Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
    • RESOURCES
      • Columns
        • Ask Joe Powder
        • Did you know?
        • Distribution Dive
        • Focus on Canada
        • Formulating With Mike
        • Innovation Insights
        • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
        • Powder Coating Perspectives
        • Target the Market
        • TiO2 Insider
      • Blogs
        • Editor's Viewpoint
        • Industry Insights
      • Coatings Supplier Handbook
      • Podcasts and Videos
        • COAT-IT! Podcast
        • Videos/PCI TV
      • PCI Store
      • eBooks
      • Sponsor Insights
      • White Papers
      • COATLE Word Game
    • EVENTS
      • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
      • Paint and Coatings Academy
      • Webinars
      • Calendar of Events
      • Lifetime Achievement Award
    • DIRECTORIES
      • Buyer's Guide
      • Equipment Directory
      • Materials Directory
    • EMAGAZINE
      • Current Issue
      • eMagazine Archive
      • China Issue Archive
      • Editorial Advisory Board
    • CONTACT
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise
      • Subscribe to eMagazine
      • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    Paint and Coating Resins & PolymersArchitectural Coatings

    Let There be (Day) Light

    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors

    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    Novel Hybrid Meets Demand for UV Protection and Chemical Resistance in Low-VOC Coatings for Institutional Interiors
    September 1, 2015

    By Henry Eichman, Research Technologist, Zhenwen Fu, Research Fellow, Art Leman, Technical Service Manager, Bingquan Li, Technical Service Scientist, and Leo Procopio, Application Development Leader, Dow Coating Materials, Collegeville, PA

    Epoxy coating systems are the traditional go-to solution for institutional interiors because they offer a level of chemical resistance that stands up to the rigorous cleaning regimens and harsh cleaning agents commonly used in these high-traffic spaces. Unfortunately, exposure to UV rays can lead to chalking, yellowing and gloss reduction. This has always limited epoxy’s effectiveness in exterior coating systems. Now it is an emerging issue for interior coating systems due to the growing popularity of daylighting.

    According to the Department of Energy (DOE), illuminating interior spaces with natural light can reduce total energy costs by up to one third.1 Other studies associate day-lit interiors with improving the health and productivity of building occupants, increasing retail sales and even raising student test scores.2 Over time, however, the flood of natural light that brightens a building’s mood also dulls and yellows the epoxy-based coatings that protect its floors, walls and ceilings.

    To satisfy the need for coatings that offer durability and interior UV protection, Dow Coating Materials has developed a low-VOC-capable hybrid resin for two-component (2K) coating systems.3 MAINCOTE™ AEH-10 acrylic-epoxy hybrid combines the weatherability and UV resistance of acrylics with the chemical resistance of epoxies. The technology is <100 g/L VOC capable when used with acrylic hardeners and <50 g/L VOC capable when used with amine hardeners.

    Concrete Benefits

    As shown in Figure 1, waterborne epoxy systems for concrete coatings generally fall under one of three types. Type I systems are comprised of a neat liquid epoxy resin (LER) and a waterborne amine curing agent. They require surfactant to enhance emulsification of the LER, as well as solvent or diluent to reduce the viscosity. Type I systems can be formulated to provide high hardness and resistance properties, and are more cost effective for commercial applications; however, they also build hardness more slowly, which results in a longer return-to-service time.

    Type II systems utilize pre-dispersed waterborne epoxy resins. These are easier to use since emulsification of the epoxy during the mixing step is not required. Typical performance properties include increased flexibility and faster hardness development through physical (lacquer) drying. However, these pre-dispersed epoxy systems often bring in significant levels of VOC solvents, as well as a higher cost profile compared to Type I systems. They also tend to have short pot lives of 1 to 3 hours.

    Type III systems also utilize pre-dispersed epoxy resins (usually LER) for Part A, but employ an acrylic latex for Part B. These systems rely on an acid-epoxy reaction for curing and are catalyzed by tertiary amines. While Type I and Type II systems are commonly used for concrete floors, Type III systems are the dominant technology for concrete walls. They offer excellent chemical resistance, but have slow reaction times and take longer to develop full properties.

    Figure 2 shows the development of MAINCOTE AEH resin technology, which introduces a fourth type of epoxy system that facilitates low-VOC formulation without sacrificing cure speed, pot life or property development. The enabling technology houses epoxy functionality inside acrylic latex particles. In the wet phase, the acrylic latex acts as a barrier between the hardener and the epoxy, which helps to extend pot life. As the formulated coating comes into contact with air, the water in the formulation evaporates, allowing the hybrid resin and hardener to make contact. Crosslinking occurs quickly and with reduced hardener demand because of a relatively high EEW value of the hybrid resin. The coalescent demand is low because the epoxy resin in the latex particle helps in lowering the minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) of the acrylic polymer. The hardener can be either an amine-based curing agent, or an acrylic polymer containing carboxylic-acid functionality, such as MAINCOTE AE-58 acrylic hardener.

    Test Results

    To demonstrate the performance benefits of the novel acrylic-epoxy hybrid technology, a 2K coating system formulated with MAINCOTE AEH-10 acrylic epoxy hybrid resin and MAINCOTE AE-58 acrylic hardener was tested against five commercial waterborne wall coating systems for concrete. The systems, listed in Table 1, were evaluated in five key areas for concrete wall coatings: adhesion, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, color retention and gloss retention. The results demonstrate that MAINCOTE AEH-10 offers an excellent balance of these key properties while facilitating <100 g/L VOC formulation plus greater gloss and color retention without the addition of UV stabilizers. As an example of chemical resistance, Figure 3 shows photographs of the paints after exposure to 10% sodium hydroxide solution, demonstrating a clear advantage for the acrylic-epoxy hybrid system. Results in Table 2 also show that the hybrid exhibits equal or better chemical resistance to common cleaning agents compared to commercial formulations. Table 3 shows results of Taber abrasion and scrub resistance, as well as impact resistance and mandrel flexibility, multiple tests that describe how easily a coating might resist mechanical damage.

    UV Protection and Durability

    A notable advantage of the new resin technology over standard waterborne epoxy is the added functionality of UV resistance. As illustrated by data presented in Figures 4 and 5, the coating system based on MAINCOTE AEH-10 demonstrates excellent color and gloss retention throughout the 1600-hour test.

    Summary

    The desire for lower-VOC coatings coupled with growing interest in daylighting to reduce building energy consumption are driving interest in low-VOC acrylic systems that deliver signature UV resistance while meeting the need for durability in high-traffic commercial and institutional architecture. Where frequent cleaning and aggressive cleaning agents require 2K coatings with a high level of chemical resistance, MAINCOTE™ AEH acrylic epoxy resin offers robust durability, low-VOC capability and enhanced UV protection. 

    References

    1 http://saveenergy.about.com/od/savingenergyattheoffice/qt/Daylighting.htm

    2 http://www.archlighting.com/technology/the-benefits-of-natural-light_o

    3 Fu, Z.; Dombrowski, G.; Hejl, A.; Swartz, A.; Tepe, T.; Procopio, L. Proc. American Coatings Conf. 2014.

     

     ™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow 

    KEYWORDS: hybrid resins interior coatings Low-VOC Paint and Coatings

    Share This Story

    Looking for a reprint of this article?
    From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

    Recommended Content

    JOIN TODAY
    to unlock your recommendations.

    Already have an account? Sign In

    • PCI-0724-Global10-Feature-1440.png

      2024 Global Top 10: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

      Who ranks on top? PCI’s annual ranking of the top 10...
      Paint and Coating Market Reports
      By: Courtney Bassett
    • PCI-0724-PCI25-Feature-1440.png

      2024 PCI 25: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

      PCI's annual ranking of the top 25 North American paint...
      Paint and Coating Market Reports
      By: Courtney Bassett
    • pci1022-Kinaltek-Lead-1170.jpg

      A Novel Pigment Production Technology

      Following an extensive R&D program that demonstrated...
      Paint and Coating Pigments
      By: Jawad Haidar and Nitin Soni
    You must login or register in order to post a comment.

    Report Abusive Comment

    Subscribe For Free!
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Online Registration
    • Subscription Customer Service

    More Videos

    Sponsored Content

    Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the PCI audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of PCI or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

    close
    • paint sprayer in a workshop
      Sponsored byallnex

      Enabling Performance and Compliance: allnex Introduces a New Line of VOC Exempt Solvent-Borne Resins

    • various shades of orange pigments and colorants
      Sponsored byVibrantz Technologies

      Solid Colorant Technology Paves the Way for a Sustainable, High-Performance Future in Coatings

    Popular Stories

    A collage of products using non-PFAS

    A Surge in Non-PFAS Releases

    Sherwin-Williams Provides Project and Community Impact Updates

    Sherwin-Williams Steady Amid Mixed Market Signals

    Default Aerospace Image

    PPG Plans Major Aerospace Facility



    PCI Buyers Guide

    Submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to suppliers of your choice with details on what you need with a click of a button

    Start your RFP

    Browse our Buyers Guide for manufacturers and distributors of all types of coatings products and much more!

    Find Suppliers

    Events

    January 1, 2030

    Webinar Sponsorship Information

    For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

    View All Submit An Event

    Poll

    Longest-running laboratory experiment

    What is the longest-running laboratory experiment?
    View Results Poll Archive

    Products

    Automotive Paints and Coatings, 2nd Edition

    Automotive Paints and Coatings, 2nd Edition

    Now in its second edition and still the only book of its kind, this is an authoritative treatment of all stages of the coating process.

    See More Products
    pci  webinar april 2025

    PCI CASE EBOOK

    Related Articles

    • pci0220DYN-epced-logo-900.jpg

      There Can Be a Large Difference Between the Wet and Dry Tg of Polymers

      See More
    • Is There a Doctor in the House?

      See More
    • There Are a Number of Advantages of a Starve-Fed Emulsion Polymerization Process

      There Are a Number of Advantages of a Starve-Fed Emulsion Polymerization Process

      See More

    Related Products

    See More Products
    • princ-&-apps-of-emulsion-po

      Principles and Applications of Emulsion Polymerization

    • Kevin-Biller-PC-BOOK.jpg

      Powder Coatings - Foundation for the Novice Formulator (ebook)

    • biopolymer.jpg

      Biopolymer-Based Films and Coatings Trends and Challenges

    See More Products
    ×

    Keep the info flowing with our eNewsletters!

    Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

    JOIN TODAY!
    • RESOURCES
      • Advertise
      • Contact Us
      • Directories
      • Store
      • Want More
    • SIGN UP TODAY
      • Create Account
      • eMagazine
      • eNewsletters
      • Customer Service
      • Manage Preferences
    • SERVICES
      • Marketing Services
      • Reprints
      • Market Research
      • List Rental
      • Survey & Sample
    • STAY CONNECTED
      • LinkedIn
      • Facebook
      • Youtube
      • X (Twitter)
    • PRIVACY
      • PRIVACY POLICY
      • TERMS & CONDITIONS
      • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
      • PRIVACY REQUEST
      • ACCESSIBILITY

    Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

    Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing