01.22.18
In 2018, cost and performance will continue to be a focus in the construction industry. One key factor for polymers is that MMA supply will continue to be short, driving costs of all acrylic polymers higher. Mallard Creek Polymers (MCP) has a strong line of all acrylic, cement stable products that have been customized based on Rovene 6023 (improved water resistance) and Rovene 403 (low odor grade) for use in many customer systems. The latest all acrylic product from the company, Rovene 6525, was brought to market in Oct. 2017. In 2018, though, the company's focus will be on introducing more products based on styrene. Because MMA will be much more costly than styrene, the company is looking for industry partners to help develop lower cost alternatives where an all acrylic polymer is not needed. Using styrene acrylic emulsion polymers will meet the demands for exterior durability in most applications. Styrene-butadiene latex provides superior adhesion and water resistance when UV stability is not required.
A few examples of newer products are discussed here, and many of the company's newly developed products can be found in the Coatings Selection Guide and Construction Selection Guides. Rovene 6521 is a low Tg styrene acrylic polymer for coatings and construction applications requiring cement compatibility designed to meet needs of a wide variety of applications. Tylac 4190 is a work-horse styrene-butadiene latex use in the construction industry. The polymer is designed to optimize flexural strength and adhesion. Tylac 4194 is a modified, flexible styrene-butadiene concrete modifier. It may be used at low add-on to give strength, flexibility and water/ion resistance to cementitious systems. At higher add-on levels, Tylac 4194 gives a flexible cementitious water proofing membrane. The product has been modified to improve open time and workability of the cement-based system.
