Polystyrene-co-allyl alcohol
(Styrene Allyl Alcohol Copolymer)

Properties and Applications

Poly(styrene-co-allyl alcohol) (SAA) are low molecular weight copolymers formed by free-radical copolymerization of styrene and ally alcohol in the presence of dispersed oxygen as catalyst.¹ They are white solid resins with a softening point of about 70 - 80 °C. The molecular weight is typically in the range of 1000 - 3000 g/mol and the bound allyl alcohol content is between 30 to 40 mol%.² The high hydroxyl content ensures good adhesion to polar surfaces and results in high crosslink density when copolymerized with reactive resins such as styrene-maleic anhydride, melamine or reactive urethanes (isocyanates).

SAA’s are mainly used as modifiers and compatibilizers in polyester, urethane and alkyd coating products such as appliance finishes, coil coatings, general-purpose baking enamels, printing inks, overprint varnishes, and architectural paints. The addition of SAA can improve hardness, gloss, durability, as well as water and corrosion resistance.

Manufacturers & Distributors

¹E.C. Shokal, W. Creek, and P.A. Devlin, US Patent 2,630,430, Allyl Alcohol-Styrene Copolymers (1953)
²LyondellBasell Styrene Allyl Alcohol (SAA-100 & SAA-101) Application Data Sheet (2011)
³Hexa-methoxy-methyl melamine (HMMM) formaldehyde resin, modified with styrene allyl alcohol copolymer