Bayer MaterialScience LLC at ASC 2011 Spring Convention and Expo: Reacting Capped Prepolymers with Blocked Amines Produces Polyurea Elastomers with Low VOCs

Pittsburgh, PA, April 29, 2011 --(PR.com)-- While capped polyurethane prepolymers have been used for many years to flexibilize epoxy resins, they can also be reacted with multifunctional amines to create products with useful properties without the addition of epoxy resins. The polymerization of several amines with two capped prepolymers was the subject of a recent technical presentation by a Bayer MaterialScience LLC scientist at the Adhesive and Sealant Council’s (ASC) Spring Convention and Expo held in Tampa, Fla.

Jay Johnston, senior development specialist, presented “Capped Prepolymers as Alternate Routes to Polyurethane Coatings, Adhesives and Sealants” as part of Education Track 2: Technical and Government Regulations.

During his presentation, Johnston explained how capped polyurethane prepolymers can be utilized for additional purposes beyond their standard usage to flexibilize epoxy resins. While this traditional application has reduced brittleness, increased elongation and flexibility, and improved toughness and impact resistance of many epoxy coating formulations, capped polyurethane prepolymers can also be used to create products with useful properties without the addition of epoxy resins. In order for this to occur, Johnston explained, the capped polyurethane prepolymers are reacted with multifunctional amines to produce polyurea elastomers.

“By reacting capped prepolymers with blocked amines, formulators are also able to manufacture one-component, moisture-curing elastomers,” said Johnston. He continued, “The resulting elastomers contain low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels and do not bubble when encountering wet environments.”

Johnston also discussed several two-component adhesive and sealant starting point 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 14,400 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2010 sales of 10.2 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience's North American sales were 2.0 billion euros in 2010. 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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