Polyurea Coatings A Smart, Sustainable Solution For A Number Of Coating Applications

Owners, architects and engineers are increasingly seeking building and construction materials that are sustainable. When it comes to coatings, there are a number of viable options from which to choose. Steven Reinstadtler, market development manager – Construction and Green Building Initiative, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, addressed the topic of sustainable coatings solutions at the Polyurea Development Association Europe (PDA) Annual Conference 2010.

During his presentaion, "Sustainability in Coatings," Reinstadtler outlined key drivers for coatings, including ease of use, long-term durability, low odor, safety, clarity and gloss, and sustainability. In particular, he focused on the factors that have made sustainability an increasingly important consideration for industry stakeholders.

He also described several types of sustainable coatings technologies and some of the applications for which they're well suited. They are:

• Natural Oil-based Coatings: Self-leveling floor coatings used prior to application of polyurea or polyaspartic topcoats, resistant to high humidity during application.
• Waterborne Technologies: Industrial and commercial floor topcoats, graffiti resistance topcoat over aromatic polyurea.
• Polyaspartic Resins: Fast return to service coatings for flooring and infrastructure where rapid cure and high build is a must.
• UV Resins: All types of flooring topcoats where low odor and fast cure is needed.

In addition, Reinstadtler highlighted and provided case studies for what he describes as "smart synergies." He explains: "Polyureas have typically been utilized in rugged, yet unseen areas, such as tank lining and truck bed liners. However using polyureas in tandem with other coatings technologies results in solutions that are sustainable, durable and attractive.

"For example, a two-component water-based coating over an aromatic polyurea creates an ultra-low volatile organic content (VOC), sustainable coating option for schools, transportation departments and municipalities needing to protect metal and concrete infrastructure," says Reinstadtler.

SOURCE: Bayer MaterialScience LLC