Bayer MaterialScience LLC Scientist Explores UV-PUDS as a Green Coatings Solution
Presentation given at the Philadelphia Society for Coatings Technology May Symposium
Pittsburgh, May 20, 2009 - Polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) offer coatings formulators an alternative approach to producing polyurethane coatings that are low in VOCs. They offer low solvent content, low odor and low temperature drying, among many other eco-friendly properties. Most importantly, they also offer the performance needed for superior coatings.
Michael Dvorchak, strategic UV specialist, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, explored the "ultimate green coatings solution" - ultraviolet (UV) curable PUDs - at the Philadelphia Society for Coatings Technology's May Symposium in his technical paper, UV Curable Polyurethane Dispersions: The Ultimate Green Coatings Solution.
Dvorchak's presentation explored the innovative processes behind UV curable PUDs and their application areas in depth. It began with an explanation of the idea and chemistry of UV cure PUDs, including the double bonds necessary for their functionality.
The presentation highlighted the characteristics of UV cure systems within waterborne coatings technology, including good recyclability and a high level of chemical resistance. It also detailed the wide variety of applications - ranging from decorative film and sheeting to doors and furniture, to open pore wood coatings and leather.
The presentation also focused on the physical processes involved with UV cure PUDs, including a demonstration of the film formation and curing of the PUDs and the methods of drying waterborne UV cure coatings. Dvorchak explored several classes of UV cure PUDs and the properties and benefits of each.
In addition, Dvorchak highlighted waterborne UV cure soft-touch coatings and their chemistry. Target markets for this technology include industrial coatings such as plastics, wood and printing. They offer the "green" benefits of UV curing, in addition to a performance level that is similar to standard 2K waterborne polyurethane systems.
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with nearly 15,100 employees at 30 sites around the world and 2008 sales of 9.7 billion euros. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries.
Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, an international health care, nutrition and high-tech materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. In North America, Bayer had 2008 net sales of approximately 8 billion euros (about $12 billion) and employed 17,000 at year end. Bayer's three subgroups, Bayer HealthCare, Bayer CropScience and Bayer MaterialScience, improve people's lives through a broad range of essential products that help diagnose, prevent and treat diseases; protect crops and enhance yields; and advance automobile safety and durability. For more information, go to www.bayerus.com.
Contact:
Tom Erdner, Phone: 412-777-5200
E-mail: thomas.erdner@bayerbms.com
For more information about coatings, adhesives or specialties, call 412-777-3983, e-mail naftainfo@bayerbms.com or visit www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com.
