Polyaspartic Coating Technology in the Paints and Coatings Sector

Polyaspartic resins, commercially introduced in the early 1990s, are increasing their commercial volume in the paints and coatings sector. The market size, which was 329 million dollars in 2020, is expected to reach 388 million dollars in 2025 [1]. Polyaspartic coatings are formed as a result of the reaction of an isocyanate with an amine-functional polyaspartic ester (Figure 1.) [2,3]. While polyaspartic coatings are particularly viewed as an alternative to epoxy and polyurethane coatings, they stand out with their superior properties [1]. Despite advantages over epoxy and polyurethane in terms of fast curing, superior yellowing resistance, high impact strength, high flexibility, low-temperature application, low VOC, and absence of odor, among many other characteristics, the coating has not found sufficient market share due to high price, low brand recognition, and the requirement for application expertise. The long coating life resulting from higher mechanical and physical durability compared to epoxy and polyurethane (4 times), and suitability for outdoor applications due to strong UV (ultraviolet) light resistance eliminates the cost disadvantage [4,5]. While particularly suitable for concrete and metal coating applications, it is suitable for use in all areas where surface protection is desired. Due to its low water permeability, it exhibits anti-corrosion properties, and due to its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties, it is suitable for use on all surfaces in hospitals, schools, homes, and other areas with high human interaction (Table 1. and Table 2.) [6,7]. [caption id="attachment_123858" align="aligncenter"] Figure 1. Polyaspartic 2K synthesis [2].[/caption]    As İzel Kimya, we manufacture IZASP 14, IZASP 15, and IZASP 151 products. IZASP 14 provides fast curing but has a short pot life, while IZASP 15 offers ease of use with a long pot life. IZASP 151 is IZASP 15 thinned with butyl acetate. The properties of the manufactured products are specified in Table 3.

Our polyaspartic products can be mixed with each other in different ratios to obtain polyaspartic mixtures with different pot lives. In this context, for example, IZASP 14 with a duration of 5-10 minutes and IZASP 15 with a pot life of 60 minutes can be mixed in a 1:1 ratio to obtain a mixture with a pot life of 15-20 minutes, while the IZASP 15 ratio can be increased further to extend this time beyond 30 minutes. Due to rapid curing, the penetration of polyaspartics into the concrete surface may be limited. For this reason, adhesion may not be good. Therefore, the application of polyaspartic transparent primer is recommended.

In epoxy floor applications, after primer is applied, epoxy is applied and finally a polyurethane layer is applied as a protective topcoat, whereas in polyaspartic applications, primer is applied as needed or polyaspartic is applied directly to the surface without primer. Since curing is fast, after one coat dries, coats can be applied repeatedly to achieve the desired thickness of polyaspartic coating. On metal surfaces, instead of applying 2 coats of epoxy and polyurethane over primer, 1 coat of polyaspartic can be applied to obtain more durable surfaces. In this way, application time is significantly reduced and labor costs are lowered (Figure 2.). When preparing a polyaspartic mixture, component B (isocyanate) is added to component A and mixed slowly, taking care that no air enters. Moisture in the air (application is not recommended at above 85% humidity) and high temperature significantly reduce the pot life and limit the working time. Component A and component B can be mixed in different ratios. 5:5 or 6:4 ratios are ideal mixing ratios, and the desired hardness can be obtained by varying these ratios. Aliphatic Tolonate HDT LV-2 is recommended as component B. However, other aliphatic isocyanates with at least 3 functionalities can be used. Pot life and curing time may vary depending on the isocyanate used. A roller or airless spray gun can be used for application. Air bubbles formed during pouring with a spiked roller are removed. In addition, by using amine-based pigment pastes as colorants, polyaspartic coatings in any desired color can be obtained.

References: 1) https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/polyaspartic-coating-market-164349114.html 2) http://www.turkchem.net/poliaspartik-recine.html 3) Dudley J., Polyurea Elastomer Technology: History, Chemistry & Basic Formulating Techniques, 2004. 4) https://www.uscoatings.com/blog/polyaspartic-vsepoxy-and-urethane-choosing-coatings-wisely/ 5) https://www.flooringinc.com/blog/polyaspartic-vsepoxy/#:~:text=Durability,It's%20definitely%20more%20 durable. 6) https://amazingfloors.com/blog/what-arepolyaspartic-and-polyurea-coatings/ 7) https://globalgarageinc.com/polyaspartic-concretecoatings/