Urethane alkyd resins: versatility of application in the construction and industrial sectors
Popular in the industrial, architectural, and decorative sectors, urethane varnishes and paints are distinguished by their properties from other types of coatings. Urethane alkyd resin is an essential component in the formulation of urethane coatings. This type of resin is blend of conventional alkyd resins and urethane resins. These two technologies have advantages that, when combined, make it possible to create a high-performance resin suitable for a wide variety of applications.
What is an urethane alkyd resin?
Urethane alkyd resin is a hybrid resin, resulting from the combination of conventional alkyd resins and urethane resins.
Conventional alkyd resins
They are raw materials used as binders in paints and varnishes. The composition of alkyd resins provides properties that enhance performance and improve the finish of the product to which they are added. They are excellent components for decorative paints and varnishes due to their flexibility, adhesion, and aesthetic quality.
Urethane resins
Urethane resins are synthetic polymers made from the reaction of isocyanates and polyols. Urethane is known for its high chemical resistance and durability. These resins are particularly suitable for industrial environments as they have excellent mechanical properties (resistance to wear, abrasion and UV exposure).
Benefits of urethane alkyd resins
The combination of the two technologies creates a hybrid product that combines the advantages of both resin families. Blending them enables us to obtain a flexible, esthetic, and resistant resin that is particularly suitable for applications that require a decorative and durable coating.
Superior durability
Compared to conventional alkyd resins, durability is significantly improved. Urethane reinforces the resistance of the coating to scratches and bumps. Therefore, the application of urethane alkyd resins is particularly suitable for environments that must withstand mechanical stresses that can lead to premature wear.
Weather resistance
Urethane bonds provide protection against UV rays, rain, and moisture. Urethane alkyd resins are therefore perfectly suited for outdoor applications, which are often subject to yellowing and temperature variations.
Flexibility and versatility retained
Urethane alkyd resins retain the excellent adhesion that characterizes conventional alkyd resins. They can be applied to various surfaces (such as wood, metal, or plastic), indoors or outdoors. This flexibility allows versatility of application ranging from decorative paints and varnishes for wood to industrial coatings.
Resistance to corrosive agents
Urethane bonds provide increased resistance to chemicals, solvents, and water. This protection against corrosive agents makes urethane alkyd resin a component of choice in coatings for the industrial sector.
Finish retention
Urethane alkyd resins retain the esthetic appearance that characterizes conventional alkyds. Glossy, smooth, or matte, the finishes are varied and resist degrading factors for longer. Their leveling ability is also very good, allowing you to obtain a smooth and uniform finish.
Lixothan, the range of urethane alkyd resins
Groupe Berkem offers a complete range of alkyd resins whose aim is to bring performance in terms of viscosity, drying, gloss, and durability to coatings. Among the entire range of products, the Lixothan® range consists of oils and urethane alkyd resins. This range is ideally suited for applications that require a combination of esthetics and resistance. Lixothan® is an essential ingredient for manufacturers wishing to enhance the mechanical and esthetic properties of coatings for the construction, industrial, and wood markets. The Lixothan range includes aromatic and aliphatic urethane alkyd resins with enhanced UV resistance.
