The Waterborne Symposium 2025

Bio: Brian Vest, Linda Adamson, Celine Burel

Abstract
"Perfluoro and Polyfluorinated-Alkyl Substances (PFAS) have been extensively utilized across various industries due to their exceptional ability to resist heat, oil, grease, and water. Among these PFAS chemicals, Fluorocarbon Surfactants (FCS) have been particularly effective in waterborne coatings to enhance early ""hot block"" resistance. However, increasing regulatory pressures and risk management considerations are pushing formulators to phase out these substances. This shift necessitates a careful balance between maintaining performance and adopting more sustainable alternatives.

Our study focuses on the development and application of novel phosphate ester wetting agents that offer improved early hot block resistance without the environmental drawbacks associated with fluorocarbon chemistry. These innovative additives are APE-free and have very low or zero VOC content, contributing to better colloidal stability. This stability enhances the wetting, dispersing, and compatibility properties of the final water-based coating. Our data will demonstrate the overall performance of the paint and explore the structure/property relationships that contribute to enhanced anti-blocking performance."