A new research project at the School of Applied Natural Sciences at the University of Cologne is studying how to further improve the performance of polymer aqueous dispersions. They are liquid materials in paints, coatings, adhesives and other everyday products. The project entitled “Application Research for Dispersed Colloidal Polymers” (DisCoPol) was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for three years, for a total of approximately 600,000 Euros. Covestro is one of the two industry partners of the project. The company is the world's leading supplier of polyurethane dispersion (PUD) and is a leader in R&D and processing technology.

Trends: Waterborne coatings and adhesives

Michael Friede, global head of coatings, adhesives, and specialty divisions at Covestro, said: “Paint and adhesive manufacturers around the world are increasingly choosing to replace solvent-based products with the same superior performance and more environmentally friendly. Water-based products such as PUD. Our comprehensive product range opens up many applications in many areas. This will create growth opportunities and enhance our customers' competitiveness."

Dr. Jan Weikard, a specialist in polyurethane dispersion at Covestro, hopes that the new research collaboration will provide an important impetus for the further development of these dispersions. He stated that the goal of the project was to optimize manufacturing processes, improve understanding of structural performance relationships and development of new dispersion applications. Covestro focuses on PUD application research and the rapid launch of new products to meet growing demand.

Widely applicable to various industries

The polyurethane dispersion consists essentially of water and a polyurethane that is finely dispersed therein. They are used primarily as film formers or binders in coatings for new car paint and car paint repairs, wood and furniture coatings, and strong floor coatings, as well as textile and fiberglass coatings. Dispercoll® U Series PUD adhesives are used in the production of furniture and shoes as well as in the automotive industry.

Until the end of 2017, Covestro invested in new facilities for PUD production at its European plants in Dormagen and Barcelona. These increases in capacity, especially in China, will enable the company to continue to meet the growing demand of the global coatings and adhesives industry.