SAIB in Coatings

Abstract

The physical nature of the acetic, propionic, butyric, isobutyric and valeric esters of sucrose ranges from crystalline solids to low-viscosity liquids. As coatings modifiers, the crystalline compounds have a tendency to form crystals within the film while the liquid compounds cause the film to soften as a plasticizer would do. In the search for a coatings modifier which would perform as an extender, mixed esters were investigated. It was discovered that the completely esterified mixed acetic and isobutyric ester of sucrose produced some unusual properties alone and also when combined with various film formers. A major aspect of sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) is its capability of extending polymers to impart various properties without degrading the physical toughness and hardness of the coating, unlike many other modifiers. The low viscosity of SAIB in most solvents contributes to the attainment of high-solids coatings. These coatings are utilized in interior and exterior applications for wood, paper, plastic, and metal surfaces. This ester is finding use in a wide spectrum of applications other than coatings, including adhesives for laminating plastic film, printing inks, hot-melt coatings, heat reactivated adhesives, transparentized paper, pigment dispersions and soft drinks.