8.2 Composite Particle Technology for Efficiency & Performance of Wax Additives
(Room 234-236)
10 Apr 18
9:30 AM
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10:00 AM
Tracks:
Session 8: Measuring & Testing, Session 8: Measuring & Testing I
Composite particle technology comprises a manufacturing process that produces wax additives that are engineered for tailoring the surface properties of a coating. The manufacturing process involves melt blending, cooling, and crushing the composite followed by air micronization in a jet mill to control particle size. Using Electron Probe X-Ray Micro-Analysis (EPMA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-EDX) Analysis to characterize the structure and morphology of the composite material, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the manufacturing process in creating a blended material that consists of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) embedded in a polyethylene (PE) matrix. Moreover, by obtaining SEM and SEM-EDX images of cross sections of a water-based PUD coating dosed with PE/PTFE composite additives, as well as a coating dosed with additives composed of PTFE, we were able to infer details about the mobility of the additives (i.e., their ability to go to the surface of the coating). To complement the characterization of these PE/PTFE dosed water-based PUD coatings, and thereby obtain a better understanding of structure-property relationships, we measured surface properties such as Taber, COF, and Pencil Hardness of water-based PUD coatings dosed with 2% w/w of the composite additive as well as of coatings dosed with the same level of PTFE and PE additives. We observed the desired synergistic effect of harnessing the physical characteristics of both PE and PTFE in the composite additive when dosed in a coating. That is, the water-based PUD coating dosed with the PE/PTFE composite exhibited good abrasion and scratch resistance as well as slip and lubricity. Overall, the results of this combined structure-property approach utilizing electron microscope techniques coupled with testing of the physical properties of the surface of coatings dosed with these composites demonstrate the benefit and value proposition of the use of surface enhancing additives created with composite particle technology.