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Innovative Coatings from Low Molecular Weight EPDM
EPDM rubber is desirable in many coating applications due to the weather durability, water repellence and low temperature flexibility. Two innovative coatings have been developed from Trilene® low molecular weight EPDM employing a sunshine UV curing mechanism and a peroxide curing mechanism, respectively. The formulations have VOC lower than 250g/L and maintained EPDM rubber properties in high mechanical strength, good adhesion to polar substrates, highly hydrophobicity and good low temperature flexibility. The formulations met requirements as industrial protective coatings in curing speed, pot life, shelf life, and also have cost level close to commercial acrylic coatings. The coatings were especially tested as liquid roofing membranes, and showed advantages over solid EPDM sheets and other competing coatings in easy installation, high solar reflectance, better water resistance and good weather durability.