Waterborne coating technology focuses on achieving and exceeding the performance of solventborne systems. Crosslinking is an important component in improving the properties of waterborne resins. The following discussion will review the coating market's requirements of appearance, durability and handling in three market areas: interior clear wood, pigmented interior/exterior wood, and pigmented metal applications. The development and performance of one-package crosslinking polymers, as well as polymers that can work successfully with current commercially available crosslinking technologies, are highlighted.
Today waterborne technology consists of a variety of different systems. Standard acrylics and urethanes have many benefits. The formulations are low in VOCs, environmentally safe and user friendly. Standard waterborne coatings do have limitations. They are less chemical, corrosion and wear resistant, and generally are not as glossy as solventborne systems. Two-pack crosslinking systems address these drawbacks. These systems have improved chemical and wear resistance, low color, and can cure at room temperature. They also have limitations such as the need to use caution in handling and a short pot life. The new one-pack self-crosslinking systems demonstrate additional improvements. They have good chemical and wear resistance, are user friendly, environmentally safe, crosslink at room temperature and have a shelf life of greater than 12 months. The deficiencies of these systems are fewer reactive sites and possibly higher cost. While one-pack self-crosslinking systems generally do not perform as well as the two-pack crosslinking systems, they are superior to non-crosslinked systems.