New generation varnish by reversible deactivation radical polymerization

Coatings are an integral part of the materials used in the aircraft industry. Safran Cabin Canada Co. considers it vital to develop their own coating. The desired varnish must have a high resistance to cracking, a high anti-flammability, a very good adhesion on wooden substrates and must not shrink. In addition, the solution must be suitable for spraying and must have a long service life. Through previous interactions, we have developed a highly concentrated polymer solution, but with a very low viscosity, which allows good spraying, long shelf life and a reduction in volatile organic compound (VOC) content. Beyond satisfying the initial requirements, the next step towards the development of a varnish would be to develop more environmentally friendly processes with a higher VOC. Ecological processes include not only a reduction in VOCs by developing coatings using water as a solvent, but also by integrating bio-sourced monomers. The use of the RDRP (reversible deactivation radical polymerization) polymerization technique allows precise control of the microstructure and polymerization in dispersed aqueous media, resulting in reduced viscosity. The combination of all these features will really result in a varnish that will lead the industry.