Finorchem’s Tackifying Resins: The Science Behind Advanced Adhesion, Performance And Sustainability

Firorchem

Tackifying resins or tackifiers are versatile organic substances with low molecular weight, high glass transition temperature and a softening temperature above room temperature. They exist as solid materials, derived from certain trees or chemically synthesised. Tackifiers can be broadly classified as natural (rosin-based and terpene-based) and synthetic (C5 & C9 based aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon and coumarone-indene) and, finally, phenol-formaldehyde condensation resins.

Phenolic tackifiers enhance adhesion by promoting superior surface contact and intermolecular interactions with rubber substrates, ensuring high initial tack and long-term retention. Unlike general tackifiers that rely primarily on weak Van der Waals forces, phenolic resins offer exceptional cohesion, heat resistance and humidity stability, making them ideal for demanding applications. Their low loading levels minimise heat build-up, optimising processing efficiency while preserving physical, dynamic and rheological properties. Additionally, phenolic tackifiers demonstrate remarkable stability and environmental compatibility, ensuring consistent performance without compromising formulation integrity. This balance of adhesion strength, thermal durability and sustainability makes them a preferred choice in rubber compounding.

Para-tertiary octyl phenol formaldehyde (PTOP) resin is a high-performance phenol-formaldehyde resin, widely utilised in rubber applications, coatings and adhesives as an industrial tackifier. PTOP resins are preferred tackifiers due to their ideal molecular weight, polarity and superior compatibility with rubber matrices, ensuring strong adhesion through hydrophobic interactions. Their octyl chain length facilitates optimal softening, enhancing wetting, green strength and cohesion.

The effectiveness of these resins is influenced by fillers that reduce tack, while PTOP enhances tack through improved interfacial bonding. Excessive oil incorporation can diminish tack by disrupting resin-rubber interactions. Balancing superior adhesion, thermal stability and process efficiency, PTOP resins remain indispensable in demanding industrial formulations.

Finorchem offers a diverse range of high-performance tackifying resins, catering to various rubber applications. Finorchem’s commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures a superior range of tackifying resins, tailored to meet the evolving demands of rubber compounding and industrial applications. Through precisely engineered formulations, Finorchem delivers exceptional adhesion performance, green tack enhancement and process optimisation, offering a strategic advantage in manufacturing. From PTOP-based FINOREX series to sustainable terpene and wood rosin resins, each solution reflects a dedication to quality, efficiency and environmental responsibility.

For naturally obtained sustainable tackifying solutions, Finorchem provides COLOFIN NS, a modified wood rosin resin in pastille form, and CP-90, a terpene-phenol-based resin derived from pine tree. Colofin NS enhances rubber processing efficiency with free-flowing, non-sticky pastilles, minimising manual handling, cracking, enabling automated weighing and serving as a sustainable tackifier alternative to rosin and synthetic options. These resins also enhance green tack, filler incorporation and stock flow, making them cost-effective choices for rubber products like tyres, hoses, belts, footwear, flooring and moulded goods.

FINOREX 1068 & FINOREX 1068H, based on PTOP novalac resins, deliver exceptional tack properties with high initial tack and longer tack retention, particularly in synthetic rubber formulations. The difference between the two lies in their softening points, allowing flexibility in application.

Additionally, FINOREX KR 140 & FINOREX TR 140, developed with para- tertiary butyl phenol & aldehyde-based novalac chemistry, offer superior tack performance under severe environmental conditions, outperforming PTOP-based tackifying resins. Their high softening point ensures sustained tack retention, making them ideal for ENR (Epoxidized Natural Rubber) compounds with high silica content and rubber cushion formulations requiring durability under severe loading conditions.

By integrating cutting-edge tackifying technologies, Finorchem strengthens the durability and reliability of rubber articles under challenging conditions, making them an indispensable partner in high-performance applications. As industries seek sustainable, high-impact solutions, Finorchem remains at the forefront – bridging advanced science with industrial excellence, shaping the future of rubber adhesion. The dedicated chemists and scientists at Finorchem’s state-of-the-art Technology Innovation Centre – featuring an NABL-accredited Chemical Synthesis Lab, Analytical Development Lab and Rubber Application Centre – continue to drive advancements, shaping better prospects for the future.

Author: Tamsuk Goswami – Senior Manager, Product Management & Marketing at FInorchem.

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Birla Carbon Secures Platinum Medal In EcoVadis Sustainability Rating

Birla Carbon Secures Platinum Medal In EcoVadis Sustainability Rating

Birla Carbon, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality carbon materials, has been awarded the prestigious Platinum sustainability rating by EcoVadis, ranking it within the top one percent of all assessed companies globally. This honour recognises the firm’s enterprise-wide leadership in integrating sustainability across its operations, innovation and value chain.

The evaluation specifically commended its strong performance across four key areas: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. This achievement is further validated by extensive third-party certifications, with over 75 percent of operations certified to international standards including ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 45001, SA8000 and ISO 27001, underscoring the consistency and strength of its sustainability management systems.

John Loudermilk, President and CEO, Birla Carbon, said, “This Platinum rating reflects the steady progress we are making in embedding sustainability at the core of our business. Our growth strategy is geared towards delivering sustainability through innovation, operational excellence and responsible practices across our global footprint. We continually invest in sustainability and circularity-driven processes, keeping our operations sustainably efficient while creating long-term value for our customers, partners, communities and employees. Our sustainability strategy, Share the Future, serves as a roadmap to a sustainable future and guides our actions towards our aspiration of reaching net zero carbon emissions over the next 25 years. Being recognised among the top one percent of companies globally is a testament to the commitment of our teams worldwide.”

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Yokohama Rubber And RAOT Hold 10th Joint Seminar For Thai Natural Rubber Farmers

Yokohama Rubber And RAOT Hold 10th Joint Seminar For Thai Natural Rubber Farmers

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. recently conducted an educational seminar for local natural rubber farmers in partnership with the Surat Thani branch of the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT). This marked the 10th such event since the programme's inception in 2020, involving 50 local farm households. Attendees received complimentary fertiliser, developed with RAOT's expertise, as part of the ongoing support.

The seminar curriculum covered essential agricultural topics, including soil and plant nutrition, correct fertiliser application and methods to prevent contamination in natural rubber. To commemorate the 10th seminar, the programme was expanded to include guest speakers from local government, police and healthcare. These guests addressed broader community and safety issues, such as human rights for foreign and minority workers, road safety and occupational health. A particular focus was placed on practical well-being, with the local hospital director offering guidance on preventing injuries during tree tapping and managing encounters with poisonous insects.

Post-event feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that they gained new, systematic knowledge about cultivation practices, despite years of experience. Several noted that hearing directly from a rubber manufacturer reinforced the critical importance of purity in their product. Others found the health and safety advice immediately useful. The engaging delivery of the seminar was also highlighted, with one farmer mentioning a desire to recommend the valuable and enjoyable experience to peers.

This initiative is a direct implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Yokohama Rubber and RAOT in January 2020. The MoU focuses on economic support for farmers and improving supply chain traceability, aligning with the company's Procurement Policy for Sustainable Natural Rubber. Hosted in the region where Yokohama’s Thai natural rubber processing subsidiary, Y.T. Rubber Co., Ltd. (YTRC), operates, the seminar exemplifies the policy's guideline to support small-scale farmers within the supply chain.

As a founding member of the Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), Yokohama Rubber is committed to advancing these principles. The company views such efforts as integral to creating shared value under its sustainability slogan, ‘Caring for the Future’, and contributes to broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through the promotion of sustainable raw material procurement.

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Rubber Research Institute Of India Develops Latex-Based Paint

Rubber Research Institute Of India Develops Latex-Based Paint

In a significant event for India’s rubber sector, Minister for Ports, Co-operation & Devaswoms V N Vasavan inaugurated a ceremony for the transfer of innovative latex-based paint technology. This eco-friendly paint, a product derived from natural rubber, was developed by the Rubber Products Incubation Centre of the Rubber Research Institute of India. The technology was formally handed over to Kerala Paints Industries Private Ltd., with the Minister highlighting the event's historic nature for launching a sustainable product and stressing the importance of increasing domestic natural rubber consumption to improve grower returns.

Rubber Board Executive Director M Vasanthagesan outlined the centre's role in converting research into market-ready goods, reaffirming the Board's dedication to creating innovative, value-added rubber products. The gathering also heard remarks from several key figures, including Mahatma Gandhi University's K V Dayal, RRII Director Dr Debabrata Ray, RRII Senior Scientist Dr Shera Mathew and Kerala Paints' Managing Director Midhun P Pullumettel.

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ANRPC Publishes Monthly NR Statistical Report For November 2025

ANRPC Publishes Monthly NR Statistical Report For November 2025

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) has released its Monthly NR Statistical Report for November 2025, providing an overview of key developments in the global natural rubber sector.

While a modest rise in global production of 1.3 percent is anticipated for the year, this follows a revised, lower output forecast for Indonesia. Concurrently, worldwide demand is projected to grow by a more subdued 0.8 percent, bolstered by an upward adjustment in Indonesia's own consumption figures.

Recent price pressures have emerged due to this combination of uncertain supply, influenced by unpredictable weather patterns and generally muted demand. However, there are sporadic positive indicators, including noticeable recoveries within the tyre sector across some regional markets.

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