Bayer MaterialScience LLC Scientists Find That Waterborne Urethane Coatings Based on Polyurethane Dispersions Have Superior Performance Properties

Pittsburgh, PA, November 13, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The process of selecting the proper waterborne coating for direct-to-metal (DTM) applications is complicated by necessary surface treatment, application requirements, cost of the coating and desired performance properties. No one coating can overcome all of these challenges, but waterborne polyurethane coatings provide an excellent starting point to meet the various performance requirements of today’s industrial markets.

Dr. Raymond Stewart, senior R&D scientist, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, presented the findings of a study he performed with Margaret Kendi, associate research scientist, Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, on waterborne polyurethane coatings for DTM industrial coatings.

Stewart noted that the study found that a single coat of the waterborne urethane PUD is as effective as multiple coats of the commercially available coatings and that the waterborne urethane coating has low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels. “We further found that the study succeeded in confirming that waterborne urethane coatings based on polyurethane dispersions have superior performance properties over commercially available coatings,” said Stewart.

The presentation, “Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings for Direct-to-Metal Industrial Coatings – Challenges and Successes,” was given as part of the Innovations in Industrial Liquid & Powder Coatings Session of Track B: Industrial Coatings II, at the North American Industrial (NAI) Coatings Show, held recently in Indianapolis. NAI, the largest industrial coatings conference in North America, is the only event that provides a technical program and exhibits focused exclusively on industrial and protective coatings.

During his presentation, Stewart compared the different formulations of polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) for ambient or low-temperature cure with the benchmark formula, a commercially available latex emulsion coating. Stewart also discussed the advantages of each formulation with an emphasis on resin evaluation protocols for best utilization of time and other scarce resources.

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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