A technical bulletin from the Formulation Service Institute,

BASF’s Dispersions & Pigments Division

Water-Based Single Component

High Gloss Acrylic for DTM and
Topcoat Applications
Features & Benefits
•L
 ow VOC content (100 g/L) •E
 xcellent UV durability
Industrial Coatings
•O
 utstanding water and humidity •G
 ood application characteristics
Direct to metal gloss resistance (brush or spray)
topcoat
•E
 xcellent direct to metal corrosion •G
 ood hardness and chemical
Water-based resistance resistance

Low VOC

Issue 4 – August 2015

Introduction
High performance coatings with low VOC content are needed to meet the market demand and government
regulation. BASF has developed a low VOC, high performance, water-based coating system for direct to metal
and topcoat applications.

Starting Point Formulation

Dispersion lbs. wt.% Formulation Attributes

DIW (demineralized water) 38.08 3.88 % Solids by weight 47.4

Dispex® Ultra FA 4416 0.74 0.08 % Solids by volume 37.0

Dispex CX 4230 3.59 0.37 % PVC 12.4%

Foamstar® ST 2446 1.85 0.19 Viscosity (KU) 75

Ti-Pure® R-900 (DuPont) 153.00 15.57 VOC (calculated) 100 g/L

High Shear Disperser 20 minutes at 2500 rpm Coverage @ 1.0 mils 593 ft2/gal

DIW (demineralized water) 38.08 3.88 Stability (50ºC) >2 weeks

Adjust pH of dispersion with ammonium hydroxide

to >9.0 Application Guidelines
• Conventional and HVLP/LVLP spray
Add under agitation: • Reduce up to 5% with DIW
• Fluid tip size: 1.6-2.0 mm
• Tip Pressure: >10 psi for HVLP application
Joncryl® PRO 1524 705.66 71.83 • Atomization Pressure: 60 psi for conventional spray
• Builds to approximately 1.5 mils/dry coat
Butyl Cellosolve™ solvent • Can also be brushed or rolled
35.05 3.57
(Dow Chemical)

Nalzin® FA-179 (flash rust) 1.00 0.10 Dry Times (75°F/50% RH, DFT 2 mils)

Rheovis® PU 1191 0.42 0.04 To touch 15 minutes

Hydropalat® WE 3322 4.90 0.50 Tack free 20 minutes

Total Weight 982.36 lbs. 100% To recoat 4 hours

Total Volume 100 gal. To fully cure 30 days

2
Formulation Guidelines and Tips
To increase hardness and shorten dry times: pigments the use of a high quality pigment dispersion like
• Incorporate Joncryl 1992 Aurasperse® II facilitates formulation
To increase flexibility: •A
 nti-corrosive pigments are not necessary to achieve
• Incorporate Joncryl PRO 1522 or Joncryl 1534 good corrosion resistance properties
• Incorporate Loxanol® CA 5310 coalescent Thickening:
•U
 rethane-based associative thickeners like Rheovis PU
• Incorporation of slow cosolvents such as TexanolTM will 1191 are very effective at low doses due to the hydropho-
provide flexibility until they eventually leave the film bic nature of Joncryl PRO 1524. These thickeners do not
Coalescent recommendations: add water sensitivity or affect gloss
•U
 se predominately hydrophilic cosolvents like EB or DB Defoaming:
to ensure viscosity stability over time •L
 et down defoamers are not necessary due to the strong
•A
 void the use of hydrophobic cosolvents to mitigate defoaming action of Foamstar ST 2246. Additionally, the
viscosity increases over time Hydropalat WE 3322 wetting agent imparts defoaming to
the formulation
• Increase open time with slow evaporating hydrophilic
cosolvents, such as DB • If more defoaming is desired, products like: FoamStar ST
2434, FoamStar ST 2436, FoamStar ST 2438, FoamStar
Dispersant selection: SI 2210 NC or FoamStar SI 2280 are recommended for
• The selection of Dispex CX 4230 and Dispex Ultra FA 4416 high gloss aqueous applications
resulted from extensive experimentation. This combination
affords good gloss development, stability and outstand- VOC:
ing corrosion resistance due to the hydrophobic nature of •T
 his formulation performs admirably at a VOC of 50 g/L
these dispersants but performance (mainly salt spray) is improved when
Pigmentation: formulated at 100 g/L
• For high gloss coatings, PVC should be less than 20%
•T
 itanium dioxide can be easily dispersed, but for organic

Test Results using Starting Point Formulation

Substrate: unpolished CRS
Preparation: naphtha degreasing
Application: two continuous coats
Test Result
60º Gloss >80
Adhesion (CRS) 7day RT age (ASTM D3359, method B) 5
Wet Adhesion (immerse after 4 hr dry @ room temperature for 24 hrs) 5
1
/8” Conical Mandrel bend (7 day RT age) 0
500 hr. Salt Spray (ASTM B-117) No face blistering
14 day Water immersion No blistering, no adhesion loss
100°F/100% humidity chamber 14 days (ASTM D2247) No blistering
Pencil Hardness – 24 hrs (gouge) 2B
– 7 days (gouge) B
– 14 days (gouge) HB
Chemical spot testing: Gas (0 = best, 4 = complete destruction) 2
Chemical spot testing: 10% NaOH 2
Chemical spot testing: Formula 409® 1
Chemical spot testing: Clorox® Bleach 0
Chemical spot testing: 50% Ethanol 1
Chemical spot testing: Windex® 1
QUV A 340, ASTM 4587 8/4 Cycle >80% gloss retention at >500 hrs
Stability @ 50°C (2 weeks) No change in viscosity

3
List of Formulation Ingredients Dispex Ultra FA 4416 is a wetting and dispersing agent
for aqueous coatings which require high gloss, good color
Joncryl® PRO 1524 is an acrylic dispersion for high gloss
strength and excellent rub-out properties. It is designed
corrosion-resistant coatings. It has excellent corrosion
for use in aqueous topcoats based on various binder
resistance without the use of anti-corrosive pigments as
types, including polyester solutions, polyacrylics and PUR-
determined by Standard Practice for operating Salt Spray
emulsions.
(Fog) Apparatus (ASTM B 117). Furthermore, this emulsion

offers good chemical resistance, excellent wet and dry
Rheovis® PU 1191 is a heavy metal-, solvent- and VOC
adhesion and can be formulated at VOC levels of less than
free solution of a polyurethane in water/diluent. It is a highly
100 g/L VOC. Joncryl PRO 1524 is designed for industrial
efficient, environmentally friendly associative polyurethane
direct-to-metal applications that require a high gloss (> 80
thickener designed to achieve a highly pseudoplastic
at 60°) and exhibits an excellent balance of performance
viscosity compared to other PUR thickeners. It offers
properties.
superior sag resistance, low viscosity drop on tinting and
excellent chemical and UV stability.
Joncryl PRO 1525 is an emulsion for direct to metal
applications. It has good corrosion resistance without
Hydropalat® WE 3322 is a non-ionic, 100% active wetting
the use of anti-corrosive pigments as determined by Salt
agent effective in water-borne coatings intended for
Spray Resistance ASTM B 117. This emulsion is harder
metal, wood and plastic substrates. This wetting agent
than Joncryl PRO 1522 and shows improved block
is effective in coatings and inks based on a wide variety
performance.
of emulsions including PUDs, acrylics, and styrenated
acrylics. Hydropalat WE 3322 does not stabilize foam
Joncryl PRO 1522 is an emulsion for direct to metal
and can act as a defoamer in formulations, in addition to
applications. It has excellent corrosion resistance without
imparting outstanding wetting properties. When used at
the use of anti-corrosive pigments as determined by Salt
the recommended level, Hydropalat WE 3322 should not
Spray Resistance ASTM B 117. This emulsion offers exterior
diminish the corrosion resistance or change the recoat
durability, is compatible with anti-corrosive pigments, and
characteristics of the coating. The product is free of
can be formulated between 100 – 250 g/L VOC.
silicones, alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs) and solvent.
Joncryl 1992 is a waterborne thermoplastic acrylic
Loxanol® CA 5310 was developed for coatings
emulsion that can be used in either ambient or force-dry
formulations with less than 50g/L VOC. It is produced from
systems. It offers good chemical resistance and clarity in a
renewable raw materials and can replace traditional VOC
good hard film.
contributing coalescents. Traditional coalescents vaporize
in the air during the drying process and contribute towards
Joncryl 1534 is an acrylic emulsion for maintenance and
VOC. However, Loxanol CA 5310 remains in the paint
industrial coating applications. It offers excellent adhesion
film to provide a long lasting coalescing effect, and at the
to a variety of substrates, humidity resistance and corrosion
same time increasing the total solids content of the system.
resistance.
Loxanol CA 5310 is supplied as a 100% active pale yellow
liquid. Loxanol CA 5310 not only reduces the VOCs of the
Foamstar® ST 2446 is based on a patented hyper-
paint, but also improves key performance properties.
branched star polymer compounded with high-end
organo-silicone polymers. It is one of our best defoamers
for zero to 50 g/l VOC, medium to low PVC premium
paints. FoamStar ST 2446 is a product of choice when
other defoamers do not work. It allows for very good film
appearance properties despite its very high efficiency.

Dispex® CX 4230 is a low VOC, low odor, hydrophobic

dispersant for use with titanium dioxide and extender
pigments that can be used in both interior and exterior
coatings. Recommended usage levels range from 1.0 –
3.0% based on pigment solids.

4
 König Pendulum Hardness QUV Exposure
1.8 - 2.2 dry mils White DTM sprayed on CRS ASTM D4587 UVA 340, 8/4 cycle

% Gloss Retention (60°)

70 100
90
60 80
Oscillations

50 70
60
40 50
30 40
30
20 20
10 10
0
0 0 200 400 600 800 1000
1 day 7 days 14 days Hours QUV Exposure
Commercial Resin
Joncryl PRO 1524

Wet and Dry Adhesion Wet and Dry Adhesion

ASTM D3359-B, 5=best, BASF system solution ASTM D3359-B, 5=best, Commercial DTM (~ 150 g/L)
30 30
25 25
20 20
15 15
10 10
5 5
0 0
Cold Rolled Aluminum Hot Dipped Electrogalvinized Cold Rolled Aluminum Hot Dipped Electrogalvinized
Steel Galvanized Steel polished Galvanized
1 day dry 3 days dry 8 days dry 1 day dry 3 days dry 8 days dry
1 day wet 3 days wet 8 days wet 1 day wet 3 days wet 8 days wet

495 hours of Salt Spray (ASTM B-117)

Two coats (DFT = 2.2 mils) Three coats (DFT = 3.6 mils)

Safety Safety Data Sheets

The usual safety precautions when handling chemicals All safety information is provided in the Material Safety Data
must be observed. These include the measures described Sheets.
in Federal, State, and Local health and safety regulations,
thorough ventilation of the workplace, good skin care, and
wearing of personal protective equipment.
5
About the Formulation Service Institute
The North American Formulation Services Institute exists FSI’s Formulation Solutions was designed to provide
to assist customers in selection of materials for coatings formulation knowledge and guidelines to quickly resolve
and development of advanced formulations that address formulation problems and help customers reduce time to
specific application challenges in the coatings, printing and market.
packaging industries. Our FSI team has over 100 years of
experience formulating solutions using a broad portfolio We look forward to helping you optimize your formulation
of resins, cross linkers, pigments, performance and and remain committed to our mission of: Advancing our
formulation additives. customers’ formulations with our passion for chemistry.

Contacts
FSI and Technical Service email:
[email protected]
Mexico
United States and Canada BASF Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.
BASF Corporation – Dispersions & Pigments Av. Insurgentes Sur 975
11501 Steele Creek Road Col. Ciudad de los Deportes
Charlotte, NC 28273 03710 Mexico, D.F.
BASF Corporation - Dispersions & Pigments Phone: 52-55-5325-2600
24710 West Eleven Mile Road Fax: 52-55-5723-3011
Southfield, MI 48033 e-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.basf.com.mx
Phone: 800-231-7868
e-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.basf.com/dpsolutions

Disclaimers
WHILE THE DESCRIPTIONS, DESIGNS, DATA AND INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN ARE PRESENTED IN GOOD FAITH AND BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE, THEY ARE
PROVIDED FOR GUIDANCE ONLY. BECAUSE MANY FACTORS MAY AFFECT PROCESSING OR APPLICATION/USE, BASF RECOMMENDS THAT THE READER MAKE TESTS
TO DETERMINE THE SUITABILITY OF A PRODUCT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE PRIOR TO USE. NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE MADE REGARDING PRODUCTS DESCRIBED
OR DESIGNS, DATA OR INFORMATION SET FORTH, OR THAT THE PRODUCTS, DESCRIPTIONS, DESIGNS, DATA OR INFORMATION MAY BE USED WITHOUT INFRINGING
THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF OTHERS. IN NO CASE SHALL THE DESCRIPTIONS, INFORMATION, DATA OR DESIGNS PROVIDED BE CONSIDERED A PART OF
BASF’S TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE. FURTHER, THE DESCRIPTIONS, DESIGNS, DATA, AND INFORMATION FURNISHED BY BASF HEREUNDER ARE GIVEN GRATIS
AND BASF ASSUMES NO OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY FOR THE DESCRIPTIONS, DESIGNS, DATA OR INFORMATION GIVEN OR RESULTS OBTAINED, ALL SUCH BEING GIVEN
AND ACCEPTED AT THE READER’S RISK.

Aurasperse®, Dispex®, Foamstar®, Hydropalat®, Joncryl®, Loxanol® and Rheovis® are registered trademarks of BASF Group.

Texanol™ is a trademark of Eastman Chemical Company

Nalzin® is a registered trademark of Elementis Specialties
Ti-Pure® is a registered trademark of Dupont
Butyl Cellosolve™ is a trademark of Dow Chemical Company
Formula 409® is a registered trademark of The Clorox Company
Clorox® is a registered trademark of The Clorox Company
Windex® is a registered trademark of S.C. Johnson

© BASF Corporation, 2015

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