November 18, 2009 – David Allen, Eastman's Director of Technology, Coating Additives, answers questions relating to Eastman Solus™ portfolio of performance additives.
What is the Eastman Solus™ family?
The Eastman Solus™ family is a portfolio of performance additives specifically engineered by Eastman to help formulators reach new heights of performance and productivity in compliant coatings. The first two products in the family (Solus™ 2100 and Solus™ 2300) are designed for high solids solvent borne systems, though we have several developmental waterborne products we hope to add to the family in the near future.
When was the first SolusTM performance additive introduced to the market?
We introduced the first product, Eastman Solus™ 2100 performance additive, at the European Coatings Show in 2007.
What is Solus™ 2100?
Eastman Solus™ 2100 performance additive was initially designed for high solids 2K systems such as refinish clearcoats. It is quickly gaining momentum in adjacent application like OEM cearcoats for both solvent borne and waterborne systems. Solus™ 2100 delivers optimized coatings performance while helping formulators meet demanding VOC regulations. In addition, users can realize better productivity through improved dry-to-touch and solids content. Solus™ 2100 users experience excellent anti-sag behavior, a wider window of polishability, improved gloss after polishing and ease of sanding. Since its launch in 2007, it’s also found success in applications such as OEM, industrial maintenance, aerospace, and cabinetry/furniture coatings.
Briefly describe the chemistry of Eastman Solus™ products?
The Eastman Solus™ family is based on cellulose ester chemistry. Cellulose esters help improve application and drying performance while ultimately helping reduce the opportunity for error in applying paints, enamels, etc.
Why are cellulose esters considered sustainable?
Cellulose esters are considered to be a sustainable option because they are partially sourced from a natural and renewable resource such as trees grown in well managed forests. For example, each grade of Eastman Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (CAB) contains up to 60% renewable cellulose.
Why was the Solus™ performance additive family developed?
Quite simply, the Eastman Solus™ family was developed to meet or exceed a specific set of market needs around VOC compliance, performance and productivity. On the VOC front, regulations are driving changes in coating formulations to waterborne technology or to higher solids in solvent borne systems. These rapid changes have generated a strong need for performance coatings additives that help achieve compliance while improving performance and productivity. The Solus™ family was developed specifically to meet these needs.
What is Solus™ 2300 performance additive?
Solus™ 2300 performance additive is the newest addition to the Solus™ family. It has been specifically engineered to enable higher solids for low VOC solvent borne coatings while delivering maximum performance and aesthetics. Solus™ 2300 also drives improved productivity through reduced dry-to-touch time, superior color match and enabling higher solids content. Although designed for high solids solvent borne systems, these benefits can also be captured in medium solids formulations.
What’s next for Eastman’s coatings development group?
With a strong heritage as a coatings additive innovator, Eastman will continue to leverage its key technical competency, market connect and insights to deliver the coatings solutions of tomorrow. We’re hard at work on the next round of Solus™ products including solutions for waterborne coatings. Stay tuned and for more information on the Solus™ family, visit www.eastman.com/solus.
