Structure-performance relationships in alkylene oxide-modified epoxy coatings

Structure-performance relationships in advanced epoxy resins flexibilized with segments of polyalkylene oxide were studied in electrocoat formulations to determine the effects of alkylene oxide type, oxide block length, and total oxide loading on coating properties. Corrosion resistance and flexibility/adhesion improve with the use of short oxide blocks and at the higher end of the oxide loading ranges studied, with propylene oxide being the preferred alkylene oxide. A two-stage procedure for copolymerization provides further enhancement of corrosion resistance. The structure-performance relationships found in this work are expected to apply to the use of similar resins in lower VOC waterborne, higher solids, and/or higher flow powder formulations. Presented at the 23rd International Waterborne, High-Solids, and Powder Coatings Symposium, February 15, 1996, New Orleans, LA. Epoxy Products & Intermediates R&D, 2301 Brozosport Blvd., Building B-1811, Freeport, TX 77541-3257. KENNETH W. ANDERSON is a Research Leader in the Epoxy Products and Intermediates business unit of The Dow Chemical Company. His 13 years with Dow have been spent in product research and development for the coatings industry and in new business development for epoxy resins. Dr. Anderson holds a B.S. Degree in Chemistry from Tarleton State University and a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from The University of Southern Mississippi.