Coatings resins play a fundamental role in protecting and enhancing surfaces across a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. These resins, comprising a variety of polymeric compounds, have seen significant advancements in research and development over the years, leading to the creation of increasingly sophisticated and effective products. With over 80 years of experience in the chemical industry, Cromogenia Units has been conducting research for decades to achieve more sustainable and high-quality resins.
What are coatings resins and how are they used?
Coatings resins are polymeric compounds used as primary ingredients in the formulation of paints, coatings, and finishes. These resins provide key properties such as adhesion, water resistance, corrosion protection, antioxidant properties, flexibility, and durability to the final coatings. Additionally, they determine important characteristics such as gloss, transparency, and chemical resistance of the coating.
Coatings resins are utilized in a wide variety of applications, ranging from corrosion protection of metal structures to surface enhancement in the automotive industry, construction, and interior decoration. These coatings can be applied on substrates such as metal, wood, plastic, concrete, and other materials, providing protection against corrosion, wear, UV rays, and other environmental factors.
Research in the field of coatings resins
In recent decades, research in the field of coatings resins has experienced significant growth, driven by the demand for more efficient, sustainable, and high-performance solutions. Advances in chemistry have led to the development of resins with improved properties in terms of strength, durability, adhesion, and environmental compatibility.
One of the most notable advancements has been the development of water-based resins as an alternative to traditional solvent-based resins. These resins offer significant advantages in terms of safety, occupational health, and environmental protection by reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, water-based resins often exhibit improved application properties, such as greater stability and shorter drying time.
What are water-based resins
Water-based coating resin is a type of polymeric resin used as the main component in the formulation of paints, coatings, and finishes. As the name suggests, this resin is dissolved or dispersed in water, as opposed to traditional resins that are dissolved in organic solvents.
The main distinctive feature of water-based coating resins is their aqueous base, making them less volatile and safer for the environment and the health of workers handling the coatings. This is because they do not emit high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known to contribute to air pollution and can have adverse effects on human health.
In addition to their more environmentally favorable profile, water-based coating resins offer several additional advantages, such as lower flammability, faster drying time, better color retention, and less tendency to yellow over time. They can also be easier to clean and apply compared to solvent-based resins.
Unicorr: innovation in coatings resins
Standing out in the coatings resin market is Unicorr, a product developed by Cromogenia Units. Unicorr is a water-based acrylic resin designed to provide superior corrosion protection in direct-to-metal (DTM) coating applications, without the need for additional corrosion inhibitors.
The unique formulation of Unicorr incorporates phosphate groups that covalently bond to the metal surface, forming a protective layer of passive iron phosphate. This layer acts as an effective barrier against corrosion, providing long-lasting protection even in adverse environmental conditions. Additionally, Unicorr offers excellent water and weather resistance, ensuring reliable performance over time.