The Waterborne Symposium

Abstract
Liquid EPDM for Waterborne Coatings
Co-author: Arthur Fontenot

Low molecular weight, liquid ethylene propylene diene rubber (L-EPDM) has been known in the industry for many years.  Common applications include rubber goods, oil additives, and adhesives.  Recently, these elastomers have found utility in liquid applied roof coatings.  These resins, formulated into solventbased liquid coatings, may be cured with peroxide or UV radiation, and are often used as maintenance coatings for flat or low slope roofs.  However, adoption into many markets is limited by the high solvent content of these coatings.  Recently, a waterborne suspension of L-EPDM has been developed.  This material can easily be formulated into a waterborne coating and is curable with metal driers (1K), or peroxides (2K) and/or UV radiation.  The suspension can be used alone or with other resins, or as an additive to improve the properties of coatings formulations.  Properties of cured coatings made from the waterborne L-EPDM are similar to those of their solventbased counterparts.  This paper will discuss L-EPDM waterborne suspension properties, coating formulation, application and curing methods, and final film properties.