Water_Borne_Acrylic_Coatings.pdfVIP

ater-borne acrylic coat- ings represent one facet of acrylic chemistry. Polymers based on acrylic chemistry are known for toughness; exception- al resistance to ultraviolet light (UV); and, therefore, their ability to retain clarity and color. Current water- borne acrylic coatings, based on acrylate and methacrylate monomers, retain these essential characteristics. They can be further modified depending on the specific end use requirements. As a result, acrylic chemistry defines not a single type but rather a family of materials suitable in a wide variety of applica- tions, including primers and gloss coatings for direct-to-metal applica- tions; original finishes on heavy equipment; maintenance coatings for shop or field application to struc- tural steel and other metals such as aluminum and galvanized surfaces; coatings for concrete, masonry, and wood; and many other uses. Numerous exposure studies (some lasting up to 20 years) have shown that acrylic polymers can be used to produce coatings that provide long- term protection to metallic sub- strates. Side-by-side studies in de- manding marine and industrial/ chemical environments confirm that some water-borne acrylic formula- tions are at least equivalent in pro- tective performance to the materials traditionally used in these applica- tions, such as epoxies, urethanes, and alkyds. In many cases where long-term flexibility is required, acrylic water-borne finishes have significantly outperformed their con- Another important characteristic is that water-borne acrylic coatings represent a safer alternative for workers and for the environment. Like other water-borne coatings, they are nonflammable and non- flame-supporting, and they contain only low levels of organic solvents that can cause pollution. Experimen- tal formulation techniques devel- ventional, solvent-borne counter- parts.1,2 As might be expected from their outstanding UV resistance, the tint retention of acrylic water-borne coatings also has been outst