PUR dispersion gives cold plastics that warm touch

Although industrial wood and furniture coatings are its main applications, a new generation of cosolvent-free polyurethane dispersions from Bayer MaterialScience (Leverkusen,Germany) also are said to be of use in giving "cold" plastics surfaces a pleasant, warm touch. 

The coating films made using these Bayhydrol U-brand dispersions can be hard, flexible, or points in between, and are said to have a velvety soft feel. The new polyurethane polyols used in it contain no n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone or any other cosolvents. Bayer predicts the dispersions will offer a suitable replacement for the polyacrylate ones commonly used.

Coatings based on Bayhydrol U XP 2750 are hard, yet elastic even in cold temperatures. The supplier incorporates self-healing segments into the polymer so that the coating is able to realign itself after being scratched. In addition, coatings based on Bayhydrol U XP 2750 have a high-gloss finish, are weather-stable and demonstrate a very high resistance to chemicals. Plastic and metal substrates can be clear-coated or top-coated with it. Pot life is greater than six hours, claims the supplier. —[email protected]