Coating process
Polyurethane & Silicone Coatings
Metal-based catalysts are used in the formulation of polyurethane and silicone coatings. Polyurethane coatings offer resistance to abrasion and overall durability, while silicone coatings are known for heat resistance and electrical insulation properties, making them essential for the electrical industry among others. TIB offers metal-based coating additives to improve final products in both of these categories.
Metal-based Catalysts and Polymerization
Metal-based catalysts play a crucial role in the polymerization process that occurs during the synthesis of these silicone and polyurethane coatings, with different catalysts producing different final results in the coating created.
Metal-based catalysts tend to be the preferred products for these coating applications, as metal-based catalysts like dibutyltin oxide (TIB KAT 248), dibutyltin dilaurate (TIB KAT 218), dioctyltin dilaurate (TIB KAT 216) and dioctyltin neodecanoate (TIB KAT 318), stannous carboxylates (TIB KAT 125 and TIB KAT 129), zinc neodecanoate (TIB KAT 616 and TIB KAT 617), stannous oxalate (TIB KAT 160), as well as bismuth neodecanoates (e.g., TIB KAT 716 and TIB KAT 724) lead to faster curing times and more efficient overall production times than competing products.
Choosing the appropriate metal catalyst for each application is essential to create the coating that you need.
Polyurethane Coatings
In the formulation of polyurethane coatings, metal-based catalysts are used to begin the reaction between diisocyanates and polyols, the central components in polyurethane coatings.
Commonly used metal catalysts for creating polyurethane coatings include tin chemicals, bismuth catalysts, and zinc compounds, which help to facilitate the reaction between the two components and ensure an efficient curing process in the creation of these coatings.
The specific coating additive catalyst used to create each coating depends on the desired properties of the polyurethane coating to be created, such as its hardness, flexibility, or chemical resistance. If you’re looking for a catalyst for foams, we also offer polyurethane foam chemicals.
Silicone Coatings
Metal-based catalysts are also used in the formulation of silicone coatings. These catalysts play a critical role in the crosslinking process that occurs during the synthesis of silicone coatings.
Typical recommendations are TIB KAT 223 (Dioctyltin bisacetylacetonate), TIB KAT 226 (Dibutyltin bisacetylacetonate), DOT-/silane blends like TIB KAT 417, TIB KAT 423, TIB KAT 425, and tin-free metal-based catalysts within the TIB KAT 500-series (titanates), TIB KAT 800-series (e.g., aluminum chelates, TIB KAT 851) or alkali-based products such as TIB KAT K25.
The specific metal-based catalyst used in production depends on the desired final properties of the silicone coating, such as its heat resistance or flexibility, the needs of which vary by application.
Advantages of Using Metal-Based Catalysts in Coating Production
The use of metal-based catalysts in the production of polyurethane and silicone coatings allows for a controlled and efficient curing process, resulting in coatings with pre-selected properties and performance characteristics.
If you’re unsure which coating additive catalyst you need, contact us with your questions, and we’ll help you find what you need. You can also request a free trial sample.