Tough surfaces for heavy-duty protection

The conditions that exist in air and on the water are often more arduous than those encountered on land. Aircraft, for example, are exposed to stronger UV and temperature loading. Ships’ hulls and bridge piers have to withstand or even be able to repel the stubborn organisms that cause fouling. And on land too, surfaces are exposed to heavy wear and tear – just think of the perennial problem of chipping caused by stone impact on automobile and train finishes. Exceptionally hard-wearing surfaces are thus of major importance for retaining the value and functional efficiency of vehicles, plant and equipment – particularly where heavy-duty applications are concerned.

To meet the associated demands, Cognis has introduced an acrylic polyol – TSAX^® 14-124 – for use in high-solid urethane coatings. This provides for flexibility and chemical resistance in commonly-used polyester polyols, while also enhancing finish weatherability. The main applications for which TSAX^® 14-124 is envisaged are aerospace, automotive refinishing and other land vehicle coatings.