100% Solids Aliphatic Spray Polyurea Elastomer Systems

Abstract

Regulations are continually being passed that limit the volatile organic content (VOC) of elastomer coating systems. Because of this restriction, high solids, two-component spray elastomers and coatings are attaining in creases in market interest and sales volume. As this interest grows, the research and development effort focuses on newer and better polymer materials. The development of 100% solids aromatic polyurethane elastomer systems has shown promise with respect to the VOC issues. Recently, a further refined 100% solids spray elastomer system, based on polyurea RIM technol ogy, has also been demonstrated. These systems, like polyurea RIM materials, are based on aromatic isocyanates, aromatic amine chain extenders and amine- terminated polyether resins. In order to take full advantage of the leading edge polyurea elastomer technology, 100% solids aliphatic polyurea elastomer systems have been developed. Amine-terminated polyether resins along with aliphatic isocyanates are incorporated into this next generation of spray elastomer materials. Aliphatic spray polyurea elastomer systems, like the aromatic polyurea elastomer systems, require no catalysts and are extremely fast in reactivity and cure. Due to this fast reactivity and cure, these systems are virtually unaf fected by moisture during processing. Application of the aliphatic polyurea systems is also possible in a variety of temperature ranges with little effect on the reaction profile and cure. Any VOC standards or regulations are easily com plied with due to the 100% solids characteristic. Excellent elastomer physical properties are also noted at varied temperature ranges. Obviously, spray elastomer systems based on this aliphatic polyurea technology are good candi dates for both coating and noncoating-type applications. Recent advances in the aliphatic spray polyurea elastomer technology will be discussed in this paper.