Superior solvent blends for synthesis of acrylic resins for high solids coatings

摘要

According to the present invention, an improved method for providing acrylic copolymer resins is provided in which the polymerization solvent comprises a blend of methyl isobutyl ketone and certain alkyl-substituted benzene solvents. The monomers comprise hydroxy- substituted alkyl (meth) acrylate monomers and non-hydroxy substituted alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers, and the process provides an improved method for forming low molecular weight acrylic resins useful as components in acrylic coatings. The polymerization solvent can remain in the resin to become a solvent employed in the higher solids coating containing the thus-formed acrylic resins and provides improved electrical resistivity, improved solvency and decreased surface tensions over prior art polymerization solvents.