Polymers for Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance

Polymers for Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance

Gellner’s Ottopol KO Passes ASTM Standard

Hydrostatic pressure resistance, or the resistance to water, humid environments, and water-based products, is an important characteristic for coatings and primers to have. However, polymer products and coatings that are water resistant and water-based can be difficult to develop–though not for Gellner. In today’s article, we’ll go over hydrostatic pressure resistance and one of our most innovative products, Ottopol KO.

What is Hydrostatic Pressure?

Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure that any fluid exerts within a confined space. For instance, if there’s water in a container, then the water will exert some pressure on the container’s walls. This applies to water droplets in the air too, especially in humid environments. If enough water accumulates, such after heavy rain, or within damp conditions, the water can apply enough pressure to a substrate–such as the walls of a basement–that water droplets can infiltrate the substrate and weaken it. 

Another important note, especially for buildings, is that the foundations and walls of a structure are made to support vertical pressure, stress from above. They are more susceptible to lateral hydrostatic pressure, which comes from the side, as a result. 

A coating’s resistance to hydrostatic pressure refers to how well the coating can prevent fluids such as water from entering and affecting the substrate. And they don’t just protect the substrate from fluid in the environment, but also from water-based substances that would otherwise stain the substrate, like water-based markers.

Gellner’s Solution: Ottopol KO

Gellner Industrial recently developed a cationic polymer, Ottopol KO, that exhibits excellent resistance to hydrostatic pressure. Ottopol KO meets the ASTM D1735 standard for the water resistance of coatings. Our new product can easily block water stains from concrete blocks in basements, forming a water-proof barrier even under wet conditions or in humid environments. It also blocks water-based stains on drywall, including from washable markers, lipstick, and vaseline. 

The cationic nature of Ottopol KO not only gives the polymer and products made from it excellent adhesion to many different substrates, but also causes it to form a natural barrier against fungal growth such as mildew. Our product also easily blocks tannin oils from wood, such as redwood, red cedar, and other species.

Looking for a Manufacturer of High Quality Water-Based Polymers?

Gellner Industrial, LLC is the leading manufacturer of water-based acrylic polymers, setting the industry standards for several decades on how well polymers and additives should perform. Check out our wide variety of products on our website!