“Excellent water resistance is among the most desirable attributes in both architectural coatings and construction materials,” Beurdeley explained. “The research we presented showcases the advances Arkema is making to help formulators achieve a higher level of performance without compromising other performance factors.”

The testing compared the performance of coatings made using multiple pure acrylics to coatings made with new hydrophobic Arkema resins at minimum film forming temperatures (MFFT) ranging from 5 to 20 degrees Celsius. Performance was based primarily on the water resistance of the formulated product.

The hydrophobic formulations provided a wide range of improvements when compared to those using more traditional resins, including better water-whitening resistance, no film defects, alkali resistance, silicate stability, elongation properties and also hardness development for the low MFFT versions.

“These advances will lead to a more resilient and better performing paint formulation,” Beurdeley said. “Additionally, we saw marked improvement in stain resistance and removal for interior paint applications. We think many formulators will find it useful to have a multi-purpose acrylic binder than can exhibit these properties across a range of MFFT.”

The study did not discuss specific Arkema products or grades. To learn more, visit www.arkemacoatingresins.com.