Role of Polyisocyanate in PU Coatings: How To Make A PU System
Role of Polyisocyanate in PU Coatings: How To Make A PU System
ISSUE 2
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION MAY 2012
1K & 2K Systems
Polyurethanes based on aliphatic polyisocyanates are renowned for their outstanding properties and especially
for their exceptional resistance to weathering and chemical attack. Two main categories of polyurethane
systems can be distinguished: two-component (or 2K) and heat-activated, one-component (or 1K).
2K POLYURETHANE COATINGS
Two-component systems consist of a polyisocyanate and a polyol that are mixed just prior to application and
cure at room temperature. In volume terms, this family accounts for over half of all urethane coatings sold
in the world.
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PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 2 • MAY 2012
The crosslinking reaction (-NCO + -OH) occurs on the substrate at room temperature, but sometimes, stoving
30 min at 60°C or 80°C is used to speed up drying (for productivity reasons) Therefore, 2K polyurethane
coatings are used :
• on substrates sensitive to heat (plastics, wood, cars....),
• on objects too big to be stoved (trains, airplanes, bridges...).
1K POLYURETHANE COATINGS
One-component PUs are similar materials to the previous one, except that a blocked isocyanate is used to
provide a storage stable one-pack formulations containing the polyol. After application of the coating on the
substrate and during stoving at elevated temperature, the isocyanate is de-blocked and then it reacts with
the polyol to form the PU network. This includes powder coats, which consume now over 10% of all urethane
in paints
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The lack of phenyl group It makes polyurethane coatings prepared from aliphatic polyisocyanates less prone
to oxidation rather than those prepared with an aromatic hardeners
The resistance of the urethane bond when exposed to UV light Aliphatic polyisocyanates provide very
good durability to polyurethane coatings. Their use is recommended for applications where maintaining
outstanding aesthetics is required over time.
The lack of phenyl group It makes polyurethane coatings prepared from aliphatic polyisocyanates less prone
to oxidation rather than those prepared with an aromatic hardener
The resistance of the urethane bond when exposed to UV light The use of aliphatic polyisocyanates is
particularly suitable when coatings have to play a durable decorative role. In the automotive market, the
topcoat needs to stay as transparent as possible in order to maintain special effects and colors at their best
level.
In these typical applications, polyurethane coatings made from aliphatic polyisocyanates are recommended
for their no-yellowing property as for their exceptional physical resistance.
Chemical Resistance
Polyurethane coatings based on aliphatic polyisocyanates have a dense chemical network that provides an
exceptional chemical resistance. These high performance coatings are therefore able to withstand acid rain,
bird dropping and graffiti removals.
A slight excess of aliphatic polyisocyanate in the coating formulation increases the film resistance to solvent
& chemicals attack. In general, the best performance levels are obtained with NCO/OH ratio between 1.05
and 1.20 for solvent-based systems
Adhesion
The adhesion property of a paint film is key to ensure good substrate protection or to enable multi-layer
coating systems. The challenge is not only to adhere and show a good adhesion property, but to ensure the
durability of the adhesion in severe conditions, such as humidity or heat.
Adhesion of polyurethane coatings based on aliphatic polyisocyanates last over time even under harsh
conditions.
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Applications / Markets
The use of aliphatic polyisocyanates in the following markets
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Ram Charan Company | "Century Towers", 46, Barnaby Road, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010
Tel : +44 - 4353 9040 / 41 / 42 Fax : +44 - 4330 7050 Email : [email protected]