A bio-based coalescent for improving latex film quality and paint performance

 
The present work focuses on the development of a 100% bio-based and zero-VOC coalescent for use in water-borne paints based on different latex chemistries. During the molecule design, Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) were considered for optimizing compatibility of the molecule with different polymers, aiming to improve coalescence process and the quality of latex films formed. Results of Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) prove that latexes films containing the new bio-based coalescent present better film quality in relation to the same latexes containing a zero-VOC benchmark coalescent, resulting on a smoother surface with lower values of height and average roughness. The LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) tool was used to compare a Paint formulated with the bio-based coalescent versus a paint formulated with the benchmark coalescent. Results demonstrates a better performance in terms of Climate Change (MC), Human Toxicity (TH) and Water Depletion (DA). Application tests show that, due the better film formation, paints formulated with the bio-based coalescent present a performance improvement, mainly in relation to leaching and scrub resistance.