Hybrid Biopolymers produced from natural resources are attractive alternatives to petroleum-based latex and synthetic polymers since they are renewable, environmentally friendly, biodegradable and compostable. However in their native form, biopolymers may not be able to provide all the desired properties for a particular application.
The sensitivity of biopolymers to moisture and love for water can limit the application solids which poses a challenge to coating formulators. Low solids might require multiple coats to be applied to obtain full coverage, results in more coating shrinkage and drives up energy costs. While crosslinkers can be used to improve the moisture sensitivity of the formulated coating, they shorten the pot-life of a coating and may increase viscosity.
Advantages of Hybrid Biopolymers
Coating formulators often struggle with balancing opposing end-use performance properties and costs, while staying within the confines of regulatory and/or process limitations.
SNP hybrid polymers are engineered polysaccharides that balance product performance and cost. By combining the benefits of different polysaccharide chemistries, SNP Inc. has created a unique set of products for formulators to balance costs, properties and processing needs. As seen in the example below, by blending guar with xanthan, the formulator can reduce costs and increase coating application solids while attaining acceptable viscosity.
Guar
Viscosity
Cost