The Waterborne Symposium

Abstract
Oxidizable Phenolic Urethanes - Bio-Based OPU

A novel line of sustainable, biobased, air-drying resins have recently been introduced that will aid a formulator of oleoresinous wood finishes and stains to meet increasingly restrictive VOC regulations.  Known as oxidizable phenolic urethanes or OPUs, these products can be used to modify oleoresinous vehicles (alkyds, oil modified urethanes, varnishes, vegetable oils, etc.) to dramatically reduce dry time, improve scratch and mar resistance, enhance toughness, increase gloss, and improve chemical resistance. This presentation will review the chemistry of traditional oxidizable vehicles, phenolic resins, and urethanes to appreciate how this novel technology hybrids all three to produce improvements in the application and performance of VOC-compliant wood finishes and stains.