Polystyrene Polyols

Polystyrene polyols are obtained by the polymerization of styrene and allyl alcohol, with allyl alcohol providing the hydroxyl groups and functionality. This polyhydroxyl polymer is also known as styrene/allyl alcohol copolymer polyol, or SAA polyol for short.

The SAA polyol series developed by LyondellBasell Industries is primarily used as a modifier for functional resins in coatings and ink systems, improving hardness, gloss, chemical resistance, stain and corrosion resistance, adhesion, pigment dispersion, and abrasion resistance.

LyondellBasell Industries offers three types of polystyrene-allyl alcohol copolymer polyols, all of which are white granules with a high primary hydroxyl content.

In addition to being used as a modifier for polyurethane coating resins, highly reactive SAA polyols also react with melamine, epoxy resins, and silane crosslinkers, reducing curing temperature or shortening curing time. The remaining hydroxyl groups also enhance the adhesion of the resin to wood, metal, and certain plastic surfaces. The high phenyl ring content of these polyols makes the coating film water-resistant, stain-resistant, and chemically resistant.

SAA polyols are generally dissolved in a solvent and used alone or with other resins. The SAA or mixed resin solution is cured with polyisocyanate or melamine crosslinkers to form a fast-curing, high-gloss coating.