Methods for dispensing and adhering hot melt entrained polymers to substrates

Abstract

Disclosed are methods for forming and adhering an entrained polymer structure to a substrate. The methods include providing a substrate () configured to receive application of a molten entrained polymer (). A mineral entrained polymer in molten form is applied in a predetermined shape, to a surface of the substrate, to form a solidified entrained polymer structure on the substrate. The entrained polymer includes a monolithic material formed of at least a base polymer () and a mineral active agent () to absorb excess moisture. The surface of the substrate is compatible with the molten entrained polymer so as to thermally bond with it. In this way, the entrained polymer bonds to the substrate and solidifies upon sufficient cooling of the entrained polymer. The polymer can have a channeling or foaming agent (), eg polyglycol. To apply the polymer is provided a hot melt dispensing apparatus comprising: a feeder () (optionally an extruder or loader) for providing a flow of mineral entrained polymer in molten form; one or more hoses (), each of which having an internal lumen in fluid communication with an exit () of the feeder to receive flow of the mineral entrained polymer in molten form, the lumen terminating at an applicator () to which the entrained polymer in molten form is conveyed; the applicator comprising a dispenser () for applying the entrained polymer in the predetermined shape to the surface of the substrate. The hose and the dispenser can be heated.