Full Length Research Paper

 Abstract

In our continuous desire to develop a paint binder from amino resin, the effect of urea formaldehyde (UF) viscosity on a copolymer composite derived from the copolymerization reaction between urea formaldehyde (UF) and soybean oil (SBO) to give urea formaldehyde/ soybean oil copolymer composite (UF/SBO) was investigated. Some physical properties of (UF/SBO) obtained at different viscosities (5.11 - 260.04 mPa.s) were evaluated. The melting point, density and formaldehyde emission were found to increase with increase in UF viscosity while the dry time, moisture uptake refractive index and elongation at break were found to decrease with increase in UF viscosity. UF viscosity below 150.00 mPa.s was found to produce UF/SBO copolymer composite that is soluble in water. The processing of UF/SBO copolymer resin for emulsion paint formulation should be carried out below this viscosity level. The copolymer composite was found to be ductile throughout the viscosity range studied (5.11 - 260.04). This takes care of the inherent brittleness associated with the traditional UF and will give paint formulators freedom of choice as regards processing viscosity of UF/SBO. The results obtained from this experiment will offer formulator different options and to control formulation processes towards developing UF/SBO copolymer composite as a paint binder for emulsion paint formulation.

Key words: Copolymerization, viscosity, amino resin, paint binder.