Bayer Discusses Polyurethane Dispersions: an Important Element in a Coating Formulator’s Toolkit

New Orleans, LA, February 20, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Keeping pace with the coating industry’s evolving demands requires ongoing product development. Waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) are an important part of the toolkit formulators can use to develop products for the architectural, industrial and special purpose coatings markets.

PUDs are noted for their ability to provide good film hardness, varying degrees of flexibility, durability, solvent resistance, chemical resistance and water resistance. By using PUDs, formulators are able to obtain coatings properties that would not be possible if other types of resins were used. Formulators can achieve different coatings properties by varying the type of PUD chosen.

Dr. Raymond Stewart, senior scientist, Coatings, Adhesives & Specialties business development, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, discussed his latest findings regarding the effects of PUD selection on coating characteristics at the Waterborne Symposium 2012. Stewart’s presentation, “Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersions – The Key Tool for Today’s Coatings Chemist in Product Development,” was part of the general session and took place 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16, in Preservation Hall A.

Dr. Stewart focused on advancements in the one-component (1K) ambient-cure PUD and 1K thermally cured PUD areas. Ambient-cure coatings develop their properties and cure at room temperature. Examples of ambient-cure coatings include wood and furniture coatings, parquet floor coatings, decorative lacquer and house paint. Unlike ambient-cure coatings, thermally cured coatings require the application of external heat to cure. Thermally cured coatings are not for the do-it-yourselfer and are typically industrial coatings that are applied under well-controlled conditions.

Dr. Stewart tested a variety of waterborne PUDs, comparing the resulting coatings tack-free time; pencil hardness; water, scratch and abrasion resistance; as well as their elongation at the break. All of the products cited in Dr. Stewart’s paper are expected to be commercially available from Bayer by the end of 2012.

“Both 1K ambient-cure PUDs and 1K thermally cured PUDs are customizable, which really allows formulators to achieve a finished coating with their desired properties. PUDs are appropriate for use in coatings for all three primary areas of the coatings market – architectural, industrial and special purpose coatings,” says Dr. Stewart. “PUDs are an important element in a coating formulator’s toolkit.”

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:
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 14,700 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2010 sales of 10.2 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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