Novel low viscosity polyester polyols for reduced VOC 2K polyurethane coatings

 
Coatings formulators are required to comply with increasingly stringent volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations such as the European Union?s VOC Solvents Emissions Directive and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in California. Three ways to reduce VOCs in coatings include: waterborne formulations, high solid coatings or, in parts of North America, using ?exempt? solvents. Waterborne technology greatly reduces VOC content, but commonly lags behind the performance of solventborne coatings, while high solid systems are typically more expensive per liter. To overcome these challenges, Stepan has developed new polyester polyols with low room temperature viscosities that have been shown to reduce the level of VOC-contributing solvents and provide excellent coating characteristics. These polyols are designed for use in 2K polyurethane solventborne low VOC systems for preventative maintenance and floor coatings. Included are comparisons to standard industrial coatings systems, adhesion properties to various substrates, resin compatibility, chemical resistance and weatherability.