High Barrier Properties Vinyl Acrylic Lacquers
Vinyl Acrylic resins constitute 27% of the volumetric size of the
Paint and Coating Industry in the World Market. In technical textile sectors where competition is accelerating with the steady development of technology and the non-stop increase in costs, vinyl acrylic lacquers with different surface properties such as high UV resistance, high alcohol resistance, easy to clean, providing barrier property, PVC compatible, easy to apply, etc. are needed.
The use of tarpaulins and billboards outdoors has introduced that they need to have high and permanent barrier properties. Especially plasticizers used to reduce costs lower the performance as a negative effect. Often, with the increase in the molecular weight of the polymers, the intricacy and intermolecular attraction force increase in the structure and accordingly the mechanical and thermal properties of the polymeric structure, especially its
process ability, electrical, optical and chemical properties change significantly.
With the increase in molecular weight, the polymeric structure, especially its tensile stress, impact resistance, melting and softening temperatures, and thermal resistance first increase rapidly, then remain unchanged and constant. On the other hand, the melt viscosity of the polymeric structure first increases slowly and then rapidly.
In other words, while the mechanical properties of the high molecular weight polymer structure improve, their process ability becomes more difficult. In commercial polymeric products that are both process able and have sufficient mechanical properties, it is desired that molecular weights are to be between 104 and 106 Da.
In case of synthetic polymers, products with a molecular weight of up to 10 million daltons can be prepared. The molecular weights of natural polymers and biopolymers are well above these values. The reasons for using vinyl acrylic polymers are as follows:
• Ability to form a decent layer of film,
• Hydrolysis resistance,
• No yellowing,
• Good adhesion property,
• Elasticity values,
• High chemical resistance,
• High UV resistance.
Acrylic binders can be considered in 3 different structures:
• Styrene Acrylic – S/AC: The film is very hard and brittle. It cannot be used alone. It is used only as a copolymer. It is more resistant to scratching, rubbing and water. Its friction resistance is good. It offers a slippery glossy film.
• Vinyl Acrylic – V/AC: It is resistant to solvents. It forms a film on the surface. Its hiding power is good. It is not resistant to cold.
• Acrylic Acrylic – A/AC: It forms an elastic and transparent film. It is resistant to light and oxidation. Its films are more adhesive, and its abrasion resistance is good. It has no yellowing tendency.
As the chain length and esterification increase, the softness and adhesiveness of the film increases. Despite this, its resistance to cold and moisture increases. Innovative parameters of the products developed by Interplast Chemicals R&D Center are as follows:
• High strength,
• High heat and temperature resistance,
• Flexible,
• High migration properties,
• Drying rate of the product is compatible with the application system,
• Matte or glossy in accordance with customer demand,
• High water resistance,
• Solid content and viscosity value in compliance with the customer’s working system. The most important technical property in meeting the parameters is that the molecular weights of the vinyl acrylics used and the Glass Transition temperature parameters are designed in accordance with rheology.
Out of products offered by Interplast Chemicals for this industry, solvent-based vinyl acrylic resins provide technical added value with their ability to work at high speed and excellent adhesion and spreading. Our products offered under the brand name LACANEX;
Lale Şen Çetin
R&D Center Manager
İnterplast Kimya
