Redispersible Powder Coatings: Challenges and Advantages

The transition from solventborne to waterborne coatings brings many advantages. But is there a way to make it even better, more cost-effective and sustainable? In this work, we focus on the elimination of water as a carrier and the advantages it brings to the supply chain, such as low transportation costs and omission of biocides for in-can preservation. The objective is to transform polymer dispersions into powder form, so-called Re-dispersible Polymer Powders (RPPs), by utilizing well-known drying processes. When mixed with water, the ideal powder should reform the original dispersion without sacrificing any important properties. In the investigation, adequate formation of RPPs, along with other solid raw materials, such as pigments, fillers, defoamers, and rheology additives, are studied.