Coating technology has significantly evolved in the last few years. The new option of water-borne polyurethane is quickly overtaking the traditional alternative of oil-based or solvent-based polyurethane.

Water-based polyurethane is normally used for painting and coating purposes, specifically for coating wood and textile. These synthetic pollutants are now being used as binders in digital inks and have also made their mark in the packaging industry.

Let’s look at the advantages of using water-borne polyurethanes.

1.      Water-based Polyurethanes Have Reduced Quantity Of Volatile Organic Compounds

One of the major advantages of using water-based polyurethanes is their very low quantity of volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These compounds are organic chemicals having high vapor pressure and low boiling point at room temperature, leading to their volatility.

Water-based polyurethanes have very good physical properties, including their ability to deliver low VOCs in the final coating.

Furthermore, they provide excellent performance at low or room temperature and also have good surface hardness.

2.      They Don’t Have A Harmful Effect On The Environment

The manufacturing process of water-based polyurethanes is free of the use of chemical substances that are toxic and endanger animal and plant life in the environment. These substances include Dimethylformamide or DMF, Alkylphenol ethoxylates or APEOs, o-benzenes, live isocyanate, and more.

The production of water-borne polyurethanes also doesn’t create a lot of waste that would cause pollution. Hence, the use of these urethanes is encouraged in the United States and some countries in Europe, where the application of oil-based polyurethane is banned.

3.      They Have Reduced Flammability And Can Be Used On Plastics

Water-borne polyurethanes contain a low degree of flammability, so they are less hazardous during application. Some polyurethane dispersions or PUDs that contain N-Methyl pyrrolidone or NMP might be more flammable, but most water-borne urethanes are NMP-free.

Another advantage of water-borne polyurethanes is that they don’t have aromatic solvents, so they can be used on substrates with sensitivity to solvents, for example, plastic.

To purchase waterborne polyurethane for wood coatings and synthetic leather, get in touch with SiwoPUD. We’re a polyurethanes chemicals supplier, and we offer water-based polyurethane dispersions and more. Contact us today.