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Discover the Right Dianal Acrylic Resin

What Is Dianal?

Dianal is a line of thermoplastic specialty acrylic resins that enable coating, ink, and adhesive formulators to create products characterized by high functionality, quality, and performance. Dianal acrylic bead resins are produced by an aqueous suspension polymerization process that minimizes polydispersity and residual solvents. From a chemical standpoint, Dianal resins are polymers or copolymers of methyl methacrylate, acrylate, or styrenic monomers.

While there are many types of Dianal acrylic resins, all share common qualities listed below that make them preferred in coating, ink, and adhesive applications that prioritize durability, optical quality, and formulation flexibility.

•    Excellent resistance to abrasion, moisture, alcohols, and dilute acids and alkali
•    Outstanding resistance to weathering and yellowing due to UV exposure
•    High gloss, water-white color, and complete transparency in films formed
•    Low pigment reactivity
•    Good compatibility with other film formers, plasticizers, and additives

Dianal acrylic resins have been manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Group for decades. Today, they are manufactured in an ISO 9001:2015 certified facility. Over the years, many grades have been developed to provide specific functional advantages in a diverse range of applications.

How Do I Select a Dianal Acrylic Resin?

Dianal grades vary based on different polymer backbone compositions, molecular weight, acid number, hydroxyl number, and glass transition temperature (Tg). These properties dictate the kind of application they are suited for. As an example, higher-molecular-weight and Tg grades in the portfolio function as binders that maximize film toughness for coating and ink applications. Lower-molecular-weight and Tg grades are typically used in coating, ink, and adhesive applications that require higher film flexibility, tack, or solubility in certain solvents.

 

These may also function as polymer additives blended with higher-molecular-weight Dianal grades or other binders to achieve intermediate properties. Dianal grades with higher acid numbers are preferred for pigmented coatings and water-reducible coatings, where the high acid content improves pigment dispersion and enables neutralization into water, respectively. Finally, grades with high hydroxyl content enable cross-linking or curing via isocyanates to create two-component polyurethane coatings.

Listed below are select Dianal grades, related specifications, and short notes about their attributes and use cases.

Distinguishing Characteristic Grade Name Tg (°C) MW Viscosity (cPs) Acid Number OH Number Comments
Adhesion BR-121DA 44 110,000 2,130 7.5 12 Resin with excellent adhesion to metal (not EU REACH listed)
MB-2588 33 120,000 >14,800 16   Softer, more flexible coating resin, soluble in weak solvents
TB-322 48 60,000 680 3.4   Excellent for adhesion to various metallic substrates
Solubility in weak solvents BR-101 48 145,000 800 0   Relatively hard; soluble in aliphatic and alcohol solvents
BR-115 46 55,000 130 0   Compatible with long- and medium-oil alkyd resins and weak solvents
BR-220 50 65,000 1,070 9   Resin with excellent alcohol solubility
MB-7022 46 25,000 40 0   Low–molecular weight resin giving improved adhesion to reactive cure systems
TB-044 48 60,000 225 2.8   Low-VOC resin with enhanced solubility in low Kb solvents
Hardness BR-73 97 80,000 3,400 3.3   Very hard coating resin with improved solubility, flexibility, adhesion, and pigment dispersion
BR-80 104 105,000 24,000 0   The hardest in the BR series, tough with excellent durability and weather resistance
BR-87 105 30,000 1,070 9   Hard, higher-acid resin, excellent for improved pigment dispersion
Acid content PB-204 94 12,000 2,450 49   Low–molecular weight, high-acid resin
PB-588 41 100,000 Insoluble 45   Highest–molecular weight, high-acid resin
Hydroxyl content MB-2752 50 25,000 550 6.5 90 Highest OH value for 2K (2-component) coatings
MB-2876 75 25,000 275 5 8 Higher-toughness, lower-viscosity resin
MB-2935 84 25,000 340 5 8 Hydroxyl functional
Low molecular weight MB-2594 88 8,000 20 7   Acid-functional, ultralow–molecular weight resin for pigment dispersion
MB-2595 85 11,000 25 0.4   Amine-functional, ultralow–molecular weight resin for pigment dispersion
TB-250 129 7,000 10 2.5   Nestle/Swiss compliant grade with high compatibility to various resins; excellent pigment-wetting properties
General performance BR-106 47 60,000 335 3   General-purpose grade; acid content improves adhesion and pigment dispersion
BR-107 49 75,000 330 0   Moderately hard and flexible; soluble in a range of solvents
BR-113 75 30,000 310 3.3   Hard, general-purpose coating resin
BR-116 48 50,000 370 6.5   Coating resin with improved pigment dispersion
MB-2543 47 35,000 125 3   High-solids, low-VOC general-purpose resin
MB-2823 80 25,000 210 0   Good compatibility with short-oil alkyds
MB-3070 52 100,000 2,450 3.3   High molecular weight with good mechanical properties
MB-7017 47 45,000 200 3   Medium–molecular weight general coating resin
TB-316 54 9,000 227 10.4 77 Hydroxyl-functional resin for use in automotive refinish and other specialty coatings
Styrene acrylic BR-53 56 65,000 335 6.8   Excellent humidity and water resistance
BR-57 56 55,000 205 5.5   Resin for higher-solids coatings

What Applications Are Dianal Acrylic Resins Used In?

Taking into account the qualities described above, below are applications where Dianal resins are used.

•    Industrial coatings
•    Plastic coatings
•    Wood coatings
•    Marine metal coatings
•    Direct-to-metal coatings
•    Road marking paints
•    Flexographic inks
•    Overprint varnishes
•    Concrete cure and seal coatings
•    PVC topcoats
•    Adhesives

How Do I Use Dianal Acrylic Resins?

Most of the Dianal resins are dissolved in flammable solvents that require caution for safe use. SDSs should be reviewed prior to use. While Dianal resins dissolve well in several types of solvents, there are best practices to form clump-free solutions. In general, high-speed or high-shear mixers should be used to create a high-speed vortex prior to adding Dianal bead resins at a controlled rate. Any clumps of beads or particles in Dianal resin packages should be screened out and broken up prior to addition into mixers. If dissolution still presents challenges, applying mild heat may help, though it is important to note the flammability of the solvent or solvent mixture being used.

ChemPoint is here to assist with any questions pertaining to product selection and formulation assistance. To request a sample, ask a question, or request a quote for Dianal, click the link below.

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