contaminants.

Application

With adequate processing equipment SikaMelt®-173 can be applied as film, dot, bead or spray application.
During breaks SikaMelt®-173 is to be processed as follows:
For breaks ≥ 1 h the heating needs to be lowered to 80 °C and for breaks ≥ 4 h the heating needs to be switched off.
To ensure a constant quality during the whole production process it is mandatory to protect the adhesive in the melting tank with nitrogen or carbon dioxide (to avoid possible reaction of the product with oxygen).
 

 

For advice on selecting and setting up suitable processing equipment contact the System Engineering Department of Sika Industry.

Removal

Equipment and application tools can be cleaned with SikaMelt®-005 (see also Cleaning Instructions).
SikaMelt®-173 may be removed from tools and equipment with Sika® Remover-208 or another suitable solvent.
Hands and exposed skin have to be washed immediately using hand wipes such as Sika® Cleaner-350H or a suitable industrial hand cleaner and water. Do not use solvents on skin.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

SikaMelt®-173 has to be stored at temperature below 40 °C in a dry place.
For transportation purposes, the storage temperature can be exceeded for a period of max. 4 weeks up to 60 °C.