Acrylic Polyurethanes for Information Technology IT Finishing

Acrylic Polyurethanes for Information Technology (IT) Finishing by N Tuck PhD BSc 

IT finishing systems have long used acrylic polyurethanes to provide a tough abrasion resistant finish to computers, telecommunication equipment, etc. The substrates are often plastic, but can also be steel or aluminium. The requirements for exterior durability are less stringent than in ACE, but abrasion resistance requirements are even higher, due to the greater amount of handling these components receive. 

The acrylic component can now contain reasonable amounts of styrene which reduces cost and the isocyanate component can be aromatic instead of the more expensive aliphatic variety. (Although IBM and Compaq have non - yellowing requirements that preclude the use of aromatic isocyanates.) Textured formulations with low gloss levels are popular decorative requirements in this industry, used to break up the hard lines of a computer box to make it more acceptable to the eye. Application is by conventional spray, often robotically applied in this high volume production industry. Above ambient or ambient cure and rapid handling time to permit sub assembly after the box is coated, means that acrylic is the only viable resin choice. 

FORMULATION 5-11 PEARL WHITE TWO COMPONENT SPATTER FINISH -ACRYLIC BASE COMPONENT 

Synocure 867SD Acrylic Methoxy Propyl Acetate (MPA) Butyl Acetate Solvesso 10 Gasil23D  

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