Single Component, Zero Volatile Organic Compound, Chemical Agent Resistant Coating

Topcoats on military vehicles must satisfy stringent requirements, including durability in harsh environments. Chemical agent resistant (CARC) coatings must also meet a requirement for low permeation of chemical agents into the coating. Topcoats forthese applications were originally two-component (2K) solvent-based polyurethanes, and more recently single-component (1K) solvent-based and 2K waterborne polyurethanes. Single-component coatings have a distinct advantage in ease of use, and in avoidingmixing errors during application that can lead to unacceptable performance in the field. CARC coatings must also meet state and local limits on emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The ideal CARC topcoat would be a single-component coating withzero VOCs. Unfortunately, no such coating is now available. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes to develop such a zero-VOC 1K CARC topcoat.In Phase I TDA will modify the resin system to achieve satisfactory viscosity for application by spray, brush or roller. We will test film formation and coating performance, and assess formulation stability through accelerated testing. We will evaluatecoating resistance to solvents, DS2 decontamination solution, and in the CARC test against live agent. In Phase II we will complete development and testing of the coating, including field tests and long-term durability studies. Single-component polyurethane coatings offer simple application and reliable performance. As environmental standards for VOC emissions on coatings tighten with improvements in technology, zero-VOC systems become more desirable. The system we propose todevelop will be used not only by the U.S. military, but will also find wide use in architectural, industrial maintenance and transportation coatings where high chemical and weathering resistance is required, and where application with standard equipmentand ambient curing is desired.