Bio-based coalescing solvents

Abstract

Coalescing solvents are among the most important components of water-borne latex paints and are required for deposition of continuous and tough films during the final stages of paint drying. Water-borne latex paints require 1-2 weight percent coalescing solvent which translates to use of about 770 million pounds in the US alone. This work focused on developing novel biobased coalescing solvents for water-borne latex paints to perform equivalent or better while being cost competitive to higher performing petroleum-based coalescing solvents. Formulation testing included minimum film forming temperature (MMFT), scrub resistance, freeze-thaw stability, and gloss. Other properties of the solvent considered were evaporation (leading to VOC content), density, viscosity, color, and hydrolytic stability. Hydrolytic stability is important for the shelf-life performance of the final paint formulation.