The Waterborne Symposium 2025

Abstract
“The Scientific Balance” explores the potential synergy between fundamental chemistry principles and empirical knowledge in the formulation of paints and coatings.  In the coatings industry, empirical approaches often dominate certain practices, however, this approach may limit innovation and overlook areas that could enhance formulations.  By revisiting fundamental concepts in chemistry, theory, and mechanism, formulators may gain insights into underlying principles of coatings performance.  Examples include the use of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to address common challenges most formulators experience related to surface tension, pigment dispersion, rheology, and film formation.  The right balance is important and needed for professional development and to unlock new avenues of product innovation for more effective, sustainable, and high-performance coatings.

Please visit our exhibitors in the exhibit hall - Grand Ballroom D.

Join us in our exhibit hall for coffee, king cake and networking

Abstract
Market-inspired research and development (R&D) plays a crucial role in driving innovation, addressing societal needs, and advancing technology. A deeper understanding of market segments and dynamics further sharpens the focus of R&D efforts and increases the chances of commercialization success. And when these efforts align with governmental objectives, an influx of significant funding can accelerate technological advancements. Government funding programs reduce risk and allow researchers to explore long-term breakthrough technologies that might not otherwise take place. In this talk we will explore how combining the tools of market intelligence with various funding mechanisms can effectively intersect to identify innovation gaps that are likely to yield greater results that benefit both society and the economy.

Co-Authors:  Yelone Liu and Hugo Wang

Abstract

The use of plastics in different applications, such as automotive interiors and consumer electronics, has increased mainly due to their low density and light weight, convenient processability and balance of cost and performance. However, many plastics require a coating to protect the surface from scratches and abrasion to maintain their surface appearance and quality. This is particularly challenging in low gloss coatings (≤ 5 gloss units at 60°) where the film damage is easily visible. The thin films used also limits the ability of some additive technologies to improve coating durability.

This paper presents a study of different synthetic silica matting agents in combination with other additives in four different plastic coating formulations and compares their effects on scratch and abrasion resistance of the final coating. Conventional silica matting agents offer good dispersibility and matting efficiency, but their scratch and abrasion resistance does not meet end-user expectations. Organic / polymeric matting agents have better scratch and abrasion resistance but are less efficient in matting. Combinations of silica matting agents with other technologies, such as nylon powders or polyethylene waxes can dramatically improve the scratch resistance without side effects. Abrasion resistance can be enhanced using combinations of matting agents with novel small-sized, spherical silica particles..

Co-Authors:
Juliane P. Santos, Larissa C. C. de Almeida, Maira V. de Carvalho, Michael Praw

Abstract
"The emulsification of resins used in solvent-based coatings into water is a crucial strategy for developing environmentally friendlier water-based coatings. Among the various resins used in solvent-based coatings, alkyd resins stand out due to their partial renewability and extensive use in decorative and protective coatings. They offer excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates, high gloss, durability, and resistance to water, chemicals, heat, and solvents. However, due to environmental and GHS concerns, there is a trend towards emulsifying these polymers with emulsifiers to create stable oil-in-water emulsions for water-based formulations.

Long-in-oil alkyd resins with viscosities ranging from 5000 to 15000 cP at the emulsification temperature are typically emulsified using the phase inversion methodology with low shear mixing equipment. However, emulsifying higher viscosity resins, such as medium-in-oil alkyd resins, presents more challenges.

This work focuses on developing a special solvent and optimizing emulsifier compositions to reduce the viscosity of medium-in-oil alkyd resins, enabling their emulsification through phase inversion using low shear mixing equipment, and producing emulsions with particle size below 400 nm.

The prototype of an environmentally friendly solvent, designed for having Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) close to the ones of the alkyd resins, effectively decreases the viscosity of medium-in-oil alkyd resin at 80°C, the emulsification temperature, as confirmed by rheological measurements. A small amount (5 wt%) of this solvent reduced the viscosity by approximately 60%.

The emulsifier compositions include a special nonionic emulsifier designed for alkyd resin emulsification and a conventional anionic emulsifier. Interfacial tension evaluation between a model oil phase containing the emulsifier composition and water was used to select the most effective emulsifier compositions for reducing the interfacial tension, crucial for successful emulsification.

The study also explored the effects of two bases, sodium hydroxide and triethylamine, used for neutralizing the carboxylic groups of the resin, and the conventional anionic surfactant. The interfacial tension results indicated that compositions rich in the nonionic emulsifier could reduce the interfacial tension at 40°C from 18 mN/m to nearly 0 mN/m.

Based on the interfacial tension results, three compositions rich in the nonionic emulsifier were evaluated with each base. The alkyd emulsions neutralized with sodium hydroxide had a solid content of about 49 wt%, particle sizes ranging from 200 to 230 nm, and a zeta potential of around -40 mV. These emulsions, formulated with a drier recommended for water-based formulations, had a drying time close to 5 hours. The stable emulsions neutralized with triethylamine had a solid content of about 49 wt%, particle sizes ranging from 240 to 320 nm, a zeta potential of around -50 mV, and a drying time ranging between 3 to 4 hours.

The strategies developed in this work are also being applied to the emulsification of other resins, beyond alkyd resins. This includes important classes of resins such as epoxy resins. "

Please visit our exhibitors in the exhibit hall - Grand Ballroom D.

Co-Authors:
R. Severac, T.T. Tran, C. Kustner, A. Becker, G. Schlatter, S. Le Calve , A. Hebraud

Abstract
"Driven by environmental, health, and safety concerns, coatings technologies have undergone a dramatic shift in the past few decades driven by the reduction of VOCs and other hazardous materials in coating formulations. The continuous development and improvement of waterborne technologies has enabled many solvent-based systems to be replaced with waterborne chemistries that contain significantly lower VOC content than their solvent-based counterparts. VOC levels have been pushed even lower by the development of low-VOC and zero-VOC water-based formulations. A continuation of this trend emerging in the global coatings industry has been focused on the development of functional coatings that not only limit emissions of VOCs into the environment but actively extract and remove VOCs that have originated from other sources. A functional coating with VOC remediation capability could improve indoor air quality and provide a means to scavenge VOC emissions from sources that have proven to be more challenging to address.

This investigation is based on two different methodologies. In a first part, ISO 16000-23 European standard has been used as an initial demonstration of the formaldehyde scavenging efficiency of a conventional zero-VOC decorative paint containing tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane and 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol. Even if extended to 6 weeks, this dynamic test is not able to determine the real full scavenging capacity of the studied material. A new method has been developed with the intend to experimentally measure the full capacity of adsorption, and also to test several pollutants present in indoor environment over formaldehyde, enabling to characterize the scavenging versatility of these additives".

Abstract

Silicone materials are increasingly valued in the paint and coatings industry because of their advantageous properties of high temperature stability, moisture resistance coupled with breathability, and superior resistance to weathering. Although traditionally processed in volatile organic solvents, sustainability commitments and customer demand are driving a transition to waterborne approaches. At present, waterborne silicone-containing binders are still uncommon because they are notoriously difficult to prepare. We recently presented the development of a novel waterborne silicone-organo copolymer binder for industrial coatings. These copolymer dispersions have nearly zero VOC. When used in conjunction with a curing agent, they provide durable crosslinked film coatings on metal surfaces, with excellent hardness, solvent resistance and weatherability. They are excellent binders for a variety of organic and inorganic pigments. Here we discuss their outstanding stability to extended accelerated weathering conditions when used in conjunction with pigments

Co-Author:


Abstract

Abstract

Recent popularity of thin aluminum flakes for chrome replacement has stimulated development activities to push the limits of color and performance of these pigments in waterbased systems.  This presentation will explore the multiple options for surface treatments of these aluminum flakes and the effect these treatments have on final color, sparkle, opacity, gassing, dispersion, shear and chemical resistance in both interior and exterior coatings.  Visual assessment and instrumental analysis of coatings containing these pigments will be discussed.  Also addressed will be the options available for pigment carrier and delivery form, such as paste, powder and solvent free granules, designed to perform in the most demanding low VOC coating systems.  Proper dispersion and formulating practices will also be explored.  

Join us in our Exhibit Hall for Coffee and Networking

Abstract

Co-Authors: Dr. Peter Greenwood, Global Technical Development Manager, Inorganic Specialties, Nouryon

Abstract

One of the primary challenges for low-VOC coatings is achieving smooth film formation, acceptable block resistance, and adequate film hardness. Block resistance depends on both bulk and surface properties. This article examines the effects of adding colloidal silica on the block resistance of acrylic paint. Colloidal silica enhances the hardness and durability of coatings, improving their resistance to abrasion, scratches, and other properties. Additionally, it contributes to smoother film formation and better weather resistance, making the coating less likely to stick to itself when two painted surfaces come into contact.

Abstract

"Every manufacturer is hearing about the “Industrial Internet of Things” (IIoT) or Industry 4.0 and, of course, Artificial Intelligence (AI) – and their promise to revolutionize how we make products.  So, if you ask any expert, “What parameters should I actually be controlling?” you’ll often get a quick “All of them!” answer.  But that’s a cop-out.  It’s easy, but not practical.
The fact is, despite the proliferation of sensing technologies that have endowed us with the ability to monitor virtually every aspect of our environment and process, implementing these comes with a cost. It’s not just about the sensors themselves. It’s also about the supporting network. And the processing. And the effort and energy costs. Unfortunately, these often get ignored during the upfront planning stages, and this can result in some significant surprises on the back end of the project.
Moreover, the hype and promise of AI has a powerful allure, which can only be realized if truly understood and carefully implemented – and when it comes to AI, data is king.
In short, it is essential to balance the cost and effort with the return. Nowhere is this more apparent than with the application of paints and coatings, which often involve the most expensive and energy intensive processes in the manufacturing plant.
In this presentation we will:
    define and contrast IIoT and Industry 4.0 and address their ramifications to modern manufacturers.
    discuss the potential for AI implementation in manufacturing and the requirements to make it successful.
    identify the properties that are essential to monitor at each point in the coating process.
    identify the properties that are essential to control at each point in the coating process.
 describe the best practice to implementing data collection and control to leverage the future of AI."

Co-Author:
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Abstract

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening at the historic Toulouse Theatre for the 2024 Waterborne Symposium! Revel in pre-dinner cocktails while swaying to the sounds of the Louis Ford Jazz Trio, and seize the opportunity to network with industry peers in this timeless venue.

615 Toulouse St
New Orleans, LA 70130
Click here for directions.

At PPG, we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

615 Toulouse Street has a robust history of presenting the very best in live music and entertainment from across the world since 1970, right in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Construction on the current building began in 1969, when the facility was built to house a single screen Walter Reade cinema featuring first-run films.
In June of 1977, the facility began its history as a live performance space, with an opening night performance by The Neville Brothers. In the late 1970s and Early 1980s, the theatre was known for hosting regular performances of Vernel Bagneris’s vaudeville musical One Mo Time!, and the lobby bar hosted regular performances by James Booker.
The venue began it’s rise to prominence as a national touring destination when Morgan Higby Night opened his Shim Sham Club here in 1998. Shortly after the Shim Sham Club closed in 2003, Rio Hackford and Ryan Hesseling reopened the venue as One Eyed Jacks, which they operated until March of 2020.
After the closure of One Eyed Jacks, the property was renovated and reborn as the Toulouse Theatre again in October 2021.
The Toulouse Theatre continues to operate as a proudly independent venue, committed to presenting live entertainment from around the world in the heart of New Orleans.