Bayer MaterialScience Scientist FOCUSes on Waterborne Coatings for Industrial Markets
Technical presentation at annual FOCUS conference highlighted developments for the use of polyurethane dispersions (PUDs)
Pittsburgh, May 26, 2009 - With stringent regulations regarding VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and heightened environmental awareness, it is becoming increasingly important to find effective alternatives to solvent-borne coatings in the industrial market. Two-component waterborne coatings continue to advance as replacements for solvent-borne coatings, matching their performance without the damaging environmental effects. An emerging complementary approach to two-component polyurethane systems is the use of polyurethane dispersions (PUDs), which utilize additional curing technology.
These new developments were the topic of a technical paper and presentation, "Waterborne Coatings for Industrial Markets," given by Raymond Stewart, senior research and development scientist, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, at the 34th Annual FOCUS (Future of Coatings Under Study) Conference. Sponsored by the Detroit Society for Coatings Technology, the conference took place at the Michigan State University Management Education Center in Troy, Mich., and was an educational event for coatings formulators, manufacturers, end users, raw material and equipment suppliers, educators and students. Stewart's presentation was a good fit with the conference theme, "Clean, Green & Lean: The New Reality."
The presentation began with an introduction to the chemistry behind PUDs. Some of the key properties upon which Stewart focused are their low solvent content, low viscosity at a high molecular weight, low temperature drying and superior adhesion to a wide variety of substrates.
Stewart discussed different classes of PUDs and for what applications they are well-suited, including non-functional PUDs and hydroxy functional PUDs. He pointed out each PUD's properties and described a dual-cure approach in the formulation of two-component elastomeric soft-feel coatings. He also highlighted oxidatively curing PUDs that offer excellent adhesion to a variety of metals and plastics.
"PUDs have an established track record of performance in many coatings and adhesives applications," said Stewart. "They provide coatings formulators the opportunity to formulate a wide variety of coatings that meet the current and anticipated green demands of many industries."
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.
Contact:
Tom Erdner, Phone: 412-777-5200
E-mail: thomas.erdner@bayerbms.com
For more information about coatings, adhesives or specialties, call 412-777-3893, e-mail naftainfo@bayerbms.com or visit www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com.
