Film microstructure and kinetics of 2K WB coatings based on quaternary ammonium formation

 
This work describes an extensive study about the influence of polymer particle morphology of two component coating systems based on crosslinking via quaternary ammonium crosslink formation. The morphology of the polymer particles produced by emulsion polymerization was carefully designed to offer an enhanced pot-life, better stability, lower VOC among others, as compared to more traditional waterborne two component systems. Moreover, the influence of the particle morphology on the reactivity of the system was addressed using FITR techniques. Scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope measurements were employed to study the film microstructure of the coatings produced with such systems. The analysis of the cross-section of the films revealed the importance of particle coalescence and polymer inter-diffusion on the occurrence of both physical and chemical crosslinking.