Dr Kelven Feng
Principal Scientist, Synthomer
Kelven Feng has nearly 20 years of experience in the adhesive industry, with a current focus on polymer development for hot-melt adhesives used in automotive, woodworking, industrial assembly, and related markets. He holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and brings a strong blend of academic and industrial experience gained across China, Japan, and the United States.
He has authored multiple peer reviewed journal publications and holds several patents related to polymer synthesis, characterization, and application across diverse industrial fields, including inks, coatings, and adhesive materials. His technical expertise spans the formulation and application of hot-melt, acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane adhesives, with particular emphasis on automotive, wood furniture, and industrial assembly applications.
New Polyolefins for High Performance Hot Melt Adhesives in Automotive Interiors
As plastic and polymer composites are increasingly used in automotives to reduce vehicle weights and improve fuel efficiency, it is highly desired for hot melt adhesives (HMA) to create strong bonds with low surface energy substrates such as polypropylene. These bonds, when in automotive interiors, need to withstand possible extreme high temperature during vehicle usage. Synthomer has developed a portfolio of polyolefin polymers that enable the formulation of automotive hot melt adhesives for above- and below-the-belt applications in automotive interior, which can require heat resistance of 100-120°C and less than 90°C, respectively. Due to unique structural characteristics, these polyolefins exhibit a range of desirable adhesion, heat resistance, tensile strength and elongation properties. This family of polyolefin polymers are designed to be utilized in the development of high performance HMAs with the desired heat resistance, cohesive strength, and strong bonds to low surface energy materials without pre-treatment.
A model HMA formulation comprising these polymers in combination with different elastomers, tackifiers and waxes, exhibits improved peel strength, superior thermal creep resistance, and excellent resistance against Dead Load in the desirable temperature ranges of 100-120°C and 80-90°C. In addition, model adhesives based on these polymers can withstand a weather test with high humidity, high temperature and low temperature cycles. Also, anti-blocking tests show that HMAs based on Synthomer new polymers can be pre-applied giving the Tier 1s and OEMs more work flexibility
With this family of polyolefin polymers, the formulators will have access to new tools enabling them to develop high performance hot melt adhesives for both above-the-belt (door panels, headliners, dashboard, roof pillars) and below-the-belt (carpet, trunk, seats, etc.) applications.
Co-author:
Nadjet Suedmeyer
Breakout Session VII – Advanced Hot Melt Technologies for Assembly – 17 September 2026 – 12:30 – 13:00 – Room Churchill – GF