Architectural Paint Additive

Coatings & Surfaces TRL TRL 1-2 intermediate Difficulty open
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report_problem Problem Statement

Architectural latex paints rely on coalescent solvents (Texanol, glycol ethers) to enable film formation below the polymer's glass transition temperature. These VOC-emitting coalescents contribute to indoor air pollution and smog formation, with regulatory VOC limits tightening globally. A bio-based coalescent or crosslinking additive using naturally-derived compounds could enable film formation while meeting zero-VOC targets.

trending_up Market Size

$3.8B

gavel Regulatory Drivers

EU Directive 2004/42/EC (VOC in decorative paints, <30 g/L for interior matte); EPA AIM Rule (40 CFR 59 Subpart D); California SCAQMD Rule 1113 (<50 g/L); China GB 18582-2020 interior wall paint VOC limits; Green Seal GS-11 paints and coatings; LEED v4 low-emitting materials credit EQc2

corporate_fare Enterprise Interest

No enterprise interest recorded yet. Companies can indicate their volume and urgency to help guide research priorities.

flag Success Criteria

Reduce MFFT by ≥5°C vs. additive-free control, achieve scrub resistance ≥200 cycles, total VOC ≤5 g/L per EPA Method 24, and chamber emissions meeting CDPH Standard Method v1.2 at 14 days

precision_manufacturing Equipment Needed

MFFT bar (temperature gradient), scrub resistance tester (Gardner washability), block resistance test setup, gloss meter (60° geometry), opacity charts, drawdown bar applicators, GC-FID for VOC analysis (or outsource EPA Method 24), small environmental chamber for emissions testing, commercial latex paint base, standard coalescents for control

menu_book Existing References

Reference list will be published with protocols.

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