Utilization of polyurethane-acrylic blends to achieve optimum performance in a 1K water-based wood floor coating

With the advent of an environmentally conscious consumer and increased regulatory pressure, the coatings formulator is faced with developing products within the constraints of lower volatile organic compounds (VOC) while still achieving specific performance targets. Although new resins are being developed which will meet or exceed the expectations of the formulator, a blend approach using already familiar resins is still a viable option given known performance attributes of each. This article discusses the utilization of various water-based polyurethane-acrylic blends in developing a one-component (1K) wood floor coating which achieves a VOC target of 275 g/L, a balance of hardness development with very good abrasion resistance, and excellent chemical resistance in comparison with commercially formlated water- and oil-based products in the consumer- and contractor-applied markets.