Rosin is commonly used as a tackifying resin in hot-melt, pressure-sensitive, and solvent-based adhesives to increase initial tack and improve bond strength. Rosin can also improve the drying properties and peel strength of water-based acrylic laminating adhesives; the optimal dosage is 6% of the total monomer content.
Rosin is a weakly acidic substance. Excessive use in SBS-type all-purpose adhesives or spray adhesives can corrode iron packaging, causing the adhesive to quickly turn brownish-black. While this does not affect bonding performance, the appearance is questionable.
Rosin is highly sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen, especially powdered rosin, which oxidizes very easily. Therefore, it should be stored in bulk to prevent oxidation that causes darkening and changes in properties. When rosin blocks oxidize, an oxide film forms on the surface, preventing further oxidation of the internal rosin. Moisture accelerates the oxidation process, and deep oxidation releases acetic acid.