Transforming 2K Coating Systems to Safer Waterborne Non-Isocyanate Solutions

Arkema provides a wide range of acrylic polyol binder solutions for General Industrial and Protective and Marine Coatings. From standard 2K polyurethane (PU) to waterborne PU & non-isocyanate (NISO) systems, discover how Arkema Coating Solutions is committed to offering safer products.

Moving toward more sustainable solutions

Arkema provides an extensive selection of binders, including standard solids, high solids, very high solids, and waterborne 2K PU. Our commitment lies in offering more environmentally friendly solutions that prioritize:

Safety
Reduced VOC emissions
Lower carbon footprint

To further advance this commitment, we offer non-isocyanate (NISO) solutions to answer consumers' need for sustainability and encourage safer and greener practices.

Transitioning towards increasingly sustainable solutions

2K Polyurethane Systems

Polyurethane systems have rightfully earned their reputation as a reliable choice for topcoat applications in various industries. Their outstanding performance, durability, chemical resistance, UV resistance, and aesthetic versatility have made them a popular choice for protecting and enhancing surfaces in a wide range of applications. Polyurethane systems constitute approximately 11% of the overall paints and coatings market, predominantly finding application in the protective market and encompassing both heavy-duty and light-duty segments. Solventborne products continue to hold the majority share in this market, accounting for 87% of the total volume. However, there is a notable upsurge in the demand for waterborne alternatives, which is expected to experience a promising annual growth rate of 5 to 10% in the mid-term, subject to regional and segment-specific variations. Opting for high solids and waterborne resins is a viable way to reduce the use of solvents and lower the carbon footprint (in kg CO₂eq./kg) of your paint, all while ensuring the paint maintains high-performance durability.

(Sources: IRL market research company, European Coatings Journal)

Lower VOC Emissions

Standard Solids PU
SYNOCURE^® 878 N 60

High Solids PU
SYNOCURE^® 854 BA 80

Very High Solids PU
SYNOCURE^® 9226 BA 82

Waterborne 2K PU
SYNAQUA^® 9511

VOC level of 2K PU systems (g/L)

By employing waterborne 2K polyurethane as the binder, the paint achieves a VOC level that is only 1/5th of the amount found in a standard solids PU.

Product carbon footprint cradle-to-gate (kg CO₂ eq./kg)

Compared to high solids PU, waterborne 2K polyurethane has a 39% lower carbon footprint cradle-to-gate.

Non-Isocyanate Systems

Another alternative for safer polyurethane paint involves the development of binders which cure without isocyanates known as sensitizers. These binders are commonly known as Non-isocyanate (NISO) binders and can be used in both standard solids and high solids formulations. Arkema's R&D group is actively working on waterborne 2K NISO solutions, aiming to further reduce the carbon footprint associated with these innovative coatings. Results show that waterborne NISO has a 46% lower carbon footprint cradle-to-gate than common PU high solids binders. This new innovation significantly lowers the use of hazardous materials (isocyanate), reducing VOC emissions and carbon footprint while upholding high performance.

Lower VOC Emissions

Standard Solids NISO
SYNOCURE^® 890 S 55 /
SYNOCURE^® 899 BA 60

High Solids NISO
SYNOCURE^® 892 BA 70 /
SYNOCURE^® 899 BA 70 LM

Waterborne 2K NISO
SYNAQUA^® E21219

VOC level of Non-isocyanate systems (g/L)

By using SYNAQUA^® waterborne NISO as binder, the paint achieves a VOC level of 56 g/L.

Product carbon footprint cradle-to-gate (kg CO₂ eq./kg)

Compared to high solids PU and NISO high solids, SYNAQUA^®waterborne NISO has, respectively, 14% and 46% lower carbon footprint cradle-to-gate.

Safer Acrylic Polyol Solutions

Moving toward more sustainable solutions