Liquid acrylic binders

Liquid acrylic binders are a concentrated, water-thinnable polymer resin that does not yellow over time (UV stable) and allows the fixing of fillers on different substrates. It is a waterborn plastic resin (dispersion) derived from oil with very high adhesion power. Once dry, it is flexible and has a satin to shiny appearance and is washable.

There are different grades of acrylic binders available. From very flexible to harder variants, and also copolymers with VinylAcetate and Ethylene. There are also dry adhesive powder variants available.

Application examples of acrylic water-based binders

Acrylic binders are very versatile and can be used in a variety of applications across different industries like:

• Architectural Coatings: like decorative paints and coatings for buildings; due to their excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to weathering.
• Construction: These binders are used in adhesives, sealants, and coatings for construction materials, providing strong bonding and flexibility.
• Printing and Packaging: Acrylic binders are used in inks and coatings for printing on various substrates, offering good adhesion, gloss, and resistance to water and abrasion.
• Paper Coatings: They are used to enhance the surface properties of paper, improving printability and durability.
• Textiles: In the textile industry, they are used for fabric coatings and finishes, providing properties like water resistance and durability.
• Industrial Coatings: These binders are used in coatings for metal, plastic, and other materials, offering protection against corrosion and wear.

Vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) copolymer dispersion

Vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) copolymer dispersion is a type of polymer made by combining vinyl acetate and ethylene monomers through a process called emulsion polymerisation. Here are some key points about VAE dispersions:

• Composition: VAE is composed of vinyl acetate, which is a hard, polar monomer, and ethylene, a soft, hydrophobic monomer. This combination provides a balance of flexibility and toughness.
• Properties: The inclusion of ethylene in the polymer reduces the need for external plasticisers, which can migrate over time. This results in a more stable and durable product. VAE dispersions also exhibit good film-forming properties, flexibility, adhesion, and water resistance23.
• Applications: VAE dispersions are used in a variety of applications, including:
  • Adhesives: They provide strong bonding properties for various substrates.
  • Paints and Coatings: Used in low-VOC paints and coatings due to their excellent film-forming abilities.
  • Construction: Employed as binders in cement and plaster, enhancing properties like flexibility and crack resistance.
  • Textiles: Used in fabric finishes to impart durability and water resistance.
  • Environmental Benefits: VAE dispersions are water-based and do not require organic solvents, making them more environmentally friendly.

Formulating and compounding with additives

Formulating with acrylic and vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) dispersions can present several challenges, despite their many advantages. Here are some common issues:

• Stability: Ensuring the long-term stability of VAE dispersions can be challenging. Factors like pH, temperature, and the presence of other chemicals can affect the stability of the dispersion.
• Compatibility: VAE dispersions need to be compatible with other formulation ingredients. Incompatibility can lead to issues like phase separation, poor film formation, or reduced performance.
• Viscosity Control: Maintaining the desired viscosity is crucial for processing and application. VAE dispersions can sometimes exhibit changes in viscosity over time, which can affect their handling and performance.
• Drying Time: The drying time of VAE-based formulations can be longer compared to solvent-based systems. This can be a drawback in applications where quick drying is essential.
• Water Sensitivity: While VAE dispersions offer good water resistance, they can still be sensitive to prolonged exposure to water or high humidity, which can affect their performance.
• Mechanical Properties: Achieving the right balance of mechanical properties, such as flexibility and hardness, can be tricky. The formulation needs to be carefully adjusted to meet specific performance requirements.
• Environmental Conditions: VAE dispersions can be sensitive to environmental conditions during storage and application, such as temperature fluctuations and humidity.
• Addressing these challenges often requires careful selection of additives, thorough testing, and optimisation of the formulation process.

If you need any help with formulating Acrylic or VAE dispersions or if you'd like a ready-to-use solution from Intercol, please contact us.