Patent attributes
A method and apparatus for post mixing an additive with a hot melt adhesives. The method includes the steps of providing a source of molten hot melt adhesive, feeding the hot melt adhesive to an inlet of a mixer, simultaneously feeding an additive for the hot melt adhesive to the inlet of the mixer, mixing the additive and molten hot melt adhesive in the mixer to form a homogeneous mixture, and recovering the homogenous mixture. The additive is preferably selected from wetness indicators, antimicrobial agents, pigments, dyes, ultraviolet light absorbers, antioxidants, fluorescent agents, pH indicators and fragrances. The method may be practiced either on a batch basis, or on a continuous basis. The apparatus includes a vessel containing molten hot melt adhesive, a mixer located downstream from the vessel, the mixer having an inlet and an outlet, a first pump located between the vessel and the mixer for pumping molten hot melt adhesive from the vessel to the inlet of the mixer, a source of an additive for the hot melt adhesive, and a second pump located between the source of the additive and the mixer for pumping the additive to the inlet of the mixer. The mixer may comprise either a static mixer or a dynamic mixer.
