Tailored Synthesis of Alkyd Emulsions for Improved Film Performance

By Jamie Dziczkowski

The molecular weight distribution of alkyd emulsions has been customized to enhance the overall performance of these polymers. Three soya-based resins—a short, medium, and long oil alkyd—were used as controls. A ladder study with three different levels of modification to the molecular weight was performed for each alkyd to determine the effect this had on final film properties.

Film properties including dry time, hardness, solvent resistance, mar resistance, and gloss were evaluated in clear coatings.

The results show that as the molecular weight is increased, solvent resistance, dry time, and hardness are improved for all oil lengths, while gloss remains rather consistent. This method of modification to the resin provides a novel route to waterborne alkyds that offer coating performance comparable to solventborne alkyds.