Bayer MaterialScience LLC's Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings Prove Superior for Direct-to-Metal Applications

Pittsburgh, PA, October 19, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Application timing, surface preparation and degree of protection provided are just a few characteristics that coatings applicators must evaluate before selecting the proper coating for direct-to-metal (DTM) applications. To help facilitate this process three Bayer MaterialScience LLC scientists have developed a selection tool for waterborne polyurethane coatings for DTM applications.

The results will be presented by Pete Schmitt, strategic technology manager for polyurethane coatings at Bayer MaterialScience LLC, at the 2010 Metal Protection Through Coatings Technology Conference taking place Oct. 19-20, at the Sheraton Station Square hotel in Pittsburgh.

Schmitt will present “A Selection Tool for Waterborne Polyurethane coatings for Direct-to-Metal Applications” at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 20, as part of Session 4: New Developments. The presentation was co-authored by Margaret Kendi, associate research scientist, and Dr. Raymond Stewart, senior R&D scientist, both of Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

Schmitt will provide an overview of the testing conducted in the study as well as their findings on the performance of waterborne polyurethane coatings for DTM applications compared with commercially available coatings for DTM applications.

The study used a guide formula made with raw materials readily available in the United States. Tests were performed to evaluate the physical properties of the formula, which was then compared with the physical results of commercially available DTM waterborne coatings systems.

The commercially available waterborne coatings tested include a water-based acrylic coating, a solvent-based alkyd coating, and a solventborne alkyd primer. The guide formula used in the study was Bayhydrol® UH 2592, a one-component, oxidatively crosslinking polyurethane coating from Bayer MaterialScience LLC.

All coatings were tested for adhesion to various substrates, including cold-rolled steel, B952-treated (zinc phosphate) steel, B1000-treated (iron phosphate) steel, aluminum (mill), and chromium-treated aluminum. Humidity resistance (Cleveland condenser) and corrosion resistance (salt fog) tests were also performed on all coatings.

“The study confirmed that waterborne urethane coatings have superior performance properties over commercially available systems,” said Schmitt.

Schmitt added that two key advantages of waterborne urethane coatings are their low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels and the effectiveness of a single coat of waterborne urethane compared with multiple coats of commercially available systems. With the successful findings of their study on waterborne polyurethane coatings for DTM applications, the group plans to perform additional testing on other formulations.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,300 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2009 sales of 7.5 billion euros. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

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