Silylated polyurethanes - new technology for PFAS-free protective coatings

 
Organic resin bearing alkoxysilane -OSi(OR)x reactive groups is a new class of hybrid organic-inorganic binder systems gaining considerable traction in different segments of the industrial coatings market. One of the reasons for such attention is that this class has a unique set of high-end properties, allowing it to address a number of important challenges. Silylated polyurethanes are versatile in terms of structural diversity and design. They provide coatings with high productivity and an extended process window as well as allow cutting-edge innovation in terms of sustainability and carbon footprint. One of the remarkable performance characteristics of silylated polyurethanes is their unique durability and resistance to degradation in highly weatherable conditions. This immediately puts such resin hybrids on the candidate list of viable alternatives for PFAS resin systems. Our experimental data clearly demonstrate that chemistry of silylated polyurethanes can be successfully utilized to address even the most critical quality requirements. Coating formulators searching for PFAS-free resin solutions for high performance applications can benefit from the efficiency and versatility of this newly introduced silylated polyurethane technology.