The use of monofunctional polyetheramines in water-borne epoxy resins

 
Since most non-ionic surfactants used as water-borne coating emulsifiers are based on long blocks of polyethyleneoxide (PEO) as the hydrophile, it is logical to consider the use of reactive polyether amines as modifiers of hydrophobic epoxy resins in the self-emulsification process. Self-emulsification of epoxy resins can be done by adducting a part of the epoxy resin with such reactive polyether amines. The resulting epoxy adduct serves as internal reactive surfactant for the remaining epoxy resin. The epoxy reactive surfactant becomes a part of the epoxy matrix upon final cure when mixed with the amine hardener preventing surfactant leaching when exposed to water condense or rain. The use of polyetheramines in the making of an epoxy emulsion or dispersion on lab scale will be demonstrated starting from a standard LER or SER. The resulting self-made emulsion / dispersion will be compared with commercial binders / water borne hardeners combinations in a clear and white epoxy coating.