Microgels in organic coatings

Submicron crosslinked particles are of particular interest in organic coatings technology. These ‘microgels’ are used in solventborne coatings as well as in waterborne paints due to their specific rheological behaviour in liquid paints and their reinforcing properties in cured coatings. Properties of microgels can be varied in a broad range by differences in composition, structure, crosslinking chemistry and particle size. The influence of microgels on application, film forming behaviour and dry film properties is discussed. Examples of microparticles prepared by special crosslinking reactions are described.