Pursue greener - novel sustainable CNSL-based diluent designed for high-performance low VOC protective coatings

 
A novel multifunctional epoxy diluent has been developed based on natural and non-food chain cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) to help overcome the challenges of formulating high-performance coatings that meet strict regulations and sustainability goals while maintaining desired good properties. The benefits such as non-toxicity, better labeling and high bio-content from the new epoxy diluent could enhance a new generation of high-performance protective coatings with lower carbon footprint. The performance test results revealed that, besides the benefits of VOC reduction and flexibility improvement, the new bio-based diluent could deliver better water resistance and chemical resistance than benchmarks even at elevated temperatures; solvent-free coating systems with this new diluent could provide excellent corrosion protection due to its hydrophobicity. Additionally, it's found that the new diluent as a modifier could improve crack resistance in water-borne epoxy concrete screed systems. Furthermore, this novel diluent could be used as a sole epoxy resin to achieve a super flexible system when combined with high cross-linking curing agents.