TMCD Polyester Clearcoat Composition for Scratch and Resin Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermosetting coating compositions face challenges in achieving a balance between tree resin resistance and scratch resistance, particularly due to the use of low molecular weight polymers to reduce VOC and increase coating solids, which adversely impacts scratch resistance.

Innovation Solution

A thermosetting coating composition comprising a polyester polyol made from 2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol (TACD) and an alicyclic diacid in specific ratios, combined with a crosslinker, to enhance both tree resin resistance and scratch resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If low molecular weight polymers are used to reduce VOC and increase coating solids, then environmental compliance is improved, but scratch resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVOC emissionsVSAvoidscratch resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polyester polyol by incorporating TACD and specific alicyclic diacids in controlled ratios, achieving optimal molecular weight and hydroxyl value ranges that simultaneously satisfy VOC regulations and provide adequate scratch resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite coating system by combining the TACD-based polyester polyol with specific crosslinkers, forming a crosslinked network structure that enhances scratch resistance while maintaining the low-VOC formulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If conventional polyester polyols are used, then formulation simplicity is maintained, but the balance between tree resin resistance and scratch resistance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation complexityVSAvoidperformance balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for TACD content (10-85 mole %) and hydroxyl value (120-350 mg KOH/g) to optimize the balance between tree resin resistance and scratch resistance while maintaining manageable formulation complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enhances specific local properties of the coating by incorporating TACD units that provide both tree resin resistance and scratch resistance, creating localized functional enhancement within the polymer structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260015521A1Thermosetting coating composition with improved scratch resistance

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 EASTMAN CHEM CO

AI summary

This invention relates to aliphatic, carbamate-functional polyester resins for use in coatings. More particularly this invention relates to aliphatic, carbamate-functional polyester resins containing 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD) that exhibit improved scratch resistance and acid etch resistance when formulated into 2K automotive clearcoats. These carbamate-functional polyesters can be used as the sole resin in the clearcoat binder or in combination with other carbamate-functional acrylic resins and/or hydroxyl-functional acrylic and polyester resins.