Acrylic Polyol Resin for High-Performance 2K Polyurethane Coatings
Union Chemical produces premium-grade hydroxyl-functional acrylic polyols — the essential resin backbone
for two-component (2K) and 1K polyurethane coating systems. Engineered for exceptional weatherability,
fast cure speed, and outstanding chemical resistance, our acrylic polyol resin serves automotive OEM
car refinish specialists, industrial coating , and wood finish manufacturers across 30+ countries.
What Is Acrylic Polyol Resin?
Hydroxyl acrylic Resin is a hydroxyl-functional acrylic copolymer synthesized through free-radical polymerization
of acrylic and methacrylic monomers. The pendant hydroxyl (-OH) groups react with polyisocyanate crosslinkers
(typically HDI trimer or IPDI) to form a dense polyurethane network — delivering coatings with:
- Superior UV resistance and color retention compared to polyester polyols
- Fast ambient-temperature curing — tack-free in 1-4 hours at 25°C
- Excellent chemical and solvent resistance against fuels, acids, and cleaning agents
- High distinctness of image (DOI) — the deep, mirror-like clarity essential for automotive clearcoats
- Broad substrate adhesion — bonds reliably to steel, aluminum, plastic, and composite surfaces
In global coatings markets, acrylic polyols have become the dominant resin technology for automotive OEM clearcoats,
vehicle refinish systems, industrial maintenance topcoats, and durable wood lacquers
where outdoor exposure resistance is critical.
Acrylic Polyol Product Grades
Union Chemical offers three distinct acrylic polyol lines to match your coating system requirements:
UE17-60HV Series — Solvent-Borne, General Purpose
Best for: Automotive refinish clearcoats, industrial machinery topcoats, general metal primers.
- Hydroxyl value: 80-120 mg KOH/g (balanced reactivity)
- Solid content: 50-60% in butyl acetate / xylene
- Medium molecular weight — excellent flow and leveling
- Compatible with HDI and IPDI trimer isocyanates
- Pot life: 2-4 hours after mixing at 25°C
UE70-80 Series — High-Solids, Low VOC
Best for: VOC-compliant automotive OEM, heavy-duty industrial protective coatings, marine topcoats.
- Hydroxyl value: 100-150 mg KOH/g (higher crosslink density)
- Solid content: 70-80% — significantly lower solvent emissions
- Low molecular weight with excellent application viscosity
- Meets EU Directive 2004/42/EC VOC limits for vehicle refinish
- Bake-cure capable: full cure in 30 minutes at 80-120°C
UXC8375 Series — Waterborne Acrylic Polyol Dispersion
Best for: Eco-label wood coatings, indoor furniture lacquers, plastic component coatings.
- Water-based dispersion — near-zero VOC emissions
- Hydroxyl value: 40-80 mg KOH/g in aqueous phase
- Excellent compatibility with water-dispersible isocyanates
- Fast physical drying before chemical crosslinking begins
Grade Comparison
| Property | UE17-60HV (Solvent-Borne) | UE70-80 (High-Solids) | UXC8375 (Waterborne) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Content | 60%±2 | 80%±2 | 50%±2 |
| Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤7 | ≤10 | ≤8 |
| Viscosity (25°C, mPa.s) | 8,000-10,000 | 2,000-4,000 | 15,000-30,000 |
| Solvent Type | XYL/BAC/Isobutanol | XYL/BAC | Water |
Applications
Automotive OEM & Refinish Coatings
Acrylic polyols are the industry standard for automotive clearcoats and refinish topcoats.
When crosslinked with aliphatic HDI trimers, they produce films with DOI values exceeding 90 GU at 20° — the mirror-like
finish demanded by premium vehicle manufacturers. Our UE70-80 high-solids grades help body shops meet VOC compliance
without sacrificing application performance or final appearance.
Industrial & Marine Protective Coatings
Heavy equipment, chemical storage tanks, offshore platforms, and steel bridges demand coatings that survive extreme environments.
Acrylic polyol-based 2K PU topcoats deliver 10+ years of outdoor color and gloss retention,
excellent acid and alkali resistance, and superior adhesion to blasted steel
(ISO 9001 cross-cut test: 0-1 rating).
Wood & Furniture Lacquers
From high-end dining tables to kitchen cabinetry, acrylic polyol lacquers offer fast dry-to-handle times
(reducing production bottlenecks), excellent scratch and chemical resistance (withstanding daily household cleaners),
and crystal-clear transparency that enhances natural wood grain. Our waterborne UA-P300 series is particularly
suited for indoor furniture manufacturers targeting green building certifications.
Plastic & Consumer Electronics Coatings
With exceptional adhesion to ABS, polycarbonate, and polypropylene substrates (often without primer),
acrylic polyols are the go-to choice for automotive interior components, laptop housings, and appliance finishes.
The rapid ambient cure avoids heat damage to sensitive plastic parts.
Technical Specifications — UE17-60HV Series (Representative Grade)
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, Transparent liquid | Visual | Viscosity (25°C) | 8,000 – 10,000 mPa.s | Brookfield, spindle #3, 12 rpm |
| Acid Value (on solids) | ≤ 7 mg KOH/g | ISO 9001 |
| Color (Gardner) | ≤ 2 | |
| Solvent | XYL/BAC/Isobutanol | — |
| Shelf Life | 12 months in sealed container at 5-30°C | — |
Full TDS with cured film performance data (gloss, DOI, QUV weathering, salt spray, chemical spot tests) available upon request.
Why Choose Union Chemical Acrylic Polyols?
Precision Hydroxyl Value Control
OH value is the critical parameter governing crosslink density and final coating properties. Our in-process FTIR monitoring and end-point titration ensure batch-to-batch OH variance ≤ ±5 mg KOH/g — giving formulators the predictable reactivity they need for production consistency.
Custom Molecular Weight Tuning
Need a lower-viscosity resin for higher application solids? Or higher molecular weight for improved sag resistance? Our R&D team adjusts polymerization conditions to dial in the exact molecular weight distribution your coating demands.
Global Logistics-Ready Packaging
Shipped in 200 kg epoxy-lined steel drums, 1,000 kg IBC totes, or bulk ISO tank containers. Every shipment includes Certificate of Analysis (COA), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) in English.
Competitive Factory-Direct Economics
With 150,000 tons annual capacity and integrated raw material sourcing, we offer pricing that competes favorably with major multinational resin suppliers — without sacrificing quality or technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended NCO:OH mixing ratio?
We recommend a mixing ratio of 1.05:1 (NCO:OH) for optimal crosslink density and film properties. A slight excess of isocyanate compensates for moisture-borne NCO consumption in ambient-cure systems. Exact formulation guidance is provided in our TDS.
What isocyanates are compatible with your acrylic polyols?
UA-P100 and UA-P200 are compatible with aliphatic HDI trimers, IPDI trimers, and HDI biurets. UA-P300 is designed for water-dispersible HDI-based isocyanates. We can recommend specific isocyanate grades from major suppliers.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Trial orders start at 1 metric ton (5 drums × 200 kg). For established supply agreements, full container loads (20 MT / 20′ FCL) offer optimal freight economics. Sample quantities (1-3 kg) are available at no charge for qualified buyers.
Can you match a competing acrylic polyol specification?
Yes — this is one of our core services. Submit the resin sample or TDS you currently use, and our R&D team will benchmark and formulate an equivalent product. We routinely match specifications from major international resin suppliers.
What certifications do your acrylic polyols carry?
Our production is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. Products comply with REACH (EU), RoHS, and TSCA (US) requirements. Full regulatory documentation and SGS test reports are available.
Start Your Technical Evaluation
Tell us your application, target VOC level, and desired cure profile. Our technical team will recommend the optimal
acrylic polyol grade — with free evaluation samples shipped within 5 business days.