NOVEL WATER-DISPERSIBLE HIGH REFLECTANCE POLYURETHANE FORMULATIONS FOR PAINTED OUTDOOR SCULPTURES

摘要

The National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) have established a collaborative effort to develop and formulate water dispersible high reflectance type coatings for painted outdoor sculptures. This effort has three principle areas of endeavor, first evaluate the durability and performance of the existing coatings being used and identify acceptable parameters for appearance and aesthetics for the works of art. Second, modify ARL's patented water dispersible polyurethane (U.S. Patent #5,691,410), which utilizes hydroxyl-functional polyurethane dispersion and water-dispersible polyisocyanates. The modification will focus on the pigment package to implement high reflectance type pigmentation and polymeric flattening agents. Finally, characterize the new coatings with regard to thermal properties, UV resistance and gloss stability as well as conventional performance parameters such as flexibility, adhesion and impact resistance. The paper/presentation will discuss the characterization and the formulation aspects of the water dispersible coating as well as the technical challenges associated with this effort.