CERAFLOUR 999: Abrasion and scratch resistance

CERAFLOUR 999: Abrasion and scratch resistance

Friday, 15 October, 2021

Authors: Juan Bello (JuanJose.AndresBello@altana.com; +34 622 304 229) and Pilar Casas (pilar.casas@altana.com; +34 699 659 491) both from BYK-Chemie GmbH – BYK Marketing & Technical Service.

In recent years, production processes for industrial paints have been optimised, leading to higher processing speeds and lower film thicknesses. For this reason, there is a need to improve the mechanical resistance of coatings and reduce particle size. The raw materials that make up these paints have been modified to meet the new quality requirements.

CERAFLOUR 999 is a new micronised PTFE-modified polyethylene wax, synthesised from an ultrasonic grinding process. This approach means that the Teflon remains encapsulated in the polyethylene particles, providing an excellent distribution of the particles in the paint film. The combination of Teflon and polyethylene enables the additive to provide excellent mechanical properties (abrasion and scratch resistance and increased surface slip) and as it is a very fine wax, it can be used in thin coating layers facilitating uniform distribution without having a negative impact on gloss. Lastly, it should be noted that the wax complies with food contact regulations and REACH (level of PFOA <25 ppb).

Below is an example of a paint for coil coatings where the best compromise between abrasion resistance, hardness and levelling was sought.

Figure 1: Solvent-borne system based on polyester-isocyanate with 1% CERAFLOUR 999 on the total formulation

Here is another example of a paint for can coatings. In this application it is important that no defects are left on the cans due to friction caused by movement between them. To evaluate this, TQC abrasion testing equipment is used (two panels subjected to pressure are rubbed against each other). In this case, the wax is added directly to the finished item. If a pre-dispersion is preferred (for example, 15-20% in Dowanol DPM), this is possible providing that it is completely absorbed.

Figure 2: Solvent-borne system based on BPA-free polyester-melamine with 1% CERAFLOUR 999 on the total formulation.

A final example is seen in a waterborne system for industry where maximum abrasion resistance, maximum transparency and a soft feel effect is sought. Abrasion is evaluated via a Wazau test (abrasive paper passes over the surface to be tested and its length is measured until the surface is damaged). CERAFLOUR 999 can only be used in waterborne systems if they contain between 5-10% cosolvent as the polarity difference between the wax and the medium makes it difficult to incorporate.

Figure 3: Waterborne system based on a 1K acrylic emulsion with 10% cosolvent and 2% CERAFLOUR 999 on the total formulation. The photograph shows how CERAFLOUR 999 is evenly distributed.

In summary, the new CERAFLOUR 999 wax additive can be used in solvent, waterborne and UV curing systems. It provides excellent abrasion and scratch resistance, does not have a negative impact on levelling and complies with food contact regulations and REACH.

URL: www.byk.com

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