DOI: https://doi.org/10.15368/theses.2020.89
Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2205
Date of Award
9-2020
Degree Name
MS in Polymers and Coatings
Department/Program
Chemistry & Biochemistry
College
College of Science and Mathematics
Advisor
Erik Sapper
Advisor Department
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Advisor College
College of Science and Mathematics
Abstract
In the world of interior architectural paints, rheology, or the deformation and flow of a fluid, is one of the largest economic and development hurdles for paint formulators. To achieve maximum functionality, coverage, and economy of product, the rheology of the coating must be properly optimized, balancing performance while minimizing undesirable flow defects such as paint sagging or visible brush and roller marks; these visual imperfections are associated with the sag and leveling properties of the paint. Many researchers have attempted to develop a better understanding of sag and leveling, either by drawing correlations or through mathematical derivation; however, neither approach adequately predicts sag and leveling behavior. This provides the opportunity for machine learning to create a powerful model that utilizes formulation and rheological data and industry-standard tests to predict sag and leveling before the formulator creates the paint, reducing the resources necessary to optimize paint compared to a heuristic approach. Since little attention has been paid to the full rheological effects of sag and leveling, this approach also provides a first step in gaining new insight into the mechanisms behind this behavior.