When Steve Jobs in 2007 unveiled the first-generation Apple iPhone, it sent waves across the whole Telecommunication Industry. Before its launch, phones with clunky keyboards and unintuitive user interfaces such as Blackberries and Nokias were considered as “smart phones”. The iPhone completely disrupted this market with it’s large touchscreen that brought up a keyboard only when needed. The screen also allowed for a desktop computer like browsing experience in a device which fit in one’s hand. With its intuitive interface and well thought design, the iPhone was a game changer that was years ahead of its competitors.

NSPC’s Single Pack Epoxy Resins are posed to do the same in the Coatings Industry!

As discussed in my previous blog, traditional two-pack (2K) epoxy resins have found commercial success in diverse fields due to their excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, adhesion, etc. Over the years, these 2K epoxy systems have established a stable market that affects multiple industries. Although several developments and improvements have been made, there really has never been a disruptive innovation that addresses the issues of the 2K systems.

In a 2K epoxy coating system, two components – Epoxy Resin and Curing Agent are mixed in the manufacturer recommended ratio, and then soon after applied on a surface where it cures to form a protective film. Often, the recommended ratios are not carefully measured by the applicators, and this leads to the presence of unreacted resin in the final coating. Resultantly, the performance of the coating differs from that intended by the manufacturer. Another common issue is the limited potlife in a 2K system. Once the two components are mixed, the reaction between the epoxy resin and curing agent starts and there is a limited window in which the resin can be applied on the surface until it gels. Applicators need to be wary of completing the job in this timeslot, else the remaining resin is rendered useless.

This is where NSPC’s SOLOPOXY™ – Single Pack Epoxy Resins come in as a game changer!
J.M. Nadkarni and his experienced team of technical experts developed these innovative air-drying epoxy resins that perform like traditional 2K systems but in the convenience of a 1K system. What’s even better is that they were able to accomplish this by utilizing a sustainably derived agro-waste compound from Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL).

Cardanol, derived from CNSL has chemical groups that can react with atmospheric oxygen. Our team has cleverly incorporated reacted epoxy groups and cardanol in the resin, thereby allowing for epoxy performance with air-drying capabilities. In curing behavior, SOLOPOXY™ resins are closer to alkyd systems in which the incorporated drying oil uses atmospheric oxygen to form a crosslinked film. Although, the epoxy ether linkages in SOLOPOXY™ form stronger bonds that are much more chemically resistant than the ester linkages in alkyd systems.

Being a single component system, SOLOPOXY™ Resins eliminate the issues faced in 2K systems since there isn’t any mixing of different components. One need not worry about the mixing ratio of the two parts being off. Also, since the curing starts only when applied on a surface with available oxygen, potlife concerns are eliminated. This means that there isn’t really a limited time window for application. All one must do is tightly close the container so that contact with atmospheric oxygen is inhibited. The remaining resin can be stored and used at a later time when needed. The single component system also allows for ease of handling and storage since lesser components are involved.

NSPC currently offers two SOLOPOXY™ Resins – 4800×65 and 4848×65. Both these air-drying resins show excellent corrosion resistance, moisture resistance, adhesion, and flexibility. They surface dry within 5 minutes, go tack-free in 90 mins and develop hard dry overnight (at 30°C).

SOLOPOXY™ 4800×65 is developed for monocoat applications for mild steel substrates. It acts as both – primer and topcoat and provides excellent protection against corrosion. It can be incorporated into standard 2K epoxy coating systems to improve adhesion, wettability and reduce cost. One can also formulate 2K epoxy-PU hybrid systems, 1K stoving epoxy with blocked isocyanates, MF, UF or phenolic resins.

SOLOPOXY™ 4848×65 is developed for universal primer applications. This single pack air-drying resin can adhere to diverse substrates including mild steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cement, and glass. Furthermore, it is compatible with most commercially available topcoats, thereby allowing overcoats with a variety of resins including polyurethanes, 1K/2K epoxy resins, alkyds, etc.

With these flagship products, we aspire to make a positive change for the industry as well as the environment. Join us in our journey and upgrade to the next level of epoxy resins.

Further readings:

1. Nadkarni SPC – Technology for more on our technology and specialization.
2. Nadkarni SPC – SOLOPOXY™ for our SOLOPOXY™ Resins.
3. Nadkarni SPC – Insights for previous blogs.
4. YouTube – Steve Jobs Introducing The iPhone At MacWorld 2007