The Waterborne Symposium

Abstract
Challenges in Formulating Water Based Clear Sealers for Concrete

Solventbased acrylic sealers for concrete have been used for many years and are considered by many to be the performance standard for sealers.  The primary drawback to these solvent based sealers is that they are very high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and industry regulations are driving sealer manufacturers to evaluate low VOC, waterborne alternatives.  Due to differences in their film formation mechanisms, there are differences in performance between most waterborne and solventbased sealers.  Despite these differences, the use of a novel polymer technology has yielded waterborne sealers with an improved balance of properties that is commercially acceptable for today’s concrete sealers.  Performance data of sealers formulated with this new polymer and evaluated against conventional concrete sealers will be presented.