Over the years, new coalescents have been introduced to the coatings industry to address performance or economic needs. In particular, these materials have offered improved odor characteristics or imparted greater efficiencies than the most commonly used latex coating coalescent, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate (TMB).1

When introduced, new coalescents are normally tested as a one for one replacement for the existing coalescent. Generally, no other formulation changes are made in a preliminary screen. This is a proper approach for a first pass. The new coalescent (or virtually any new raw material) must demonstrate at least acceptable performance under that constraint. However, new raw materials will often require "fine tuning" of the formulation for optimum performance to realize gains and improvements over existing art.

Figure 1
Since the establishment of TMB as a virtually universal additive in latex coatings, consciously or unconsciously latex and raw material manufacturers have formulated to TMB. When other materials are added, those raw materials are adjusted to accommodate the performance of the TMB containing polymer/coalescent system. Little thought is given to developing new coalescent packages for new formulations, even though a true universal coalescent does not exist.

Velate 368, 2-ethylhexyl benzoate, as a new and improved latex paint coalescent alternative, was introduced to the coatings industry in late 1999.2-5 Like TMB, Velate 368 is not soluble in water, and has the following performance attributes.

  • Lower volatility than TMB. Lower volatility translates to lower VOCs as indicated by the ASTM D 2369 data portion of the EPA 24 test.

  • Lower odor than many coalescents, such as TMB neat, and in freshly painted rooms. Everyone knows when a room has been freshly painted (even up to a week after it has been painted). The coalescent is the last to leave the film and that is what we smell.

  • In most formulations, less Velate 368 than TMB may be required for proper coalescence. This can be a significant advantage since less coalescent translates into less of a VOC contribution to the paint. Economic gains are also possible.

    Table 1
    These performance attributes have led to commercial successes.6 Velate 368 is being sold for use in architectural paint lines as well as other coatings applications. Key to the success of these coatings companies' use of the Velate 368 is understanding the new product's performance strengths and accommodating its differences.7

    As experience has been gained in working with Velate 368, formulation guidelines have been developed. This article presents information on formulating with Velate 368 in coatings. While the formulation steps are specifically aimed at incorporating the coalescent, the steps listed should always be considered in the development of any new formulation to gain a clearer understanding of coalescent needs.

    Figure 2

    Formulation Guidelines

    1. Consider Coalescent Partitioning and Partition Rate Since TMB and other compatible water-insoluble coalescents must partition to the polymer phase of the coating to function, rate of partitioning to polymer is important.8-12 The process of partitioning to the polymer generally involves coalescent emulsification followed by adsorption and absorption. Surfactant(s) in the system can affect this process. Water-soluble types may also partially partition to the polymer but partitioning to the polymer is not necessary for these products to function nor is it necessarily desired.

    When Velate 368 was first evaluated in acrylic and vinyl acrylic emulsions, no issues in partitioning and partition rate were noticed. However, when the Velate 368 was then evaluated in a harder styrene acrylic emulsion on a minimum film forming temperature (MFFT) plate, differences in partition rate were identified. The coalescent was simply stirred into the emulsion and drawn down on the plate immediately. The Velate 368 did not appear to function as a coalescent in this particular emulsion. This information seemed to be contradictory. The Velate was being sold commercially at this point in time and did function as a coalescent. As a result, a study was designed to determine why its performance was not what was expected in this one system.

    Table 2
    The rate at which a coalescent will partition can be determined in different ways, but one practical technique is to observe the change in MFFT of binary blends of coalescent and emulsion with time. ASTM D 2354 was the method used to determine the MFFTs on binary blends of coalescent with various emulsions.

    The binary blends were prepared by simple mixing with a three-blade propeller stirrer at 500 RPM. Coalescent was added quickly to the base emulsion and a total of five minutes mix time was used.

    The partition rate of two emulsions was determined. One emulsion was a hard styrene acrylic emulsion with a MFFT of 30degC and a glass transition (Tg) of 40degC. The other is a softer vinyl acrylic with a MFFT of 12degC and a Tg of 19degC. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the results of the MFFT vs. time for the styrene acrylic with two concentrations of coalescent. Figure 3 illustrates the results of testing one level of coalescent in the vinyl acrylic emulsion.

    Figure 3
    At both concentrations of coalescent in the styrene acrylic emulsion, Velate 368 took significantly longer to partition than TMB. The Velate appeared to take about a week to partition under the conditions of test listed. TMB partitioned into the polymer very soon after mixing. This was not the case with the vinyl acrylic. The Velate partitioned just as quickly as TMB.

    The blends used to develop the data shown in Figures 1-3 were prepared with minimum energy input during mixing. A coating made by normal preparation techniques with any of the resins noted above would receive more mixing energy input than was used to prepare the initial binary blends. An experiment to determine the effect of moderate mixing on coalescent performance was conducted with the systems that were slower to develop low MFFTs with 2-EHB. Two of these experiments are illustrated in Figure 4.

    The MFFT data as presented in Figure 2 are included in Figure 4 as the slow mix data. The higher speed mix, 1,600 RPMs with a saw tooth blade for 30 minutes, is illustrated beside the slow mix data. It is clear that proper mixing ensured rapid partitioning of Velate 368 to this polymer.

    This data as well as other data suggests that partition rate is not a concern in paint properly mixed, but some consideration to partition rate should be given.

    Table 3

    2. Coalescent Efficiency

    The determination of the proper amount of coalescent required for any coating application is important. If too little coalescent is used, improper film formation will result. Too much coalescent will yield higher VOCs and the possible degradation of performance properties. What is the proper approach to the determination of coalescent efficiency concentration? (Efficiency concentration is defined here as that level of coalescent required for adequate paint performance.) Any performance property affected by coalescent use could be an efficiency parameter. However, those tests relating to film formation are key.

    The affect of coalescent on the reduction of minimum film forming temperature on an emulsion has been used to determine relative efficiency of coalescents. However, measuring coalescent performance in paint is a more meaningful approach to evaluation of coalescent performance. The following tests are useful tests to measure coalescent requirements.

    • Low temperature coalescence
    • By visual assessment and/or
    • By ASTM D 3793 porosity ratio
    • Scrub resistance (ASTM D 2486, abrasive media with shim)
    • After room temperature dry
    • After low temperature dry


    Figure 4
    Four levels of coalescent should be tested to define the coalescent efficiency concentration. Velate 368 at levels of 50, 60, 75 and 100% of nominal coalescent concentration was incorporated in three typical paints to determine efficiency concentration vs. TMB. Tables 1-3 list the formulations used. Table 4 lists the data determined.

    In this study, the low temperature porosity ratio as well as room temperature and low temperature dry scrub tests were used to determine the efficiency concentration of Velate 368. The ASTM porosity ratio test for low temperature is a particularly useful test to help quantify coalescence. Drawdowns dried at room temperature and low temperature are prepared and reflectance readings are measured. A portion of each draw down is stained and reflectance readings are taken over the stained area. The difference between stained and unstained readings on the low temperature chart is divided by the difference of readings on the room temperature chart is the porosity ratio. A value of one is best. Figure 5 is a picture of a draw down used for a porosity test.

    The porosity ratio data indicates that Velate 368 is more efficient than TMB in both the flat and gloss paint. The low temperature scrub data indicates efficiency in the semigloss. The efficiency concentration of the Velate in the paints tested is as follows.

    • Gloss - 50% of nominal TMB concentration.
    • Semigloss - 25% less than efficiency concentration of TMB.
    • Flat - 25% less than the efficiency concentration of TMB.


    Table 5
    Clearly, in these paints Velate 368 was more efficient than TMB.

    Reduction in coalescent level will affect VOCs of paint. The EPA 24 data on the flat paint is illustrated in Figure 6. Even at equal coalescent level, 2-EHB yields fewer VOCs from this paint. Coupled with the reduction in required level of coalescent a significant reduction of VOC results.

    Velate 368 was also tested in traffic paint. An Illinois DOT formulation was prepared and evaluated for coalescent efficiency. The specification formulation is listed in Table 5. Low-temperature coalescence by visual assessment was used to determine the efficiency concentration of Velate 368. Since dry time is so important for a traffic paint, dry no pick up time (ASTM D 711), an efficiency test for traffic paint, was measured. The data is listed in Table 6.

    Figure 5b
    In this traffic paint formulation, Velate 368 is more efficient than TMB by about 13% as indicated by low temperature coalescent data. TMB, at its specification level, does not provide adequate coalescence. The dry no pick up time for Velate was also excellent. Short dry is an essential property for this application.

    Gains in efficiency will not be seen in all systems tested, but overall a reduction of coalescent use across a line of products is most likely. Determination of efficiency can be complicated by formulation factors such as formulations that have PVC's higher than CPVC. Other formulation variations can also affect system performance.

    Table 6

    3. Determine if Glycol Reduction is Possible

    Initial 2-EHB screening data implied that it might be possible to reduce glycol content in paints.13 Additional data confirmed that in some systems it is possible to reduce glycol content by 10-25% but this reduction is system dependent.14-15 Once the efficiency concentration for Velate 368 is determined in a formulation, a glycol ladder is suggested. Of course, glycol reduction will also reduce the VOCs in the paint, but the VOC reduction must be balanced with performance properties. Glycol is used in a paint for freeze/thaw resistance but also contributes to wet edge/open time. The reductions in glycol suggested above are significant, and may not lead to significant degradation of wet edge/open time. This, too, is system dependent.

    4. Consider Surfactant Demand of the System

    In most instances, the current type of surfactants in a formulation is not an issue with Velate 368. However, since the coalescent is a different chemical type than TMB, some changes may be required to correct a surfactant imbalance, if one should occur. Such an imbalance may manifest itself as a change in color acceptance, color development or in other property development such as efficiency parameters. Color acceptance may actually be better with Velate 368, but formulators may want to adjust the acceptance to the level attained in the existing formulation. If a color acceptance or color development difference is evident we recommend testing different surfactant levels (above and below current level) of the existing nonionic surfactant with Velate 368 at the efficiency concentration.

    The HLB of Velate 368 is about 7; for TMB it is about 3. The required HLB for Velate 368 is 13.8, and for TMB it is 12.6. Selecting a surfactant with a lower or higher HLB than is currently being used may help to correct any surfactant imbalance. Since other factors exist that affect the surfactant balance, changing to a lower or higher HLB nonionic surfactant (2-3 HLB units) should adjust the difference, but testing is required to determine this.

    5. Formulate Exterior Paint by the Above Steps

    Exterior paints with Velate 368 can be formulated as with TMB and by the above guidelines. Exterior exposure of paint on a Florida fence began about two years ago, and no issues have been identified. No other differences in formulating to Velate 368 from TMB should be required.3

    6. Run a Complete Evaluation on Adjusted Velate 368 Paints

    It is likely that if the Velate 368 functions properly in the evaluation tests discussed, Velate 368 paints should function completely as well as, or better, than paints based on TMB. However, a complete evaluation as defined should be conducted.

    Conclusion

    Velate 368 is a low-odor and lower volatility coalescent for latex paint. The material partitions to paint emulsion polymer as TMB does. However, the partition rate of Velate 368 is slower than TMB in some harder polymers but is just as quick as TMB in softer polymers. The partition rate of the Velate to polymer is accelerated by proper mixing, as would normally be associated with mixing paint during normal coating preparation. The paint efficiency data indicates that Velate is more efficient than TMB and the level of efficiency is formulation dependent. Since less coalescent is required and Velate 368 is less volatile, lower VOCs than paint based on TMB will result. It is also possible to reduce the level of glycol in some paints formulated with Velate 368, which can further reduce VOCs. To realize the gains in performance possible with Velate 368, it is suggested that paint formulators utilize the formulation guide and test protocol suggested to determine Velate 368 coalescent requirements.

    For more information on coalescents, contact Velsicol Chemical Corp., 2910 MacArthur Blvd., Northbrook, IL 60062; or Circle Number 143.

    References

    1 Eastman Chemical. "Texanol Ester-Alcohol Coalescing Aid for Latex Semigloss Paints," Publication No. M-132B
    2 Arendt, W.D. "New Low Odor Benzoate Coalescent for Latex Paint", Proceedings of the Twenty Seventh International Higher-Solids and Waterborne Coatings Symposium, March 1-3, 2000, New Orleans, p. 150-159.
    3 Arendt, W.D. "New, Low Odor Coalescent for Latex Paint," XXV FATIPEC Congress Proceedings, Vol. 3, pp. 161-175, Turin, Italy, September 19-22, 2000.
    4 Arendt, W.D. "2-Ethylhexyl Benzoate: New, Low Odor, Low Volatility Coalescent for Latex Paint", Proceedings of the 78th Annual Meeting of the FSCT, pp. 105-119, Chicago, October 18-20, 2000.
    5 Arendt, W.D.; Strepka, A.M.; Gruszeecki (Riley), K. "Coalescent Formulation Studies: Efficiency and Partition Rates," Proceedings of the 28th International Higher-Solids and Waterborne Coatings Symposium, February 21-23, 2001, New Orleans, pp. 497-509.
    6 Stanley, R. "R&D Helps Para Paints Be First to Market," PCI, Vol. XVII Number 6, pp. 68-70, June 2001.
    7 Velsicol Chemical Corp., "Velate 368 Formulation Guidelines," July 2001.
    8 Smith, L. "Predicting Cosolvent Efficiency for Coalescing Solvents," Proceedings of the 14th Higher-Solids and Waterborne Coatings Symposium, February 25-27, 1987, New Orleans, pp. 104-121.
    9 Guthrie, D.H. et al. "Evaluations of Coalescing Agents for Industrial Latexes", Proceedings of the 14th Higher-Solids and Waterborne Coatings Symposium, February 25-27, 1987, New Orleans, pp. 77-103.
    10 Hoy, K.L. "Estimating the Effectiveness of Latex Coalescing Aids," J. Paint Technol, Vol. 45, No. 579, April 1973, pp. 51-56.
    11 De Fusco, A.J. "New Coalescing Solvents Advance Formulation of Latex Coatings," Modern Paint and Coatings, November 1989, pp. 56-66.
    12 Kelyman, J.S. "Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether As A Latex Coalescent," Modern Paint and Coatings, October 1986, pp.155-160.
    13 Willner, J.H.; Sliva, T.J. " Evaluation of Velate 368 vs. Texanol in Vinyl Acrylic and Acrylic Latex Paints," August 27, 1999, Report DL-12335 (Available from author upon request).
    14 Marschall, D. "Comparison of Velate 368 vs. Texanol in Two Interior Vinyl Acrylic Flats, and an Exterior Acrylic Semigloss," September 15, 2000 (Available from author upon request).
    15 Marschall, D. "Glycol Reduction Project of Velate 368 vs. Texanol in an Interior Vinyl Acrylic Flat and an Interior Acrylic Semigloss" (Available from author upon request.)