Novel Polyaspartic-Based Gelcoats from Bayer MaterialScience LLC Offer Contractors a More Environmentally Friendly Option

Las Vegas, NV, February 04, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Contractors repairing aged gelcoats typically use traditional polyester gelcoat formulas. According to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s Steven Reinstadtler, construction marketing manager - Coatings and Sustainability Initiatives, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, new developments in polyaspartic technology offer contractors a more environmentally friendly option.

Reinstadtler presented “Greener Options for Site-applied Gelcoat Topcoat Refurbishment Using Polyaspartic Technology” 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 1, as part of SSPC 2011 featuring GreenCOAT, which took place January 31 – February 3 in Las Vegas. The presentation demonstrates how novel polyaspartic-based gelcoat technology can replace traditional site-applied polyester gelcoats, while also offering lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improved weatherability, fast return-to-service time, less odor and improved scratch, chip and crack resistance.

In his presentation, which is part of Session 2: Green Opportunities & Sustainability for Growth, Reinstadtler will compare the new technology to traditional gelcoats and coatings. Gelcoats are the decorative outer layer of a composite part and are usually pigmented, with white being the primary color. They are typically 15-20 mils thick and site applied over an existing aged gelcoat as a repair. Conventional gelcoats are the reaction product of unsaturated polyester or vinyl ester and styrene using peroxide as an initiator. Conversely, polyaspartic-based gelcoat technology is a 100 percent solid, two-component (2K) aliphatic polyurea system. The new gelcoat options utilizing polyaspartic technology meet the demands of owners and contractors, such as reduced VOCs, faster cure time, low to no odor and ease of use. As Reinstadtler explains, testing performed by Bayer MaterialScience LLC assessed polyaspartic-based gelcoats on a variety of criteria, including weatherability, abrasion resistance and impact resistance. The polyaspartic-based gelcoat exhibited superior performance, including abrasion resistance that was two times better abrasion resistance than traditional polyester gelcoats.

According to Reinstadtler, “The use of polyaspartic technology also benefits contractors by allowing the application of one thick coat, eliminating time-consuming multiple coats, while still providing owners with a more durable and sustainable solution.”

In his presentation, Reinstadtler will address a variety of applications for which gelcoats can be used, such as exterior construction – waterslides and decorative facades; power applications – wind turbine blades; and recreational vehicles – boats and snowmobiles. In addition, he will demonstrate the advantages of polyaspartic-based gelcoats – both indoors and outdoors – through case studies of two aged waterslide refurbishment projects.

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.

###