Cel
Objectives and content
The move towards tighter European VOC (Volatile Organic Content) legislation to regulate the emission of
solvents from paint systems requires a breakthrough in
technology to enable use of water- based or 100% solids
coatings. Current water borne systems use 15-25%
environmentally unfriendly additives (cosolvents) for
good film coalescence and coating properties. In
addition, one of the major problems involved in waterbased paint systems is the mix of the contrary demands:
film formation requires a low glass transition
temperature, Tg while most applications require
properties related with a high Tg. Thus, it would be
advantageous to provide the binder system of the latex
with a postcure possibility. In this way, the Tg can be
increased after application of the paint so that both the
film forming demands and the product requirements are
met. However, it is not simple to realise a postcure in
a one-pack water-based system without the risk of
premature reaction and the use of environmentally
damaging additives.
Alternatively, use of curing methods based on thermal
treatments or UV/EB radiation can provide durable coating
properties without cosolvents. However, due to the use
of these curing methods application areas are limited.
UV curable coatings are currently restricted to clear
varnishes and thinly applied pigmented ink systems.
An attractive way to solve the Tg problem and extend the
areas of applications is to build a mechanism into the
latex with the presence of a photoinitiator that allows
for slow curing under the influence of visible light.
This technique would be a breakthrough in curing
technology and the market could switch to use visible
curable technology for many reasons. These include
savings in energy costs and equipment investment.
The purpose of this project to develop an innovative
curing process that will offer a realistic and cost
efficient solution to the paint industry. By developing
systems curable by visible light (e.g. sunlight), large
scale application in both additional markets (outdoor
applications) and existing markets (indoors decorative
paints, metal decoration) will become possible. To reach
this industrial objective the project VISLATEX aims to
develop:
photoinitiators which absorb light in the visible (or
near too visible) region and are suitable for production
of colourless as well as white products after cure
completion.
binders for latex systems which allow for production of
stable coatings in the uncrosslinked form but do not
prohibit light-initiated crosslinking.
an one component latex system which can be postcured by
visible light without risk of premature reaction and the
use of environmentally damaging additives for
indoor/outdoor applications.
heavily pigmented coatings that will be cured when
exposed to visible light for metal decoration.
Due to the extensive area of application and the
innovative nature of the technological developments, new
and emerging industries will benefit and take on new
business opportunities within the European latex and
speciality chemical markets, stimulating sustainable
growth in these sectors and beyond.
Dziedzina nauki
Temat(-y)
Zaproszenie do składania wniosków
Data not availableSystem finansowania
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsKoordynator
34100 CHALKIDA
Grecja