When developing and introducing new technology, customers expect supporting data on how to best use new products. The question is always, “How can the product be formulated to best take advantage of its features?” Since time and resources are always limiting factors, statistical design of experiments (DOE) is a useful tool in this characterization work as it provides a focused approach to generating significant studies in a timely fashion. In this article, the use of DOE from a coatings formulator’s perspective is presented, and advantages and myths surrounding the approach, along with real-world examples, are discussed.
Forbo manufactures vinyl acetate ethylene latex, acrylic latex and vinyl acrylic latex. Markets for these latexes include architectural coatings, construction and adhesives. A new product is ELVACE® 750, a high solids, non-APEO, ultralow-VOC-capable, no-formaldehyde-added vinyl acetate ethylene latex for flat and semigloss coatings. Statistical design of experiments was used extensively to develop formulation guidelines for this product.