Wacker has launched a dispersion in Asia Pacific that is ideal for formulating high-performance interior paints with reduced emissions. Vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymers (VAE)-based VINNAPAS® EP 3360 ULS offers high opacity, binding power and stain resistance, even without coalescing aids. It is highly scrub resistant and displays an excellent response to thickening agents. Moreover, it is manufactured without the use of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO), and its VAE basis makes supplementary plasticisers unnecessary. As a result, the new VINNAPAS EP 3360 ULS dispersion enables the formulation of low-odour and very low emission interior coatings with excellent performance and cost-in-use benefits.
VINNAPAS EP 3360 ULS, a vinyl acetate and ethylene-based dis-persion, is a novel binder for flat to eggshell interior paints and plasters of low environmental impact. The product offers very high scrub resistance and a better hiding power than standard acrylic systems at the same PVC (pigment volume concentration) level. The VAE dis-persion also delivers high stain resistance and good washability, which means that the resulting paint film is easier to clean, without impairing the appearance of the paint. Additionally, it displays good colour acceptance and colour consistency, even with difficult-to-formulate pigments.
The dispersion’s good workability and ease of application mean that rooms can be used again very quickly, minimising the downtime of a building. The binder’s excellent scrub resistance not only increases performance but also cuts costs since binder usage can be reduced by raising the PVC level proportionally. Moreover, the product’s high solids content of 60% enhances supply chain efficiency by decreasing delivery frequency and the amount of silo space needed.
Specifically developed to meet requirements in the Asia Pacific region, the dispersion enables the formulation of low-odour paints that have a very low VOC (volatile organic compounds) content (< 1g/l). The product has a very low residual monomer content (< 200ppm) and does not need organic solvents or coalescing agents to achieve optimum film formation. Furthermore, it is produced without the use of APEOs and features very low formaldehyde (< 20ppm). Its odour profile is noticeably more subdued, especially compared with standard styrene acrylic or vinyl-acrylic technology.
As VINNAPAS® EP 3360 ULS complies with major international eco-labels, it is particularly suitable for places where low-emission paints are essential, including children’s rooms, hotels and public buildings, such as hospitals and schools.
