Chapter 2-RRL Binders
Chapter 2-RRL Binders
Binder is the non-volatile matter of a coating material. This include plasticizers and
driers. The purpose of binder in coatings is they bond the pigment particles to each other and
to the substrate (Poth, 2011). The binder or resin is usually what gives the coating its name,
such as polyurethane or acrylic. In addition, binders is also responsible for adhesion, durability,
flexibility, gloss, and other physical propoerties (coating.com.au, 2019)
Moreover, binders have its different types. (Poth, 2011) has listed some binders
commonly used in manufacturing coatings.
Letter symbol Binder (paint resin)
AK Alkyd resin
SP Saturated polyester
UP Unsaturated polyester
AY Acrylic resin
CAB Cellulose acetobutyrate
CN Cellulose nitrate
EP Epoxy resin
EPE Epoxy ester resin
MF Melamine resin
PF Phenolic resin
UF Urea resin
PUR Polyurethane
PVAC Polyvinyl acetate
PVB Polyvinyl butyral
PVC Polyvinyl chloride
RUC Chlorinated rubber
RUI Cyclized rubber
Resins that form films includes alkyds, acrylics, vinyls, cellulosics, rosin, esters,
epoxies, urea melamines, ureathanes, styrenes, phenolics, hydrocarbons, and polyesters.
Plasticizers on the other hand, improves this resin binders to promote flexibility and to reduce
brittleness. (Poth, 2011)
There are two setting methods for the synthetic resins used in paints. These two setting
methods naming thermoset and thermoplastic. Thermosetting resins cures when exposed to
extreme heat, chemical reaction or irradiation in the case of UV-cured thermoset resins.
(coating.com.au, 2019)
On the other hand, thermoplastic resins or binders remain plastic after setting, but
soften with heat. This resins form films that occurs through evaporation of the solvent or water.
This type of binder resin is mostly used in metal to protect it against corrosion and environment.
Binder Type
Epoxy TS
Polyester and vinylester TS
Acrylic resins TS, TP
Polyurethane resins TS
Alkyd resins TS, TP
On the other hand, polyester resins form by polymerization of alcohol and an acid
instead of films. This type of binder is commonly used in severe chemical environments such
as coil coatings.
Alkyd resins are used across a range of substrates including metal, wood, and plastics.
These resins are also used in decorative gloss paints in architecture industry, furniture,
undercoating for automotive, insulating enamels, and coil coating. The polymerization of this
resin is a reaction of alcohol and acid. Its properties include good adhesion, hardness, flexibility,
corrosion resistance, and gloss retention.
Essential Chemical Industry has narrowed down commonly used paint binders in the
paint manufacturing industry. This include acrylic resins, alkyd resins, epoxy resins,
Binder Description Advantages Application
Polyurethane Resin Reaction polymers -effectively shield -flooring
created by reaction exposed surfaces -cupboards
of isocyanate and -binding qualities -adhesives
polyol (curing agent) -rubber
Acrylic Resin Binding resin -can be -decorative paint
commonly used as solvent/water based -car coating
topcoats, protective -weatherproof -masonry
finish, and -rapid curing
emulsion/latex
paints
Alkyd Resins Binding resin -anti corrosion -furniture
commonly used in -high resistance to -wood
enamel paints temperature -metal
Epoxy Resins Resin commonly -waterproofing -flooring
used in -cement
waterproofing -steel