At a time when “environmentally friendly” is in great demand, paint and adhesive manufacturers are seeking effective answers to their product development challenges. That’s why Celanese Emulsion Polymers at this year’s American Coatings Show (ACS) is inviting the industry to take a fresh look at vinyl-based technology to help deliver a new generation of eco-friendly products high in performance and low in environmental impact.

With a full line-up of new products on display at ACS, Celanese is demonstrating the value of vinyl-based emulsions for a variety of applications. Compared with other technologies, Celanese vinyl emulsions, especially vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE), demonstrate greater performance while having a smaller carbon footprint than other traditional acrylic-based technologies, according to the company. Moreover, vinyl-based technology has been shown to be a source-stable raw material even as others face supply constraints and price hikes.

“Have you looked at vinyl-based emulsions lately? If you have, you can see that we have so much to offer, whether your needs are for low emissions, excellent wet scrub resistance or formulation compatibility,” said Craig Mitchell, Celanese commercial director. “Vinyl-based emulsions such as VAE continue to gain momentum under these industry conditions because formulators are discovering all the properties they offer while being cost-effective.”

One of the key technologies visitors to Celanese’s booth will see is an expansion in the EcoVAE series of vinyl acetate/ethylene emulsions used in decorative coatings. With the introduction of EcoVAE 405 and 408 at the show, this line now offers a choice of products with superior performance and increased capabilities. According to the company, interior flat paints made with EcoVAE 405 demonstrate better wet scrub resistance than all-acrylic emulsions. Similarly, paints made with EcoVAE 408 have the same high-performance profile but are freeze-thaw stable up the five cycles, which is especially important in northern regions where paint can freeze in transit.

Celanese is also showcasing several other products designed to support specific performance needs. Resyn 7305, a vinyl acrylic resin, is ideal for formulating stain removal and sealing properties into both interior and exterior paints. APE-free, the polymer emulsion helps formulators or specifiers reach various green certifications. Resyn 7305 can also be used to formulate freeze/thaw stable coatings.

Another Celanese product being displayed at ACS is Celvaset PL-1000, a coalescing agent with less than 2 g/L VOC as tested at an independent lab. It is designed for formulation into conventional VAE, vinyl acrylic or all-acrylic interior or exterior coatings. The technology can be used to achieve formulations with less than 50 g/L VOC while offering film durability.

At this year’s ACS, Celanese is attracting more adhesives and construction product formulators. “A number of coatings companies manufacture and distribute products other than their paint line, and ACS is an ideal venue to address their other needs,” said Mitchell.

For this reason, Celanese is also showcasing its TufCOR brand of emulsions, key building block materials for construction products such as tape-joint compounds, caulks and sealants, mastics, cement bonding and liquid admixtures. At ACS, the company is introducing TufCOR 703, an emulsion designed for interior painter’s caulk.

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