Transport and related properties of paint films. II. Dynamic mechanical properties and humidity effects

A systematic four-stage investigation of eight unpigmented coating formulations, including three vinyl, two polyurethanes, and three epoxy systems was done to provide baseline structural information upon which an improved understanding and an optimization of protective coatings can be founded. First, the results from dynamic mechanical measurements are provided and discussed for the base polymer component in each coating system. Second, the effects of humidity on the dynamic mechanical properties of these base polymers were determined at room temperature. The extent of property degradation was monitored by calculating the T_g depression with increased humidity, assuming a temperature–humidity superposition. The extent of degradation, as monitored by the T_g, was found to correlate directly with the level of hydrogen bonding in these coatings. Third, the influence of typical coating additives (a TCP plasticizer and a rosin hardener) on the properties of two of the vinyl coating systems was investigated. In the final stage, the synergistic effects of absorbed moisture and these additives on the coatings properties were investigated at room temperature. Increases in the concentration of these additives was found to magnify the degradation effect of increased humidity. This magnified degradation has been assigned to increased water absorption with increases in the concentration of either of these additives.