The importance of polyurethane dispersions

In this highly competitive industrial environment, there is a strong demand for solvent based coating that is simply best. This strong demand triggers the growth of polyurethane dispersions in today’s industrial environment as it requires the best and safest replacement for solvent based coatings because they are known for their eco friendly nature. Waterborne polyurethane dispersions, also called PUD’s, are a quickly growing segment of the polyurethane coating industry which has come into power due to the environmental legislations such as the Clean Air Act. The secondary reason can also be the technological advances that have made them a powerful alternative for the solvent-based coatings.


The latest category of polyurethane dispersions is designed to facilitate the formulation of high performance coatings, adhesives, and inks. The great range of products enables a range of formulation parameters to be achieved. There are numerous advantages of polyurethane dispersions including:

• They are extremely versatile and made from eco-friendly coating materials.
• They come in a great range of hardness and solid content.
• Their zero to low volatile organic content facilities their formulation into a compliant coating for various substrates.
• They highly level of versatility and great range of superior properties, such as abrasion resistance, impact strength and low temperature flexibility are the key forces to their continuously expanding usage in many applications
Polyurethane dispersions are generally completely reacted polyureas of small and discrete polymer particles ranging from 0.01 – 5.0 microns in a continuous water phase. They are completely free of isocyanate residues and have a zero or a very low volatile organic content (VOC). They are found to be extremely safe and come out a perfect choice for compliant coatings.


The only issue with polyurethane dispersions is that they cost much higher than normal solvent based coatings. To overcome this problem of higher cost and in some cases, to improve adhesion to certain substrates, the PUDs are combined with other low cost dispersions. The PUDs have a life of around 10 years even in exposed areas as they have amazing UV resistance against yellowing, cracking or peeling.


Incorez polyurethane dispersions are both waterborne and fully reacted and therefore can be formulated into low VOC coatings with low toxicity ratings. Upon application, film formulation takes place by evaporation of water to yield tough, resilient films. Polyurethane dispersions can be used on their own, or in combination with other polymer lattices, e.g. acrylic emulsions. Small additions of cross-linking agents may be used to upgrade chemical / solvent resistance.
Incorez Limited is of the leading manufacturer specialist resins and polymers that give quality assurance under ISO 9001.It is the global leader in the manufacturer and promotion of water borne polyurethane dispersions due to their eco friendly status.