Weir Minerals launches new zero VOC adhesive range for rubber lining

The LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 solvent-free and zero VOC adhesive range, developed specifically for Linatex rubber products in partnership with Henkel, delivers best-in-class bond strength.

Weir Minerals, manufacturer of Linatex, the world’s leading brand of premium natural rubber, has partnered with world’s number one adhesive producer Henkel and its team of LOCTITE adhesive, sealant and coating specialists, to develop a mining industry-first solvent-free adhesive for rubber lining applications with zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

VOCs are carbon-based, organic chemicals that are often used in adhesives, paints and coatings. They are subject to strict regulations, with some governments aiming to limit worker exposure while others target large-scale emissions, such as the People’s Republic of China’s recent ban on the production and use of high VOC-containing solvent-based coatings and adhesives in order to improve air quality. Mining companies also target VOC emissions as part of their sustainability strategies.

Always striving to develop new solutions that meet the needs of their mining customers, in collaboration with Henkel, Weir Minerals developed the LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 cold-bonding rubber adhesive range as a response to the growing need for safer and more sustainable products. Complementing the industry-leading Linatex rubber products, this breakthrough in adhesive technology reflects Weir’s core values of safety, sustainability and performance.

With new LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 products, cutting down the VOC emissions does not mean having to compromise on performance. The custom-formulated LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 rubber adhesive range sets a new industry benchmark for bond strength by exceeding the current British Standard by up to four times and is significantly stronger than other products presently used in mining.

“We’ve had many customers across the globe approach us to make sure that the products they use on site are safe for their employees working in confined spaces,” explains Mark Doyle, Global Product Manager – Linatex Rubber and Hose. “At Weir Minerals we take safety very seriously and looked at several possible solutions. Our team worked closely with the LOCTITE experts and developed an adhesive that is stronger than any other product in the market today with the double benefit of being solvent-free with zero VOCs. Coincidentally, many mine sites and even regional governments are now starting to mandate that only adhesives with zero VOCs be used on site – we are thrilled to say that we have a product that meets this challenge.”

The entire range is non-flammable and is therefore safer to use, easy to transport and does not require any special handling or storage facilities. It can also be sprayed over the top of the rubber lining to provide solid UV protection.

When combining the enhanced strength of the new LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 adhesive range with the long wear life of Linatex premium rubber, the result is a highly sought-after sustainable solution for miners looking for long-lasting protection for their equipment.

The LINATEX LOCTITE – LINA 88 solvent-free adhesive range is available globally.