Alkyd resins for paints

Polynt is a historic leader in the chemical sector, a reference point in the production and sale of alkyd resins for paints.

Use of alkyd resins in paints and coatings

The alkyd resins belong to the family of thermosetting polyesters, organic macromolecules obtained through the reaction between an acid or an anhydride, an alcohol and a fatty acid or an oil. The oil content of the final product can be extremely variable (from 30 to more than 70% of the total volume of the resin) and it greatly influences the physico-chemical properties. The polymer structure of the alkyd resins makes them particularly suitable to be used as a basis for enamels and paints with different specific characteristics. The molecules of the structure, in particular, create strong structural interactions involving the formation of films able to cover any type of surface by protecting against aging, weather and wear. Historically, the paints based on alkyd resins have been among the first to be used in the field of the construction industry and, still today, they represent a preferred choice for the treatment of various materials, both for exterior and interior.

Alkyd resins for paints: features and points of strengTh

The specific properties of the various types of alkyd resins for paints available on the market are due, mainly, to the type of chemical reagents used in the production reaction. In the early stages of production, a number of additives (for example, isocyanates or silicones) can be added to basic reagents, which can provide different properties to the final product which is, therefore, highly flexible and adaptable to the final needs of the producer. Another factor which contributes to define the characteristics of the final product, is the amount of oil present in the paint, which determines qualities such as drying time, resistance and consistency.

Classification and application fields of alkyd resins for paints

The specific properties of the various types of alkyd resins for paints available on the market are due, mainly, to the type of chemical reagents used in the production reaction. In the early stages of production, a number of additives (for example, isocyanates or silicones) can be added to basic reagents, which can provide different properties to the final product which is, therefore, highly flexible and adaptable to the final needs of the producer. Another factor which contributes to define the characteristics of the final product, is the amount of oil present in the paint, which determines qualities such as drying time, resistance and consistency.

Classification and application fields of alkyd resins for paints

The alkyd-based paints can be categorized on the volume percentage of oil which they contain:

• The low concentration of oil paints (30-40%) are characterized by low drying times and are used especially in the production of paints for metal surfaces (for example in the automotive industry) or in the production of plasticizer agents for the protection of external building structures
• The medium oil content paints (45-55%) are the most versatile and they are widely used in the production of enamels both applicable by brush and airbrush
•  The paints with long (55-70%) and very long (more than 70% of the total volume) oil content are characterized by a longer drying times compared to the previous categories, but are more resistant to aging and weathering. This type of paints is used mainly in the construction industry, in particular in the production of exterior paints and enamels, and in the production of products for the treatment of surfaces exposed to particularly arduous conditions, for example ships or boats of various materials.