Vehicles, flooring, and furniture often feature a specialized coating designed to protect them from scratches and improve their aesthetic appeal and durability. These coatings are commonly crafted from aqueous polyurethane dispersion (PU), a material known for its protective and enhancing properties. The application of such material not only shields surfaces from damage but also offers an additional layer of durability, prolonging the lifespan of the treated items.
So, let's delve in and explore how this remarkable material works in the coating industry.
What is Aqueous Polyurethane Dispersion (PU)?
Aqueous polyurethane dispersion (PU) refers to a specific type of polyurethane polymer resin that is dispersed in water instead of a traditional solvent. It is also known as a water-based or waterborne polyurethane dispersion. These polyurethane dispersions are binary colloidal systems formed by the dispersion of particles in an aqueous phase.
They are widely used in the coating industry due to their low organic content, versatility, and superior properties such as abrasion resistance, adhesion to various polymers, and low-temperature flexibility. They are also used in adhesives, ink binders, and coatings. These waterborne polyurethane dispersions are also popular due to their environmentally friendly nature. According to the Extrapolates report, the global aqueous polyurethane dispersion (PU) market is expected to reach a valuation of $1.8 billion by 2030.
Manufacturing Process of Aqueous Polyurethane Dispersion (PU)
The preparation of aqueous or waterborne polyurethane dispersions involves several components, including polyols, isocyanates, chain extenders, and ionic centers that enable the dispersion of polyurethane in water. This includes the following steps:
Step 1: Polyurethane Synthesis
The process typically starts with the synthesis of polyurethanes. This includes the formation of a medium-molecular-weight, isocyanate-terminated prepolymer.
Step 2: Incorporation of Water-Soluble Groups
In this procedure, water-soluble groups are incorporated into the prepolymer, either before the chain extension occurs or included within the chain extension agent.
Step 3: Formation of the End Product
Lastly, the end product is a high-molecular-weight aqueous dispersion of thermoplastic polymer devoid of any unreacted isocyanate groups. This dispersion is the aqueous PU.
Benefits of Aqueous Polyurethane Dispersion (PU)
Below are the major advantages of water-based PU dispersion:
- Waterborne PUDs offer a wide range of film-hardness options, making them suitable for different coating requirements.
- It has a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, furniture, construction, and chemicals.
- Aqueous PU dispersion provides excellent film hardness, abrasion resistance, and adhesion to various substrates.
- It offers a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, making it eco-friendly.
- Aqueous polyurethane dispersion (PU) has versatility and superior properties compared to traditional solvents.
- It allows for the production of low-VOC coatings and adhesives without compromising their technical performance.
- They are also easily dispersible in water, allowing for convenient application.
Applications of Aqueous Polyurethane Dispersion (PU)
Aqueous PU finds a wide range of applications in various industries. Some of the key applications include:
- Coatings: This waterborne PU dispersion is used in the formulation of industrial coatings, automotive coatings, wood coatings, floor coatings, concrete coatings, and clear coatings.
- Adhesives: Aqueous PU dispersion is used as a binder in high-performance adhesives. It offers excellent adhesion to various substrates and can be used in laminating, bonding, and assembly applications.
- Sealants: This waterborne PU dispersion is used in the formulation of sealants, providing excellent sealing properties and durability.
- Elastomers: Aqueous polyurethane dispersion (PU) is used in the production of elastomeric materials, which have high elasticity and flexibility. These elastomers find applications in industries such as automotive, footwear, and textiles.
- Medical Devices: This water-based PU dispersion is mainly utilized in the design and manufacture of specialized medical devices, such as polyurethane dressings, which act as liquid bandages.
- Textile Applications: Aqueous PU dispersion is used in general textile applications, such as coating nonwovens and providing functional properties to textiles.
- Hygiene Coatings: This aqueous PU dispersion is used in the formulation of hygiene coatings, which provide antimicrobial properties and protection against bacteria and fungi.
- Flame-retardant Applications: Waterborne polyurethane dispersion (PU) is developed with built-in flame-retardant properties for applications that require fire resistance.
- Leather Coatings: Aqueous PU is used in the synthesis of leather coatings with antibacterial properties.
3 Key Manufacturers in the Aqueous Polyurethane Dispersion (PU) Industry
Below are the three leading companies in the aqueous or water-based PU dispersion field.
1. BASF SE
BASF SE is a global chemical company based in Germany. It produces water-based polyurethane dispersions under its brand name "Basonol PU." These dispersions are used in coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
BASF's polyurethane dispersions are also used in automotive coatings, providing better adhesion qualities and a smoother look. The increased demand for water-based solutions in these coatings contributes to sustainability. BASF SE specializes in offering a wide range of polyurethane products and solutions.
2. Dow
Dow is a multinational chemical company based in the USA. Dow offers high-quality aqueous polyurethane dispersions that have great demand in various applications, including coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
These dispersions provide excellent adhesion, durability, and environmental performance. Dow is recognized as a market leader in the polyurethane industry and is listed among the top companies in the PU and PU Foam quadrants.
3. Covestro AG
Covestro AG is a leading manufacturer of high-performance materials, including waterborne polyurethane dispersion (PU). It offers a range of PU products under its brand name "Bayhydrol." These dispersions are mainly used in various types of coatings.
Covestro is focused on providing customizable and sustainable solutions with its polyurethane dispersions, allowing customers to create low-VOC adhesives and coatings that are durable and fast-drying. It is recognized as a global leader in the polyurethane industry that offers the best PU and PU foam quadrants. It has a strong market presence and influence.
To Wrap Up
Aqueous polyurethane dispersion (PU) is a versatile and environmentally friendly material used in a wide range of applications. These water-based polyurethane dispersions offer solutions that provide excellent adhesion, durability, and sustainability. The use of waterborne PU dispersion in various industries, such as coatings, adhesives, and sealants, has not only improved product performance but also reduced environmental impact by minimizing the use of solvents and VOC emissions. As the demand for eco-friendly materials continues to grow, waterborne polyurethane dispersion (PU) is expected to play a significant role in meeting industry needs for high-performance, sustainable solutions.
