Title : Bio-based Acrylate Coatings
Abstract:
In a transition towards circular economy, the use of renewable materials is encouraged to replace traditional petrol-based polymers. In particular, it is expected that the processing and performance properties of the bio-based alternatives are similar to the traditional polymers, but often discrepancies related to viscosity, quality procurement, availability and performance of the bio-based materials are encountered. Therefore, care on the exact processing conditions of bio-based alternatives should be taken in order to provide materials with even enhanced properties and functionalities. A comparative study on coating applications is done by making formulations of fossil-based polymers and their bio-based alternatives derived from vegetable feedstock. The processing conditions under UV-curing are evaluated in order to optimize the coating performances. The incorporation of bio-based monomers in coating formulations provides enhanced properties in terms of mechanical resistance against abrasion, reduced brittleness, higher ductility and better water resistance. Under conditions providing fully cured coatings, the bio-based acrylate coatings systematically present lower wear. The internal material structure of coatings with bio-based monomers is characterized through a hierarchical organization within micro- to nanosale entities that improves the mechanical properties. Moreover, the presence of a hydrophobic monolayer at the surface enhances lubricity of the bio-based coatings. In parallel, the curing kinetics of bio-based and fossil-based materials are very similar resulting in comparable cross-linking densities. In this study, the benefits of introducing bio-based chemical building blocks in coating applications are illustrated. This case study serves as a motivation to support a transition into bio-based materials with enhanced properties and functionality.
Audience take away:
- How to increase bio-based content in wood coatings while enhancing mechanical performance
- Tuning processing conditions for bio-based coatings with structural characterization
- Benefits for better durability of bio-based coatings compared to fossil-based coatings.
