Liquid, Sprayable, “Zero” VOC Coatings Utilizing Cycloaliphatic Epoxies

By R.F. Eaton, K.T. Lamb,

Zero VOC, hazardous air pollutant free coatings formulations can be readily prepared from liquid cycloaliphatic epoxies and narrow polydispersity caprolactone polyols. These formulations can be applied by conventional spray equipment and are a viable liquid alternative to powder coatings.

Using conventional liquid spray equipment, the capital investment for the installation of a new powder coating line can be avoided. With modification, these coatings can be diluted with water and thickened with conventional cellulosic thickeners used in water-borne coatings.

In this study, we discuss the influence of key formulating variables like epoxy/hydroxyl mole ratio, catalyst concentration, polyol molecular weight, and polydispersity on coating properties. Viscosity reduction and sag resistance are also discussed.