Reactive Polyamide Oligomers for Elastomeric, Adhesive, and Coating Applications
Improvements made to the processability of polyamide oligomers resulted in the discovery of a novel soft segment chemistry that is viable not just for waterborne coating application but for elastomers, adhesives, and possibly other urethane applications
Functional polyamide oligomers, the low molecular versions of nylons are being used in different ways in the plastic industry. Although their volume is quite a bit less than their higher molecular weight versions, which has been ranked the top 6-8 polymer on the market by volume, functional polyamides are being applied high value applications including process aids, dispersants, moldable products, self-healing polymers and many others. Recently waterborne polyurethane coatings were added to this list as several products based on N-alkylated polyamides became commercially available in the past few years.
Polyurethanes are one of the most versatile plastic materials, and their coatings represent one of the fastest growing markets worldwide in the paints and coatings industry. Their excellent durability, resistance to corrosion and abrasion, aesthetic value and structural flexibility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications.