Monobenzoate useful as a plasticizer/coalescent in polymeric dispersions

Abstract

A unique monobenzoate useful as a plasticizer or coalescent for polymeric dispersions, including without limitation architectural and other coatings, paints, OEM coatings, special purpose coatings, overprint varnishes, inks, nail polish, floor polishes and the like. The monobenzoate comprises 3-phenyl propyl benzoate, a benzoate ester previously known as a flavoring and fragrance agent, but not previously utilized as a plasticizer or coalescent in polymeric applications. The inventive monobenzoate provides a suitable non-phthalate, lower VOC content alternative plasticizer or coalescent that is compatible with a wide variety of polymers. Depending on the application, the advantages rendered by the use of the inventive monobenzoate include, among other things, excellent solvating properties, viscosity stability, improved rheology, good film formation and comparable or better gloss, hardness, adhesion, water and alkali resistance, scrub and rub resistance, block resistance, color density, dry to touch time, open time, and MFFT, compared with that achieved by traditional plasticizers or coalescents.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention is directed to a non-phthalate monobenzoate useful as a plasticizer or coalescent in a variety of polymer applications, including but not limited to architectural coatings, industrial coatings, OEM coatings, paints, enamels, lacquers, inks, overprint varnishes (“OPV's”), other coatings, polishes and the like, In particular, this invention is directed to the use of a monobenzoate ester, 3-phenyl propyl benzoate, in coatings applications, to provide compatibility, lower VOC content, and excellent film forming properties. Depending on the coatings application, the invention provides compositions that have comparable or better rheology, viscosity stability, compatibility, processability, gloss, hardness, scrub and rub resistance, water and alkali resistance, adhesion, color density, and film formation, among other advantages, over traditional plasticizers or coalescents.[0002]The invention is also directed to polymeric compositions comprising t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0035]Use of the inventive monobenzoate in the same or similar amounts as traditional plasticizers / coalescents results in a lower VOC content and comparable or better performance and handling properties than that achieved with traditional plasticizers or coalescents. The inventive monobenzoate has low toxicity and does not have the environmental, health and safety issues associated with traditional phthalate plasticizers or coalescents.

Problems solved by technology

This, in turn can affect the air quality around the film and be manifested as an unpleasant odor.

Traditional coalescents are highly volatile and can contribute significantly to the VOC content of a paint or coating and have significant environment and health disadvantages, VOC's readily vaporize or evaporate into the air, where they may react with other elements or compounds to produce ozone.

Ozone, in turn, causes air pollution and a host of health concerns including breathing problems, headache, burning, watery eyes and nausea, just to name a few.

Use of VOC's in the manufacture of paint and coatings result in poor plant air quality and worker exposure to harmful chemicals.

Persons who are exposed to VDUs may suffer from a number of health problems, including but not limited to several types of cancers, impaired brain function, renal dysfunction and other health problems.

Similarly, painters and other users of VOC-containing paints and coatings who are regularly exposed to harmful VOC vapors may suffer from health problems.

VOC-containing products release harmful VOC's into the air as they dry, and become especially concentrated in indoor applications.

Further, although VOC levels are highest during and soon after painting, they continue seeping out for several years.

OPV's are often exposed to harsh conditions during processing and in use, yet must look perfect when finally placed on display.

While they function well, VOC content is an issue with these types of coatings as well.

However, these approaches to coalescence may result in poor performance properties and their use is thus limited.

Most often, formulators reduce the amount of the most volatile components used in the coatings or replace them with lower VOC content components, both of which reduce VOC concerns to some extent, but may result in compromised performance.

In some instances, the permanence of plasticizers can be a detriment.

Apart from VOC content, however, phthalate ester use has some disadvantages, as DBP and BBP uses, in particular, are restricted due to regulatory concerns.

Images