The Waterborne Symposium

Abstract
Phase-change coatings with Thermoresponsive Transparency for Building Temperature Regulation
Co-authors: Pramod Mishra, Kelli Stockmal, Giuseppe Ardito, Steven Van Dessel and Mingjiang Tao

A series of coatings containing solid-solid phase-changing polymeric matrices have been synthesized by photo-initiated polymerization of methacrylate-based precursors.  The transmittance of these coatings in the UV to IR wavelength range changes reversibly as a function of temperature, and has been utilized as a design parameter for the development of temperature regulating building enclosures.  The latent heat storage capacity of these materials can be controlled by tailoring their composition, crosslink density, and porosity.  Shape stable matrices with heats of melting surpassing 120 kJ/g and clear/opaque transmittance ratios larger than 80 can be prepared using this methodology.  A combination of finite element simulation and experimental data will be used to discuss the implementation feasibility of these thermoresponsive coatings in different types of building enclosures.

Abstract
High Solids Dispersions for UV Cured Coatings

Colorants for UV curable coatings are uniquely suitable for energy efficient curing process, and are part of the green revolution in the coatings industry.  In these low VOC colorants, some of the pigments are biobased.  Compared to waterbased colorants, these dry faster and compared to solventbased colorants, these are free of volatile organic compounds, and offer superior gloss and finish properties on wood, plastic, glass, and other substrates.  In other words, these colorants for UV curable coatings offer another option to reduce solvent emissions, and quick curing process reducing energy consumption.  Initially designed for wood finishes, new applications include alternatives for some powder coatings and sign coatings (on plastic & glass) with excellent durability and technical properties.  Due to their unique composition, these colorants are compatible in a variety of resin systems, and offer advantages over UV cured water & solvent types.  With a gamut of 16 colorants (using pigments with interior and exterior durability, opaque and transparent), formulators now have options to match many shades in 3 - 60 microns thick films to satisfy their customer needs.  In addition, these colorants have excellent shelf stability, a major improvement over the previous technology which was a hindrance to popularity of such products, and have global registration.