Hydrophobic and bio-based
A recent technical article describes how a by-product of palm oil refining could be used as raw material for bio-based and weather resistant hydrophobic coatings and plasticisers.
(Source: GCapture - stock.adobe.com)
-The focus technical article in the recent issue of the European Coatings Journal (7+8/2020) from Stefan Friebel describes a new way to manufacture bio-based coatings from palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD), a by-product in the palm oil industry. The distillate is comprised of palmitic acid, oleic acid and to a lesser extent of their glycerides.
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for wood research in Germany used this material to synthesise two inexpensive variants of hydrophobic acrylate synthesis building blocks by esterification with GMA respectively HEMA. Both components were then copolymerised to synthesise the new hydrophobic polyacrylate.
High contact angels
The researchers then formulated a number of paints using different amounts of the new polyacrylate and common methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate. They found that small portions of 8 to 10 % of the new bio-based acrylate can generate high hydrophobicity with contact angels for water over 100°. Weathering tests for 12 months also showed that the surface was still 100 % intact in all samples, suggesting good adhesion to the surface.
The complete article in which further details are discussed was published in the July issue of European Coatings Journal. The paper describes how the test coatings were formulated, detailed weathering results and how the PFAD raw material can also be used as the fatty acid in alkyd resins for internal plasticisers.
Event tip
On 6-7. October Experts will gather in the newest EC technology Forum – Bio-based coatings to discuss the latest research and newest products on the market. The conference will take place with an detailed plan to ensure the safety of participants. Registration is now open.
