Why is the flocking rubber such a challenge? While flocking on materials like plastics or textiles can be achieved with relative ease, rubber surfaces often lead to frustration after multiple attempts, with results that fall short of expectations. That is because the unique surface properties of rubber. Its low surface energy, smoothness, and possible additives. Making it resistant to standard flocking techniques. But no worry, we’ve developed a solution just for this. With our expertise, you can achieve flawless flocking on rubber—right from the first try.
Differences Between Rubber Flocking and Flocking on Other Materials
Let’s look at what makes rubber flocking unique. Unlike other materials, rubber has lower surface energy, a slick texture, and often contains additives like plasticizers and antioxidants that can weaken adhesion. So, choosing the right PU resin adhesive is essential for durability.
For rubber flocking, specialized cationic waterborne PU adhesives work best. These adhesives have strong wetting and high adhesion, creating a solid bond on rubber. They also provide excellent resistance to water, chemicals, and aging, ensuring long-lasting results. Flocking on materials like plastic, metal, or fabric is simpler, as these surfaces allow good adhesion with anionic or neutral adhesives due to their higher surface energy.
SIOResin WPU-2602R: Waterborne Polyurethane for Flocked Rubber Applications
SIOResin® has extensive experience in developing flocking PU adhesives, with a diverse product line covering the needs of various flocking applications. For rubber materials, we have created WPU-2602R, a cationic waterborne polyurethane adhesive specially designed for flocking. This environmentally-friendly adhesive combines excellent adhesion, stability, and hydrolysis resistance to meet the high demands of flocked rubber applications.
WPU-2602R offers exceptional bonding strength on PVC and natural rubber and is suitable for automotive PVC seals, TPV (after treatment), and rubber flocking across a range of challenging conditions.
Product Features:
- Superior adhesion on rubber for lasting bond strength.
- High stability and hydrolysis resistance, ideal for use in varying humidity and temperature.
- Broad material compatibility, suitable for rubber, PVC, and other substrates.
Technical Specifications:
- Appearance: Milky white liquid
- Solid content: 39±1%
- pH: 5-7
- Viscosity: 550-850 mPa.s (adjustable)
Usage Tips: To enhance ethanol and water resistance, add 3-5% curing agent and avoid mixing with adhesives of different properties.
The Rubber Flocking Process
Preparation: Rubber products, rubber flocking adhesive, flocking equipment, drying tunnel or oven.
1 Clean the surface of the rubber product.
2 Apply adhesive by spraying, dipping, roller coating, or screen printing.
3 Activate the electrostatic flocking machine to start the flocking process.
4 Bake at 60-80°C (based on the heat tolerance of the substrate) for 10-20 minutes, or let air-dry for 24 hours.
5 Allow cooling (for at least three hours).
6 Remove excess flock and loose fibers.
7 Test to ensure the flocking meets desired standards.
Applications of Flocked Rubber Products
Flocked rubber products are popular across many industries for their soft feel, durability, and decorative look, making them ideal for various needs.
- In consumer goods, flocked rubber is used in toys and stationery, adding texture and appeal. This is especially valued in children’s toys, where a flocked surface adds warmth and softness—like in the well-loved flocked bunny toys. For household items, products like anti-slip mats, flocked rubber protective gloves, and dishwashing gloves are waterproof, durable, and comfortable, making them ideal for everyday use.
- In the automotive sector, flocked rubber is common in interior components such as seals, door trim, and glove boxes. This flocking adds style, grip, and prevents slipping, enhancing passenger comfort.
- The construction industry also benefits from flocked rubber, especially for weatherproofing and noise reduction. Flocked rubber seals, for example, provide waterproofing, dust resistance, and sound insulation, making doors and windows more practical and comfortable.
- In electronics, flocked rubber protects device cases from scratches and wear. Flocked phone cases and headphone accessories enhance both touch and durability.
- Finally, in industrial manufacturing, flocked rubber is used in conveyor belts and protective padding, improving wear resistance and stability, which extends product life. These wide applications demonstrate the adaptability of flocked rubber products, meeting the diverse needs of modern manufacturing.
About SIOResin (SIO New Material)
SIOResin is a leading company in China specializing in the development and production of new materials. We manufacture and supply high-quality water-based silicone resins, silicone-modified polyesters, water-based polyurethanes, water-based acrylics, UV resins, liquid silicone rubber, intumescent fireproof coatings, flame retardants, wetting agents, curing agents, associative thickeners, driers, soft-touch agents, and other additives. Our products have a wide range of applications and with competitive prices.
Free samples are available upon request. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
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