At the Profiles 2014 Conference to be held in Philadelphia June 24–25, 2014, Arkema will present a technical paper on advanced Kynar Aquatec CRX latex for developing high-performance architectural water-based coatings with low VOC levels below 100 grams/liter. Kynar Aquatec CRX is the first aqueous 2K system that meets AAMA 615, 625 and 2605 performance standards with the exceptional weathering characteristics of Kynar 500 PVDF-based coatings. Achieving long-term coating service life is imperative for many exterior building product applications, such as window profiles, decking and railing. AAMA 615, 625 and 2605 are performance-based standards established by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association for window profile finishes on vinyl, pultruded fiberglass and aluminum substrates. In addition to meeting these standards, architectural coatings must achieve performance requirements (e.g., early block resistance) related to OEM line production conditions, as well as stain resistance. In his presentation titled “Optimizing Waterborne 2K Topcoat Formulations for Exterior Architectural Profiles on Multiple Substrates,” Kurt Wood, a principal scientist for Arkema’s Fluoropolymers research and development, will review recently completed work on the development of highly weatherable 2K urethane topcoat formulations based on next-generation Kynar Aquatec CRX polymer dispersion technology. These formulations meet the full range of weatherability and physical performance properties specified in the AAMA standards for exterior profile topcoats, as well as key early property requirements such as block resistance and chemical resistance. Dr. Wood will also report on work related to the stain resistance of these highly engineered coatings for decking applications. “Through the design of polymer components and formulation adjustments, the Kynar Aquatec CRX water-based coatings demonstrate a very attractive combination of improved weatherability and physical properties for exterior profile topcoats,” said Wood. “They are an excellent choice for high-performance OEM applications where long-term color retention and enhanced scratch and chemical resistance are required.” Profiles 2014 is an international business and technology conference for the window, door, decking, fence and siding profile industry. This annual event brings together the manufacturing industry, supply chain and researchers in a debating forum on the latest advances in polymer materials and environmental credentials of this core construction industry.