Optimizing Resins for Low VOC

Formulating Low-VOC Coatings

High-solids, low-VOC coatings are important in many coatings applications as users comply with evolving federal, state, and local air pollution control regulations. These regulations are becoming increasingly stringent, prompting industries to adopt innovative solutions to comply without compromising quality. As industries seek to balance performance with environmental impact, high-solids coatings emerge as a favorable option because they offer high coverage while minimizing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. By significantly reducing VOC content, these coatings contribute to improved air quality and adhere to sustainability goals.

The high–molecular weight resins used in the binders of traditional low-solids coatings cannot typically be used in high-solids coating formulations because reducing solvents in conventional formulations results in coatings with extremely high viscosities. High-viscosity coatings can be difficult to apply in traditional equipment that requires a low-viscosity solution for proper application, leveling, and flow.

To create high-solids coatings with a useful application viscosity, formulators develop lower-viscosity resins that do not require as much solvent to reach the desired application viscosity. Many intermediates are used in formulating low-viscosity resins that impact overall characteristics and application properties, including cure time, film formation, and longevity. Among these, AAEMA (acetoacetoxyethyl methacrylate) stands out as a particularly effective acrylic monomer and copromoter for lowering resin viscosity.
 

AAEMA (Acetoacetoxyethyl Methacrylate)

The chemical structure of AAEMA facilitates the creation of resins with reduced viscosity, which is crucial in achieving high-solids, low-VOC coatings. AAEMA has a long, bulky side chain that increases the separation between polymer chains. Moreover, AAEMA has no hydroxyl groups, which lowers hydrogen bonding between polymer chains. Because of this increased chain separation, AAEMA delivers lower solution viscosity. Integrating AAEMA into resin formulations offers enhanced flexibility for formulators, allowing them to decrease solvent content or maintain the desirable properties of resins while adhering to environmental considerations. This optimizes the application process and improves health safety by reducing emissions, making it ideal for professionals balancing performance with environmental concerns.

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