Polyaspartic Resin

Polyaspartic polyurethane first entered the market in the 1990s and its use has grown steadily since then [1]. In recent years, numerous scientific articles have been published on improving the mechanical and physical properties of new types of polyaspartics [2] [3]. Polyaspartic coatings are based on the reaction of a polyisocyanate with a polyaspartic ester, which is an aliphatic diamine. Polyaspartic polyurethane is a next-generation aliphatic polyurethane floor coating system with two components that offers UV resistance and color stability for substrates where these properties are desired.

Figure 1. Polyaspartic ester synthesis

Figure 2. Polyaspartic 2K polyurea synthesis [4].

Polyaspartic resins are preferred for their extended service life, absence of color, lack of yellowing over time, high gloss, and superior mechanical and chemical properties (adhesion, resistance to chemical solvents, acids and bases, hardness and mechanical strength) compared to two-component resins such as epoxy and acrylic. General application areas are listed below.

Application Areas for Polyaspartic Resins

• Outdoor coatings where color stability is required, • Swimming pools and furniture, • Roofs and garages, • Wind energy facilities, • Outdoor and indoor pipe coatings, • Amusement parks and play areas, • Aircraft hangars, • Shopping centers, hospitals and airport floors.

Figure 3. Application areas for polyaspartic resins.

Despite their high cost, polyaspartic resins are preferred for the many advantageous properties listed below.

Advantages

• Depending on the product, they can be applied at low temperatures such as -34°C and 60°C. They can be safely used in hot and cold climates without degradation, • Once cured, they can tolerate high temperatures up to 245°C, • Polyurethanes have greater wear and impact resistance than epoxy or urethane coatings, • They do not cause reddening or whitening, • They are 4 times more mechanically and chemically resistant than epoxy, their strongest competitor on the market, • Drying time is shorter, they do not yellow, and can be put into service in a short time, • High humidity does not restrict their application, although some products cure faster in high humidity, • They are stain-resistant, resistant to oil and grease penetration, and protect concrete from mild acids, • Polyurethanes have excellent penetration properties, meaning they create perfect bonds with concrete, • Better decorative use, • Higher elasticity and UV resistance, • Higher wear resistance. Considering the technical properties of polyaspartic resins, our company's R&D Department has developed IZAR1 and IZAR2, which cure in desired time intervals and have three functional groups, different from other products on the market.

Figure 4. IZAR1 and IZAR2 applied to gravel stones.

IZAR1 and IZAR2 are aliphatic floor coating resins with high cross-link density, solvent-free, high chemical resistance, gloss, UV resistance and high temperature tolerance. Our R&D work continues intensively.

Summary

Polyaspartic coatings are preferred over commonly used coatings such as epoxy and polyurethanes, exhibiting high durability and hardness properties. Our company's R&D Department compared IZAR1 and IZAR2 products with some products available on the market and has achieved desired drying time, larger film thickness, extended pot life, odorless, low color values and high compatibility with most surfaces. Our IZAR1 and IZAR2 products also provide corrosion protection, making them suitable for harsh environment applications.   Dr. Cemil Dizman Ph.D - R&D Manager İzel Kimya     Semiha Eral B.S - R&D Specialist İzel Kimya    

References [1] By Carl Angeloff, P.E., Edward P. Squiller, Ph.D., and Kurt E. Best, Two-component aliphatic polyurea coatings for high productivity applications, 2002. [2] Jaime V., Maria A., pH-responsive poly(aspartic acid) hydrogel-coated magnetite nanoparticles for biomedical applications, 2017. [3] Fang L.,Zhao Y., Preparation and Water Absorbent Behavior of Superabsorbent Polyaspartic Acid Resin, 2006. [4] Dudley J., Polyurea Elastomer Technology: History, Chemistry & Basic Formulating Techniques, 2004.