Thermoplastic 1K Acrylic Resins

Thermoplastic 1K Acrylic Resins in the Paints and Coatings Industry Thermoplastic acrylic resins are high-molecular-weight, long-chain polymers that form films through solvent evaporation without internal chemical reaction, soften when heated, and conform to the shape of the surface to which they are applied. Thermoplastic acrylic resins are soluble in strong solvents such as toluene, xylene, or methyl ethyl ketone. (1) Two important parameters affecting thermoplastic acrylic resins are glass transition temperature (Tg) and molecular weight (Mw). The Tg value represents the temperature at which the material transitions from a glassy fluid state to a viscous state. The Tg value is directly related to the hardness of the polymer. At temperatures below the material's Tg value, the polymer becomes harder; as temperatures increase, the polymer acquires a more flexible structure. Molecular weight determines the film properties of acrylic resins. Many dry film properties such as tensile strength, elongation, toughness, solvent resistance, and durability under external conditions depend on molecular weight. As molecular weight increases, these properties rise to a certain level and then remain constant. (2) Acrylics are considered versatile polymers. Through combinations of various monomers, acrylic resins can be given numerous properties, and desired characteristics can be developed in final product formulations. The monomer properties affecting polymer performance are shown in Figure 1. [caption id="attachment_144570" align="aligncenter"] Figure 1. Advantages provided by monomers to the polymer[/caption]  

Polymerization Methods

Polymerization occurs when numerous monomers bond together in a chain following the breaking of carbon-carbon bonds. In this case, an exothermic reaction occurs and the reaction heat affects the product's molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Obtaining a product with constant molecular weight is possible by keeping the heat generated during the reaction under control. There are four types of polymerization methods. These are: 1. Bulk Polymerization, 2. Suspension Polymerization, 3. Non-aqueous Dispersion, 4. Solution Polymerization. Thermoplastic acrylic resins used in the coatings field are generally obtained through solution polymerization. The general mechanism of solution polymerization is presented in Figure 2. (1) [caption id="attachment_144571" align="aligncenter"] Figure 2. Solution polymerization reaction[/caption] Products made from thermoplastic acrylic resins are frequently encountered in our daily lives. Their prominent features, such as providing protection against external influences and ease of application, increase their usage. Accordingly, the application areas of acrylic resins are presented in Figure 3. [caption id="attachment_144573" align="aligncenter"] Figure 3. Application areas of thermoplastic acrylic resins[/caption] The rapid curing and air-cure nature of products made with thermoplastic acrylic resin provide ease of application. In addition to these characteristics, they find diverse applications with the following advantages. (1) • UV light resistance, • High water resistance, • Transparent appearance, • High gloss level, • Resistance to external atmospheric conditions. The technical properties of thermoplastic acrylic resin are evaluated according to the following tests: • Flexibility/Bending, • Gloss, • Adhesion (Pull-off), • Impact resistance. REACRYL S-60, a next-generation thermoplastic acrylic resin product from Reaksiyon Kimya, is formulated in the R&D laboratory and controlled using standard test methods. REACRYL S-60 is a thermoplastic acrylic resin with high viscosity that shows rapid drying and provides excellent adhesion on surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, and stone. It is used in areas such as interior and exterior façade paints, concrete surfaces, and road marking paints. REACRYL S-60 technical analysis results are provided in Table 1. [caption id="attachment_144574" align="aligncenter"] Table 1. REACRYL S-60 Test Results[/caption] [caption id="attachment_144575" align="aligncenter"] Figure 4. Test performed on sample specimen[/caption] Recent growing environmental concerns are hindering the growth of the thermoplastic acrylic resin market. It is expected that the increasing popularity of bio-based products being developed as alternatives by scientists worldwide will become an opportunity for the market. However, in the automotive and electronics industries, the use of thermoplastic resins is expected to increase in the coming years. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world has negatively impacted the sector through lockdowns, disruptions in production activities and supply chains, and limited production capacity. However, market conditions entered an upward trend from 2021 onwards, restoring the market's growth trajectory. Thermoplastic resin production, expected to grow by 6% globally between 2022-2027, is dominated by Far Eastern countries. (3)     References 1. YÜREKLİ, Ş. (1995), Resin and Paint Technology, Chapter 8 (87-96) 2. KOLESKE, J.V., FRİEL, J.M., NUNGESSER, E. (2012), Paint and Coating Testing Manual, 15. Edition Of The Gardner-Sward Handbook, Chapter 6 (49-53) 3. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/thermoplastics-market?gclid=Cj wKCAjw3K2XBhAzEiwAmmgrAm4gqz_Xbi6E5QPPXuDxzr8xVIHVHovihxXI3SXoaEWC0di- EplgxoCE24QAvD_BwE     Hasan Demir Sales Manager Reaksiyon Kimya   Nuri Mehmet Akköse Sales Representative Reaksiyon Kimya