Triggerable Super Absorbent Polymers for Coating Debonding Applications

This study aims to examine how core-shell super absorbent polymers (SAPs) can be effective in relation to recycling processes by using them as triggerable materials in coating binders. Super absorbent polymers are partially cross-linked, three-dimensional polymer networks that can absorb and retain water. Coatings based on an acrylic binder, including SAPs, were applied onto plastic substrates of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/polycarbonate. The incorporation of 1 wt.% and 5 wt.% SAPs into the coatings resulted in the debonding of the coatings from the substrates under a steam treatment. The trigger mechanism for the core-shell hydrophilic SAPs relies on the different abilities of the core and shell materials to be swollen. Therefore, under the influence of steam, SAPs can enhance their shape due to water absorption and the breaking of the inorganic shell. This results in the reduction of the attachment between the primer layer and both the top coating and the substrate, thus enabling the detachment of the top coating from the corresponding substrate. The obtained results from this study can be considered as potential formulations for plastic recycling applications in industries.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the effectiveness of using core-shell super absorbent polymers (SAPs) as triggerable materials in coating binders for plastic recycling processes. The incorporation of SAPs into coatings led to the debonding of coatings from substrates under steam treatment, showing potential for plastic recycling applications in industries. The trigger mechanism of the core-shell hydrophilic SAPs relies on their ability to absorb water and break the inorganic shell under the influence of steam, reducing the attachment between layers and enabling detachment.