Dr Ankur Rastogi
Innovation Manager, LyondellBasell
Ankur holds a Master’s Degree in Physics, a Ph.D. in Polymer Technology, Post-Doc experience and a Post Graduate Certificate in Business Administration (Open University, UK). Ankur started his career at Equipolymers GmbH (a Dow chemical & Kuwaiti PIC joint venture company) in PET R&D. Thereafter, he joined LyondellBasell in 2007 as ADTS (Application Development & Technical Service) responsible for Polyethylene Film & Textile applications followed by Polybutene-1 (PB-1) Specialties. In 2019, he was designated as Business Development Manager in the Advanced Polymer Solutions (APS) division. Beginning 2023, he was appointed as Innovation Manager (PB-1 & Catalloy) in Olefins & Polyolefins division and continues in this role based in Frankfurt (Germany).
Polybutene1-based Hotmelts Tailored for Demanding Woodworking Applications
In the pursuit of continuous innovation, new woodworking hotmelt formulations have been successfully evaluated using the Polybutene-1 polymer. Metallocene catalyst based Polybutene-1 (mPB-1) offers the appropriate viscosity levels to address Profile wrapping, Panel wrapping and Edgebanding applications ensuring good wettability of bonding surfaces. Polybutene-1 is an isotactic semi-crystalline polyolefin that offers high cohesive strength, good thermal stability, hot tack, excellent heat resistance, long open time and low VOC properties in comparison to conventional polymers. mPB-1 is compatible with fully hydrogenated and aliphatic tackifiers in a hotmelt formulation. Also the compatibility of mPB-1 with other metallocene Polyolefin (mPO) or Amorphous Poly Alpha Olefin (APAO) available in the market unlocks the potential for enhanced properties for the application. In the current study, starting formulations with mPB-1 have been proposed and evaluated for woodworking. The bonded panels have been tested for their heat resistance, ageing characteristics and water resistance resulting in superior performance in profile wrapping, panel wrapping and edgebanding with different types of panels and coverings. The low VOC properties of mPB-1 ensure a reduced environmental impact. In terms of sustainability, it is also possible to have an ISCC plus certified mPB-1 using a mass-balanced renewable feedstock.
Co-author:
Andrea Fantinati (Unicol, Italy)
Breakout Session VII – Advanced Hot Melt Technologies for Assembly – 17 September 2026 – 11:00 – 11:30 – Room Churchill – GF