Polyurea Rheology Control in Low Solids Coatings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The paint and coatings industry faces challenges in developing low solids coating compositions that meet governmental VOC regulations while maintaining suitable rheology and viscosity for optimal flake orientation, leading to issues like mottling in metallic coatings.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a polyurea rheology control agent in low solids coating compositions to improve the orientation and brilliance of effect pigments, along with a system and method that includes a colorant, binder solution, and VOC-exempt solvents to achieve the desired rheology and viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If significant amounts of VOC-exempt solvents are used to achieve low VOC targets, then VOC compliance is improved, but rheology and viscosity control deteriorates making it difficult to achieve good flake orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polyurea rheology control agents that modify the rheological parameters of low solids coating compositions. These agents enable effective flake orientation and mottling control in compositions with 30% or less nonvolatile content by changing the flow and viscosity characteristics of the coating vehicle, allowing rheology control in solvent-rich formulations where traditional control agents fail.
2Shape
If traditional rheology control agents are used in low solids coating compositions, then flake orientation may be achieved, but the coating composition fails to meet VOC regulations due to insufficient solids content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs polyurea rheology control agents as composite additives in low solids coating compositions. These polyurea-based agents combine rheology modification capabilities with compatibility for low nonvolatile content formulations, enabling the coating to achieve proper flake orientation while maintaining 30% or less nonvolatile content to comply with VOC regulations.
3Manufacturing precision
If more nonvolatile content is used to improve coating performance, then film quality improves, but VOC limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes polyurea rheology control agents to optimize the performance of low solids coating compositions with 30% or less nonvolatile content. These agents enable the formulation to achieve adequate film quality and flake orientation control despite the limited solids content, allowing compliance with VOC regulations while maintaining acceptable coating performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Low solids coating compositions having polyurea rheology control agents, methods for making such coating compositions, and systems for making such coating compositions are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a coating composition with no more than 30 weight percent nonvolatile content includes a colorant, a polyurea rheology control agent comprising polyurea crystals and a moderating resin, a film forming binder resin, and a solvent.