From Flexible to Tough: Enhancing Polymer Performance through Cross-Linking

Water-based acrylic polymers were originally perceived as underperforming compared to solvent-based systems for coatings, inks, paints, and related materials. However, these perceptions have been proven wrong time and again, especially with new innovations in materials science that have improved the performance of water-based emulsions to the point where they meet or exceed the performance of solvent-based polymers. 

How crosslinking polymers improve coating performance

Crosslinking is a chemical reaction between polymer chains, typically involving a reaction agent in order to form covalent bonds between them. These bonds result in stronger connections and a much more durable and stable resin.

Cross linking polymers can also be self-crosslinking, meaning that they can undergo the reaction without the need for an additive with the right conditions. Regardless, these reactions are one such innovation that has improved the performance and increased the use of water-based polymers across many industries.

The use of cross linking reactions have many advantages for water-based acrylic emulsions, especially when it comes to balancing excellent performance with the ongoing push for sustainability. They also offer many other performance and durability benefits as well, such as:

• Stain blocking and stain resistance
• Improve ink flow properties
• Tougher coating (less likely to flake, scuff, impact, etc.)
• Environmental resistance (indoor and outdoor, dirt, dust, rain, sun, etc.)
• Abrasion resistance

Gellner Industrial–A Premier Manufacturer of Water-based Acrylic Polymers

Gellner Industrial has developed a wide range of water-based polymers, several of which are self-crosslinking for improved performance in the coatings and printing inks markets. 

• Ottopol SF-45 results in high-density crosslinked polymers when dried at room temperature and is excellent for wood and wooden furniture coatings that require solvent resistance. 
• Ottopol SF-49 has outstanding water resistance, with a dry film that won’t blush even after extensive exposure to water. 
• Ottopol SX-30 offers exceptional adhesion to a variety of plastic and metallic substrates, and is also exceptionally resistant to alkali products, abrasion, and solvents.
• Ottopol SX-75 also has excellent alkali resistance, as well as great adhesion to vinyl and non-porous substrates. 
• Ottopol SX-100 is a non-film forming emulsion with applications in flexographic and gravure printing inks. 
• Ottopol 523 can be formulated into a stain and detergent resistant coating, and offers resistance to many other liquids and solvents as well. 
• Ottopol KX-99 is a cationic acrylic solution used in epoxy resin curing that crosslinks at room temperature with polyisocyanates and epoxy silanes, resulting in exceptional water resistance.
• Ottopol K-672 is a cationic emulsion polymer that crosslinks with polyisocyanates and epoxy silanes at room temperature for a highly resistant coating. 

If you’re interested in these or any of our products, don’t hesitate to check out our website for more information and contact us today.