NANODISPERSION AND ITS FUNCTIONALITY IN FORMULATIONS OF SEALERS

AND PENETRATION PRIMERS ADHERENCE PROMOTERS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Author : Luciana Vaquero [1]

In this article , the principles of a novel nano-dispersion, called Mowilith® LDM 2801 and
recently launched by Archroma, that provides excellent penetration and protection to various
substrates, are critically investigated.

More ecological sealers and primers can be formulated with this innovative nano-dispersion
without any need for coalescent additives in the formulation due to its low TMFF (minimum film
forming temperature). The new product also contributes to an outstanding adhesion promoting
effect of the top coating, water repellency property and a better protection of substrates such as
wood, masonry, concrete, fiber cement and gypsum.

Archroma has followed its “Low Emission Concept” to develop this product. The “Low Emission
Concept” covers seven ecological pillars: free of solvents, free of APEO (alkylphenol
ethoxylates), free of toxic compounds, low odor, ammonia free, low content of VOC (volatile
organic compounds) and low formaldehyde.

INTRODUCTION

Conventional emulsions are available in the market with particle sizes greater than 100 nm (140-
200 nm), with several applications already consolidated in coatings. New Nano-emulsions are
being presented with particle diameter particularly below 70nm [2]. Below 30nm, they are
generally translucent or transparent because their particles are smaller than the wavelength of
visible light [3]. Nano-emulsions present a number of advantages compared to conventional
systems. Some details can be found in the literature [2], [4,5].

One of the main advantages that we can attribute to nano-emulsions is the greater penetration and
consolidation capacity, since smaller particles favor penetration and a larger number of particles
increase the number of grafting sites [6].

Archroma has developed a new terpolymer nano-emulsion with particle size distribution in the
range of 35-50nm, called Mowilith® LDM 2801. The product has Tg (glass transition
temperature) of 5øC and TMFF (minimum film forming temperature) below 5°C, dry matter
content about 33%, with viscosity below 100cP, which facilitates its penetration. Even so, a
minimum dilution is recommended to increase product penetration.
Archroma has followed its “Low Emission Concept” to develop this product. The “Low Emission
Concept” covers seven ecological pillars: free of solvents, free of APEO (alkylphenol
ethoxylates), free of toxic compounds, low odor, ammonia free, low content of VOC (volatile
organic compounds) and low formaldehyde.
More ecological sealers and primers can be formulated with this innovative nano-dispersion
without any need for coalescent additives in the formulation

As previously mentioned, nano-emulsions present greater penetration capacity in porous

substrates. In pinus wood, an analysis by optical microscopy reveals that there is penetration of
about two cell layers using a conventional emulsion, whereas a 50nm nano-emulsions reaches
about 3 to 6 cell layers.

The difference is also visible in the formation of surface film. In conventional emulsions, film
formation is concentrated primarily on the surface of the substrate, whereas for nano-emulsions
the formation of the polymer film tends to concentrate within the surface of the substrate.

This penetration behavior is essential for the formulation and application of high performance
sealants and adhesion promoter penetration primers formulated with nano-emulsions.

Figure 1 demonstrates some of these benefits:

- Consolidation of loose particles and prevention of rupture;
- Prevents moisture migration;
- Reduction of substrate absorption for better application / coating performance (optimization
of the amount used);
- Prevents efflorescence / migration of salts and alkalis. Extra protection to the substrate in
coating;
- Promoter of adhesion of the coating.

Sealers and adhesion promoter primers generally have the function of preparing the substrate to
receive the top coating layers and promoting the adhesion of the final coating to the substrate in
question.

The work described is focused on studies demonstrating the benefits in use of nano-particle
dispersions described above, and extends to other substrates such as wood, masonry, concrete,
fiber cement, tile, floors, plaster. Other materials and applications that seek these related
characteristics can be exploited in order to increase product performance even with additives.

Figure 1: Benefits of a high performance sealer and adhesion promoter primer formulated
with nano-emulsions.
EXPERIMENTAL AND RESULTS
We divide this study into works that may represent the benefits described in each of the
situations.

Protection inside the substrate and not only superficially - Absorption by capillarity and
penetration power

The capillary absorption test was performed with a conventional market sealer vs.
Mowilith® LDM 2801 in cylindrical gypsum blocks: The previously known gypsum rolls were
partially immersed in a 1.5 cm layer of sealant solution of 10% solids, colored, for a period of
3 hours.

After completion, the specimen is dried at 100°C for 2 hours until constant mass, and the
migration of the polymer, its water repellency and the final mass of the absorbed polymer are
analyzed. An interesting fact is that, after 17 minutes, the entire Mowilith® LDM 2801 solution
had already been absorbed.

Figure 2 demonstrates that there was actual capillary absorption of the nano-product by about
7 cm from the gypsum, whereas the conventional sealer formed a thin film only on the substrate
on the product contacting surface.

Absorbed mass = 5,41 g Absorbed mass = 1,57 g

Water repellency= 7 cm Water repellency= 2 cm

Figure 2: Evaluation of absorbed mass and water repellency. Mowilith® LDM 2801 vs.
conventional market sealer.

In order to evaluate the penetration difference of nano-particle products, the following test was
performed: In a cylindrical block of gypsum, 1.0g of a 10% solids content sealer was added in a
1 cm diameter tube, and the system was maintained for 2 hours. The substrate was then dried
and the penetration power was assessed by cross-section. It is then seen from Figure 3 that the
penetration difference of Mowilith® LDM 2801 (1.1 cm) was about 4 times greater than the
penetration of the conventional market sealer (0.3 cm).

All the work done demonstrates that formulating high performance sealants with
Mowilith® LDM 2801 adds values such as increased penetration and capillary absorption of the
product on the substrate. There is no surface film formation, as this would be exposed to any
superficial attack and consequent failure of the coating and sealer. This penetration and
formation of the film inside the substrate also favors the consolidation of loose particles and
prevention of substrate rupture, favoring its mechanical strength and durability.

Figure 3: Penetration sealer absorption - Mowilith® LDM 2801 vs. conventional market
sealer.

Potentiation of adhesion promoting effect and water resistance/ water repellency!

The work carried out below evaluates the adhesion promoting effect of the coating coat, after
application of a sealer or finishing primer, Mowilith® LDM 2801 (dilution 1 part product:
2 parts water) or without the presence of any treatment.

The evaluation was performed on a concrete substrate, through the adaptation of ABNT NBR
11003, Tintas - adhesion determination [7]. It is important to mention that, even though it was
not required, the two adhesion methodologies were performed: X-Cut and Grid Cut.
In all situations, after the application of the sealant or not on the concrete substrate, 3 coats of
satin premium paint were applied. It was allowed to dry for 24 hours to perform the adhesion
test, from the last applied coat.

Figure 4 shows the adsorption behavior of a drop of water on untreated concrete substrate
(Figure 4), with the treatment of a conventional sealer (Figure 6) and Mowilith® LDM 2801
(Figure 8). There is a sudden reduction of water absorption with any treatment used, however,
for this purpose, the conventional sealer forms a shiny film on the surface while the nano-sealer
forms a film inside the substrate, ensuring greater protection.

Figures 8-B and 8-C demonstrate the aggregate gripping power with the use of the nano-
product. The conventional sealer (Figures 6-B and 6-C) also adds value when compared to
non-pretreatment use (Figures 4-B and 4-C), but still lower than Mowilith® LDM 2801.
 B

Figure 4: A - Absorption of water on concrete substrate without pretreatment. B- Test of

adhesion through grid cutting. C- Adhesion test through X-cut.

Figure 5: Representation of a concrete substrate (gray) with application of a coating, but

without the use of a sealer: Adhesion deficiency of the coating, with substrate vulnerability.

Figures 4 and 5 show that, in systems without pre-treatment, there is a deficiency in

adhesion of the applied coating and substrate; any problem the facing coating will leave
the substrate vulnerable to any kind of weather.

In Figures 6 and 7, the conventional sealer has the function of adhesion promoter. In this case,
there is the formation of a superficial and shiny film of the sealer, which, because it is
superficial, is exposed to any problem or deficiency together with the coating. If this occurs, the
substrate will also be vulnerable to the weather.

Figure 6: A - Concrete substrate treated with a common, colored sealant; water absorption.
B-Test of adhesion through grid cutting. C- Adhesion test through X-cut.
 Figure 7: Representation of a concrete substrate (gray) + conventional sealant (green) +
coating (white): Improvement of coating adhesion; however, in case of adhesion deficiency
of the coating + surface sealer, there is vulnerability of the substrate.

In Figures 8 and 9, it is seen that the use of the nanoparticle sealer ensures that a protective film
is formed within the substrate and yet exhibits the adhesion promoter function. If there is any
deficiency or problem in the coating, the film formed inside the substrate will still remain for
the protection of the same. There will be greater protection and durability of the substrates.

Figure 8: A - Substrate treated with Mowilith® LDM 2801 diluted and colored; water
absorption. B- Test of adhesion through grid cutting. C- Adhesion test through X-cut.

Figure 9: Representation of a concrete substrate (gray) + Mowilith® LDM 2801 (green) +

coating (white): Improved adhesion of the coating, and in case of adhesion deficiency of
the coating, the substrate will still be protected by the film of sealant forming in its interior.
Thus, it is concluded that Mowilith® LDM 2801, when applied as a primer for adhesion,
confers an expressive gain of adhesion, with better performance compared to the traditional
materials Furthermore, it provides extra protection to the substrate in case of coating failure,
and reduces the water absorption of the substrate through water repellency.

CONCLUSION

Currently, the issue of durability and shelf-life of structures and surfaces is increasingly evident.
In this context, this article sought to gather a series of experiments based on an advanced
technology material, in order to provide solutions to increase the longevity of these structures
and surfaces. There are three main properties that govern the best protection for your substrates
and are seen with sealers or high performance primers formulated with the Mowilith® LDM
2801 nanoemulsion: High penetration, adhesion promotion and water repellency.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

[1] Archroma, Coatings, Adhesives &Sealants business, Brazil

[2] C.-S. Chern, Principles and Applications of Emulsion Polymerization, Wiley, 2008; J.-C.
Daniel, C. Pichot (Eds.), Les Latex Synthétiques, Lavoisier, 2006; A. van Herk (Ed.), Chemistry
and Technology of Emulsion Polymerization, Blackwell, 2005.
[3] D.J. McClamentis, Nanoemulsions versus microemulsions: terminology, differences, and
similarities; The Royal Society of Chemistry, Soft Matter, 8 (2012) 1719-1729.
[4] A. Mader, S.Antonietta, Nanolatexes: applications in building, Pitture and Vernici 86 (2)
(2008) 31.
[5] Colloidal Polymers, Abdelhamid Elaissari editor, Dekker 2003, Chapter 3, Peihong Ni,
Shoukuan Fu, Preparations of Microlatexes Using Polymeric Surfactants or Mixed Surfactants;
Chapter 7, Chantal Larpent, Microemulsion Polymerization, A Way to Synthesize Well-Defined
Highly Functionalizes Nanoparticles.
[6] A. Mader, A. Schirò, M. Brischetto, B. Pizzo, Interactions and penetration of polymers and
nanolatexes into wood: An overview, Progress in Organic Coatings 71 (2011) 123-135.
[7] ABNT NBR 11003, Paints - determination of adhesion