Research funded by the USB has resulted in a modifying soybean oil that can be used as an active diluent for alkyd coatings. Soybean oil, as it is commercially available in an unrefined or refined, edible-grade state, is a fairly stable, non-volatile and slow-drying oil used to provide curing characteristics desirable in a base for coatings. Additional research is under way to increase drying rates while reducing the rates of unwanted color development in soybean-oil-based alkyd paint by using UV-curing. The USB also has funded the development of a latex paint additive that promotes film formation at ambient temperatures as the paint dries.
"The research efforts that have gone into alkyd paints and coatings have been extensive," said Tom Doyle, commercialization manager at Omni Tech International and technical advisor for the USB. "But there is still more to do in terms of waterborne paints. That's the next market for soy to penetrate, especially since these waterborne paints continue to experience increased popularity, particularly with do-it-yourselfers."