This article focuses on the chemistry of dirt pickup resistance (DPR) and outlines what steps - including research, product development and testing procedures - need to be taken to provide the proper solutions.
Dow Coating Solutions has ad-dressed the issue of dirt pickup resistance as part of ongoing product development initiatives for more than 40 years. However, due to the trends and market drivers outlined in article one,1 the company recently launched a focused R&D platform to accelerate technology and new product introductions.
As a recap, the need for better dirt pickup resistance is important for several reasons, including:
1. industry growth in "softer" elastomeric wall and roof coatings;
2. industry demand for low-VOC formulations, which traditionally result in tackier coatings due to reduced glass transition temperatures (Tg); and
3. planned construction of high-rise commercial buildings in emerging geographies, most notably in Asia Pacific, which is driving the need for coatings that are easier to clean and maintain.