Overcoming Challenges in DTM Coatings
As the demand for Direct to Metal (DTM) coatings grows, formulators are challenged to meet specific customer requirements. Many existing formulations fall short in areas such as achieving high gloss, fast drying with excellent anti-blocking properties, and strong adhesion on various substrates. Additionally, the need for good early water resistance, effective acid and alkaline resistance, robust salt spray resistance, and long-lasting aging resistance remains largely unmet. ENCOR® 2436 and ENCOR® 2438 offer innovative solutions that address these critical challenges, ensuring superior performance and aesthetics in industrial applications.
Introducing ENCOR® 2436 and ENCOR® 2438
Before diving into the key benefits, here’s a comparison of the essential properties of ENCOR® 2436 and ENCOR® 2438:
| Property | ENCOR® 2436 | ENCOR® 2438 |
| Chemistry | Styrene acrylic | Styrene acrylic |
| Solid content, % | 47.00–49.00 | 47.00–49.00 |
| pH | 8.0–10.0 | 8.0–10.0 |
| Viscosity @ 60 RPM, cP | <2000 | <2000 |
| MFFT, °C | 42 | 21 |
| Particle size, μm | 0.09 | 0.09 |
Key Benefits of ENCOR® 2436 for DTM Applications
ENCOR® 2436 provides formulators with several advantages:
- High gloss.
- Excellent anti-blocking.
- Excellent adhesion to plastics, metal and glass.
- Suitable for low duty application with good acid resistance and reasonable alkali and Salt salt spray resistance.
Key Benefits of ENCOR® 2438 for DTM Applications
ENCOR® 2438 is designed for enhanced durability and performance:
- High gloss.
- Excellent adhesion to plastics, metal and glass.
- Excellent water resistance, especially early water resistance.
- Suitable for low to medium duty application with good acid and salt spray resistance and reasonable alkali resistance.
Proven Performance in the Industry
Both ENCOR® 2436 and ENCOR® 2438 have demonstrated impressive results in DTM applications:
A. Latex Data Comparison
| Property | ENCOR® 2436 | ENCOR® 2438 | A | B |
| Solid content, % | 47.79 | 48.14 | 47.06 | 47.53 |
| pH | 9.5 | 8.86 | 7.6 | 7.75 |
| Viscosity, @60RPM (cP) | 400.7 | 558.1 | 265.3 | 425.3 |
| MFFT (°C) | 42.7 | 21.8 | 39.7 | 24.6 |
| Particle size (nm) | 101 | 94 | 84 | 101 |
B. Adhesion to Different Substrate
| Substrates | ENCOR® 2436 | ENCOR® 2438 | A | B |
| PC | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| ABS | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| PC + ABS | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Tinplate | ○ | ○ | △ | △ |
| Aluminum | ○ | ○ | ○ | × |
| CRS | ○ | ○ | △ | ○ |
| SUS 304 | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Galvanized sheet | △ | △ | △ | △ |
| Glass | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Clear Coat, DFT 20-30um, Drying condition 60°C*60min |
| Performance | ENCOR® 2436 | ENCOR® 2438 | A | B | Test Method |
| Gloss (°) | |||||
| 20° | 49.9 | 59.4 | 86.4 | 75.4 | GB/T 1743-1979 |
| 60° | 85.9 | 89.1 | 96 | 94.8 | |
| 85° | 96.6 | 96.9 | 98.5 | 97.6 | |
| TFT (mins) | 20-25 | 25-30 | 25-30 | 25-30 | |
| Anti-blocking | 5 | 2 | 4 | 2 | |
| Early RT Water Resistance | <24h | >240h | <24h | >240h | GB/T 1733-1993 |
| RT Water Resistance | 96-120h | >240h | 96-120h | >240h | |
| Hot-Water Resistance (40°C) | >240h | >240h | >240h | >240h | |
| 5% NaOH solution | 24-48h | >48h | 24-48h | >48h | GB/T 9274-1988 |
| 5% H2SO4 solution | >240h | >240h | >240h | >240h |
ENCOR® 2436 and ENCOR® 2438 for Direct to Metal Coating Formulation
ENCOR® 2436 and ENCOR® 2438 are exceptional choices for industrial coatings, particularly for Direct to Metal (DTM) and top-coat applications. Both formulations provide a high-gloss finish with anti-corrosion properties. They are versatile enough for use as mono-coats and primers on various substrates, including plastics (PC, ABS, PC+ABS), metals (tinplate, SUS, aluminum, CRS), and glass. Additionally, each formulation enhances adhesion in both 1K and 2K coatings while featuring fast drying and anti-blocking properties for efficient post-treatment processes. Together, they meet the key demands for high-performance coatings that require durability, aesthetic appeal, and effective application.
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