Axalta Scientist Presents Research for Improved Waterborne Coatings

Axalta Coating Systems research associate Dr. Ayumu Yokoyama presented research that better formulates waterbased coatings. Speaking at the Waterborne Symposium at the University of Southern Mississippi, Dr. Yokoyama explained the scientific breakthrough that reduces the gassing that can result when traditional solvent based coatings are reformulated to use water. The symposium is attended annually by leading scientific experts in water-based coatings.

“Ambient cure waterborne coatings have a tendency to gas in thick film applications,” Yokoyama explained. “The gas results from the reaction between residual water and other coating components. We found a way to reduce this gassing by replacing some of the components,” Dr. Yokoyama further explained.

Waterborne coatings are an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional solvent based coatings. However, converting existing  solvent-borne coating systems to water presents technical challenges. The discovery presented by Dr. Yokoyama not only resolves the gassing issue but also results in more durable coating films. His discovery is the first in the industry to resolve the gassing issue and improve coating quality with a simple and cost effective approach.

“We offer a wide range of durable waterborne coating products with both reduced levels of volatile organic compounds that are easy to use, dry fast, and provide superior protection and excellent coating appearance,” explained Panos Kordomenos, Axalta’s senior vice president and chief technology officer. “As a leading service provider, Axalta helps customers convert existing equipment and processes that enables them to more easily switch from traditional solvent-based coatings to waterborne coatings. Our recent commitment to expand production of waterborne coatings in China and Brazil reflects the growing popularity of these systems,” Kordomenos added.

The newly formulated waterborne coatings can be used by both automotive original equipment manufacturers and refinish body shops for vehicle coatings.  The coatings can also be used by commercial vehicle manufacturers who are involved in painting complex shapes like trailers, truck lifts, built-on cranes, and truck and trailer bodies. Coatings used for rail systems such as locomotives, high performance cars that carry liquids and dry bulk material which must be insulated from substrate materials, passenger carriages, high speed trains, tramways and metro and agriculture and construction equipment also will benefit.