WO1995001407A1

WO1995001407A1 - Powder coating compositions

Info

Publication number: WO1995001407A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/006564
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert B. Barbee; Yeong-Ho Chang
Original assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
Priority date: 1993-07-01
Filing date: 1994-06-13
Publication date: 1995-01-12
Also published as: JPH08512078A; EP0706546A1; CA2166306A1; KR960703420A; MX9405012A

Abstract

Provided are thermosetting powder coating compositions which upon application to a substrate and curing provide coatings having superior weathering, impact, and flexibility properties. The compositions are a blend of an amorphous resin having cycloaliphatic diol residues, a semicrystalline resin, and a crosslinker. The binder portion of the composition may be either hydroxyl or carboxyl functional or a mixture thereof. Also provided are shaped or formed articles coated with the cured compositions.

Description

POWDER COATING COMPOSITIONS

This invention belongs to the field of powder coatings. More particularly, this invention relates to thermosetting powder coating compositions.

Plastic materials used in the manufacture of powder coatings are classified broadly as either thermosetting or thermoplastic. In the application of thermoplastic powder coatings, heat is applied to the coating on the substrate to melt the particles of the powder coating and thereby permit the particles to flow together and form a smooth coating.

Thermosetting coatings, when compared to coatings derived from thermoplastic compositions, generally are tougher, more resistant to solvents and detergents, have better adhesion to metal substrates and do not soften when exposed to elevated temperatures. However, the curing of thermosetting coatings has created problems in obtaining coatings which have, in addition to the above— stated desirable characteristics, good smoothness and flexibility. Coatings prepared from thermosetting powder compositions, upon the application of heat, may cure or set prior to forming a smooth coating, thereby resulting in a relatively rough finish referred to as an "orange peel" surface. Such a coating surface or finish lacks the gloss and luster of coatings typically obtained from thermoplastic compositions. The "orange peel" surface problem has caused many to apply thermo¬ setting coatings compositions from organic solvent systems which are inherently undesirable because of the environmental and safety problems that may be occasioned by the evaporation of the solvent system. Solvent—based coating compositions also suffer from the disadvantage of relatively poor percent utilization; i.e., in some modes of application, only 60 percent or less of the solvent-based coating composition being applied contacts the article or substrate being coated. Thus, a substantial portion of solvent—based coatings can be wasted since that portion which does not contact the article or substrate being coated obviously cannot be easily reclaimed.

In addition to exhibiting good gloss, impact strength and resistance to solvents and chemicals, coatings derived from thermosetting coating compositions must possess good to excellent flexibility. For example, good flexibility is essential for powder coating compositions used to coat sheet (coil) steel which is destined to be formed or shaped into articles used in the manufacture of various household appliances and automobiles wherein the sheet metal is flexed or bent at various angles.

All aliphatic polyesters such as those derived from 1,4-, 1,3- and 1,2—cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (CHDA) with 2,2,4,4—tetramethyl—1,3—cyclobutanediol or those from CHDA and hydrogenated bisphenol A have excellent weatherability. These resins can be made with Tg (glass transition temperature) suitable for powder coatings. Coatings from these resins, however, generally suffer from poor flexibility and poor impact strength. Powder coatings based on acrylic resins are known to have excellent weathering performance but are generally more expensive and impact strength and flexibility are relatively poor.

British Patent 962,913 discloses polyesters containing CHDA and 2,2,4,4-tetramethy1—1,3—cyclo¬ butanediol useful as film and molding plastics.

U. S. Patent No. 3,313,777 describes polyesters containing CHDA and 2,2,4,4—tetramethyl—1,3—cyclo¬ butanediol useful as film and molding plastics. U. S. Patent 4,363,908 discloses copolyesters containing CHDA and 2,2,4,4—tetramethyl—1,3—cyclo¬ butanediol useful as adhesives.

U. S. Patent 4,525,504 discloses stabilized polyesters with improved weatherability based on CHDA and 2,2,4,4—tetramethyl—1,3—cyclobutanediol. These polyesters are high molecular weight polyesters useful in molding plastics.

U. S. Patent 4,910,292 discloses water—dissipatable polyesters useful in coatings. 2,2,4,4—Tetramethyl— 1,3—cyclobutanediol is listed as a possible glycol component.

U. S. Patent 5,097,006 and Research Disclosure. May 1990, Number 313, Publication No. 31336 describe an aliphatic polyester derived from 1,4—CHDA and a glycol component comprised of cycloaliphatic diols; the compositions are described as having improved weather¬ ability.

This invention provides to thermosetting powder coatings based on a blend of an amorphous aliphatic resin and a low Tg, aliphatic, semi—crystalline (SC) resin. The SC resin significantly improves impact strength while maintaining the excellent QUV weathering properties of the aliphatic resins.

The amorphous resins are comprised of cyclohexane— dicarboxylic acid (CHDA) and cycloaliphatic diols such as 2,2,4,4—tetramethyl—1,3—cyclobutanediol, 1,4— cyclohexanediol, or hydrogenated bisphenol A. The amorphous resins preferably have a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 50° to 70°C and a hydroxyl or acid number of 30 to about 80.

The SC aliphatic resins preferably have good crystallinity and low Tg, such as one based on trans- 1,4—cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and 1,4—butanediol. Preferred SC resins have a Tm of 60—160°C and a hydroxyl or acid number of about 25—65. It should be appreciated that in the compositions of the present invention, when component (a) is hydroxyl—functional, component (b) is preferably also hydroxyl—functional; in such a case, conventional crosslinkers are utilized. Conversely, when component (a) is carboxyl—functional, component (b) is also preferably carboxyl—functional; in such a case, conventional crosslinkers for acid—functional systems will be utilized. It is also within the scope of the present invention that the binder portion of the composition, i.e., components (a) and (b) , may also be comprised of a mixture of hydroxyl and carboxyl functional; in other words, (a) may be hydroxyl— functional and (b) may be carboxyl—functional, and vice— versa. In such a case, the crosslinker will necessarily be a blend of suitable crosslinkers appropriate to the amounts of hydroxyl and carboxyl functionality present in the system. As used herein, the terms "hydroxyl— functional" and "carboxyl—functional" as used to describe the blend of (a) and (b) or the composition, is used in its ordinary art—recognized meaning. In other words, such terms denote whether the resin (or binder) is predominantly carboxyl— or hydroxyl— functional in character, thereby dictating the choice of crosslinker. In such a case, for example, a hydroxyl functional resin will have an acid number of less than about 15 and a carboxyl functional resin will have a hydroxyl number of less than about 15. The coating composition may be based on hydroxyl resins and crosslinkers such as blocked polyisocyanate, tetramethoxymethyl glycoluril or melamine derivatives. Alternatively, the composition may be comprised of a carboxyl resin and a crosslinker such as triglycidylisocyanurate (TGIC) or an activated /S-hydroxylalkyl amide such as Bis(N,N—dihydroxy- ethyl)adipamide. Optionally, additives such as benzoin. flow aids, pigments and catalyst may be used. Coatings provided by this invention maintain superior resistance to QUV with improved impact and flexibility.

The present invention provides a thermosetting coating composition comprising

(a) an amorphous polyester comprised of residues of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and a cyclo¬ aliphatic diol, said amorphous polyester having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about 50°C to 70°C and a hydroxyl or an acid number of about 30 to 80;

(b) a semicrystalline polyester comprised of residues of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and a linear diol, said linear diol having 4, 6, 8, or 10 carbon atoms, said semicrystalline polyester having a Tm of about 60°—160°C and a hydroxyl or an acid number of about 30 to 80; and

(c) a cross—linking effective amount of a cross- linking agent.

As a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermosetting coating composition comprising

(a) an amorphous polyester comprised of residues of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and a cyclo¬ aliphatic diol, said amorphous polyester having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about 50°C to 70°C and a hydroxyl or an acid number of about 30 to 80; (b) a semicrystalline polyester comprised of residues of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and a linear diol, said linear diol having 4, 6, 8 or 10 carbon atoms, said semicrystalline polyester having a Tm of about 60—160°C and a hydroxyl or an acid number of about 30—80; provided that when (a) has an acid number of 30 to 80, (b) has an acid number of 30 to 80, and when (a) has a hydroxyl number of 30 to 80, (b) has a hydroxyl number of 30 to 80; and

(c) a cross—linking effective amount of a cross- linking agent.

The powder coating compositions provided by the present invention are useful in coating articles, particularly metal articles, and upon curing provide coatings possessing an excellent balance of weather¬ ability and impact strength. The amorphous resins of the above composition are preferably comprised of 1,4—, 1,3— and 1,2—cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (CHDA) and 2,2,4,4—tetramethyl—1,3—cyclobutanediol; CHDA and hydrogenated bisphenol A; or CHDA and 1,4—cycle— hexanediol. The resin may be modified with other diacids or diols but must have Tg suitable for powder coating compositions. The amorphous polyester resin preferably has a number average molecular weight (Mn) of from about 1,500 to about 10,000, most preferably from about 2,000 to 6,000 and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of preferably about 45°C to 100°C, most preferably 50 to 70°C and hydroxyl or acid number of from about 20 to 100, preferably from about 30 to about 80, for cross- linking.

The semi—crystalline resins of the compositions of the present invention are preferably all aliphatic resins which exhibit high crystallinity and low Tg. As an especially preferred aspect of the present invention, the semi—crystalline resin is one comprised of trans— 1,4—cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and 1,4—butanediol with optional slight modification with trimethylolpropane, i.e., from about 0 weight percent to 12 weight percent, based on the weight of the diol component. The preferred aliphatic poly(tetramethylene—trans—1,4— cyclohexanedicarboxylate) polyester of this invention has a Tm of about 110-160°C and a hydroxyl or acid number in the range of about 25—65 and an inherent viscosity of about 0.1 to 0.4. The semicrystalline resin may also contain trimethylolpropane as branching agent to adjust the crosslinking density as desired depending on the crosslinker used.

The linear diol in component (b) herein denotes a diol selected from the group consisting of 1,4—butane¬ diol; 1, 6—hexanediol; 1, 8—octanediol; and 1, 10— decanediol. Preferably, the linear diol is 1,4—butane— diol or 1,6—hexanediol.

The relative amount of amorphous to crystalline resin can be varied depending on factors such as each of the resin's properties, the crosslinker employed, the degree of pigment loading and the final coating properties desired. Preferably, the amorphous resin component will range from about 20 to about 80 weight percent based on the total weight percent of components (a) and (b) , and the semicrystalline resin will range from about 80 to about 20 weight percent based on the total weight percent of components (a) and (b) . Most preferably, components (a) and (b) will be present in about a 1:1 (weight:weight) ratio.

Powder coating compositions of this invention may be of course utilize different crosslinking chemistries depending on the characteristics of components (a) and (b) , i.e., whether the resin is predominantly hydroxyl or the acid functional.

Examples of powder coating compositions from hydroxyl resins are: (1) a polyurethane system made from a hydroxyl functional resin and a polyisocyanate, (2) a glycoluril system from a hydroxyl functional resin and a glycoluril crosslinker such as tetramethoxymethyl glycoluril or (3) a melamine system from a hydroxyl functional resin and a melamine designed for powder coating application. An example of a polyurethane powder coating of this invention is comprised of:

(a) a blend of hydroxyl amorphous/semi—crystalline polyesters described herein

(b) a blocked polyisocyanate crosslinker and,

(c) optionally, additives such as benzoin, flow aids, pigments and catalyst.

The most readily—available, and thus the preferred, blocked isocyanate cross—linking agents or compounds are those commonly referred to as e—caprolactam—blocked isophorone diisocyanate, e.g., those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,822,240, 4,150,211 and 4,212,962, incorporated herein by reference. However, the products marketed as e—caprolactam—blocked isophorone diiso¬ cyanate may consist primarily of the blocked, difunctional, monomeric isophorone diisocyanate, i.e., a mixture of the cis and trans isomers of 3-isocyanatc— methy1-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylisocyanate, the blocked, difunctional dimer thereof, the blocked, trifunctional trimer thereof or a mixture o the monomeric, dimeric and/or trimeric forms. For example, the blocked poly- isocyanate compound used as the cross-linking agent may be a mixture consisting primarily of the e—caprolactam— blocked, difunctional, monomeric isophorone diisocyanate and the e—caprolactam—blocked, trifunctional trimer of isophorone diisocyanate. The description herein of the cross—linking agents as "blocked isocyanates" refers to compounds which contain at least two isocyanato groups which are blocked with, i.e., reacted with, another compound, e.g., e—caprolactam. The reaction of the isocyanato groups with the blocking compound is reversible at elevated temperatures, e.g., normally about 150°C, and above, at which temperature the isocyanato groups are available to react with the hydroxyl groups present on the free hydroxy groups of the polyester to form urethane linkages. Alternatively, the blocked isocyanate may be a cross—linking effective amount of an adduct of the 1,3— diazetidine—2,4— ione dimer of isophorone diisocyanate and a diol having the structure

wherein

R¹ is a divalent 1-methylene-l,3,3-trimethyl-5- cyclohexyl radical, i.e., a radical having the structure

R² is a divalent aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic residue of a diol; and X is a 1,3—diazetidine—2,4—dionediyl radical, i.e., a radical having the structure

wherein the ratio of NCO to OH groups in the forma¬ tion of the adduct is about 1:0.5 to 1:0.9, the mole ratio of diazetidinedione to diol is from 2:1 to 6:5, the content of free isocyanate groups in the adduct is not greater than 8 weight percent and the adduct has a molecular weight of about 500 to 4000 and a melting point of about 70 to 130°C.

The adducts of the 1,3—diazetidine—2,4—dione dimer of isophorone diisocyanate and a diol are prepared according to the procedures described in U.S. Patent No. 4,413,079, incorporated herein by reference, by reacting the diazetidine dimer of isophorone diisocyanate, prefer- ably free of isocyanurate trimers of isophorone diiso¬ cyanate, with diols in a ratio of reactants which gives as isocyanto:hydroxyl ratio of about 1:0.5 to 1:0.9, preferably 1:0.6 to 1:0.8. The adduct preferably has a molecular weight of 1450 to 2800 and a melting point of about 85 to 120°C. The preferred diol reactant is 1,4- butanediol. Such an adduct is commercially available under the name Hϋls BF1540.

The amount of the blocked isocyanate cross—linking compound (or other crosslinker) present in the composi— tions of this invention can be varied depending on several factors such as those mentioned hereinabove relative to the amount of components (a) and (b) which are utilized. Typically, the amount of cross—linking compound which will effectively cross—link the polymers to produce coatings having a good combination of properties is in the range of about 5 to 30 weight percent, preferably 15 to 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of components (a) and (b) .

An example of a glycoluril powder coating composition of this invention is one comprised of:

(a) a blend of hydroxyl functional amorphous/semi— crystalline polyester resin described above;

(b) a crosslinking agent from the glycoluril family of "a inoplast" crosslinking agents, such as tetramethoxymethyl glycoluril commercially available as POWDERLINK 1174 from

American Cyanamid; and

(c) optionally a catalyst such as toluenesulfonic acid or methyltolyl sulfonimide.

Examples of powder coating compositions prepared from carboxyl functional resins are; (1) a weatherable epoxy system such as a TGIC (triglycidylisocyanurate) system and (2) the activated β—hydroxylalkyl amide—based system. An example of an epoxy system is:

(a) a carboxyl functional amorphous/ semi- crystalline polyester blend described above, and as crosslinker,

(b) a weatherable epoxy such as triglycidyl¬ isocyanurate (TGIC) commercially available as ARALDITE PT—810 sold by Ciba Geigy, or alternatively, an acrylic resin containing pendant reactive epoxy functional groups, such as the glycidyl group, e.g., glycidyl methacrylate polymer available from S.C. Johnson as PD 7610.

An example of an activated β—hydroxylalkyl amide system is:

(a) a carboxyl functional amorphous/ semi- crystalline polyester blend described above,

(b) an activated β-hydroxylalkyl amide such as Bis(N,N—dihydroxyethyl)adipamide commercially available from Rohm and Haas as PRIMID XL552.

In the activated β—hydroxylalkyl amide system above, it is further preferred that a catalyst comprised of a carboxylate salt of a metal such as zinc, aluminum, or titanium, or an oxide of aluminum or zinc is present. Especially preferred as a catalyst is zinc stearate. Further description of catalyst systems for an activated β—hydroxylalkyl amide system can be found in U.S. Application Serai No. 08/084,104, filed on this date, incorporated herein by reference.

As noted above, components (a) and (b) may be a mixture of carboxyl and hydroxyl functional resins.

Thus, in a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a thermosetting coating composition comprising a blend comprising

g_jBsnwmsHEEuaω²⁶- (b) a semicrystalline polyester comprised of residues of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and a linear diol, said linear diol having 4, 6, 8, or 10 carbon atoms, said semicrystalline polyester having a Tm of about 60°-160°C and a hydroxyl or an acid number of about 30 to 80; provided that when (a) has an acid number of 30 to 80, (b) has an acid number of 30 to 80, and when (a) has a hydroxyl number of 30 to 80, (b) has a hydroxyl number of 30 to 80; and

(c) a cross—linking effective amount of a cross- linking agent.

The 1,4—CHDA used for the preparation of the resin which is labeled "CA" in the experimental section below has a cis/trans ratio of about 60/40. Dimethyl trans— 1,4—cyclohexanedicarboxylate, which has a trans isomer of at least 70% is used for the preparation of the resins labeled "CC" and "HC" in the experimental section.

The powder coating compositions of this invention may be prepared from the compositions described herein by dry—mixing and then melt—blending components (a) and (b) and the cross—linking compound, optionally a cross- linking catalyst, along with other additives commonly used in powder coatings, and then grinding the solidified blend to a particle size, e.g., an average particle size in the range of about 10 to 300 microns, suitable for producing powder coatings. For example, the ingredients of the powder coating composition may be dry blended and then melt blended in a Brabender extruder at 90° to 130°C, granulated and finally ground. The melt blending should be carried out at a temperature sufficiently low to prevent the unblocking of the polyisocyanate cross—linking compound and thus avoiding premature cross—linking.

The powder coating compositions preferably contain a flow aid, also referred to as flow control or leveling agents, to enhance the surface appearance of cured coatings of the powder coating compositions. Such flow aids typically comprise acrylic polymers and are avail¬ able from several suppliers, e.g., Modaflow from Monsanto Company and Acronal from BASF. Other flow control agents which may be used include Modarez MFP available from Synthron, EX 486 available from Troy Chemical, BYK 360P available from BYK Mallinkrodt and Perenol F—30—P available from Henkel. An example of one specific flow aid is an acrylic polymer having a molecular weight of about 17,000 and containing 60 mole percent 2—ethylhexyl methacrylate residues and about 40 mole percent ethyl acrylate residues. The amount of flow aid present may preferably be in the range of about 0.5 to 4.0 weight percent, based on the total weight of the resin component, and the cross—linking agent.

The powder coating compositions may be deposited on various metallic and non—metallic (e.g., thermoplastic or thermoset composite) substrates by known techniques for powder deposition such as by means of a powder gun, by electrostatic deposition or by deposition from a fluidized bed. In fluidized bed sintering, a preheated article is immersed into a suspension of the powder coating in air. The particle size of the powder coating composition normally is in the range of 60 to 300 microns. The powder is maintained in suspension by passing air through a porous bottom of the fluidized bed chamber. The articles to be coated are preheated to about 250° to 400°F (about 121° to 205°C) and then brought into contact with the fluidized bed of the powder coating composition. The contact time depends on the thickness of the coating that is to be produced and typically is from 1 to 12 seconds. The temperature of the substrate being coated causes the powder to flow and thus fuse together to form a smooth, uniform, continuous, uncratered coating. The temperature of the preheated article also effects cross—linking of the coating composition and results in the formation of a tough coating having a good combination of properties. Coatings having a thickness between 200 and 500 microns may be produced by this method.

The compositions also may be applied using an electrostatic process wherein a powder coating composi¬ tion having a particle size of less than 100 microns, preferably about 15 to 50 microns, is blown by means of compressed air into an applicator in which it is charged with a voltage of 30 to 100 kV by high—voltage direct current. The charged particles then are sprayed onto the grounded article to be coated to which the particles adhere due to the electrical charge thereof. The coated article is heated to melt and cure the powder particles. Coatings of 40 to 120 microns thickness may be obtained.

Another method of applying the powder coating compositions is the electrostatic fluidized bed process which is a combination of the two methods described above. For example, annular or partially annular electrodes are mounted in the air feed to a fluidized bed so as to produce an electrostatic charge such as 50 to 100 kV. The article to be coated, either heated, e.g., 250° to 400°F, or cold, is exposed briefly to the fluidized powder. The coated article then can be heated to effect cross—linking if the article was not preheated to a temperature sufficiently high to cure the coating upon contact of the coating particles with the article. The powder coating compositions of this invention may be used to coat articles of various shapes and sizes constructed of heat-resistance materials such as glass, ceramic and various metal materials. The compositions are especially useful for producing coatings on articles constructed of metals and metal alloys, particularly steel articles. As noted above, since the compositions provided by the present invention cure at temperatures as low as 115°C, it is also possible to coat many thermoplastic and thermosetting resin compositions with the compositions of the present invention. Further examples of formulation methods, additives, and methods of powder coating application may be found in User's Guide to Powder Coating. 2nd Ed. , Emery Miller, editor. Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Dearborn, (1987) . The compositions and coatings of this invention are further illustrated by the following examples.

Experimental Section

The inherent viscosity (I.V.), in dl/g were determined in phenol/tetrachloroethane (60/40 w w) at a concentration of 0.5g/100 ml.

The resin melt viscosity, in poise, were determined using an ICI melt viscometer at 200°C. The acid number and hydroxyl number were determined by titration and reported as mg of KOH consumed for each gram of resin.

The glass transition temperature (Tg) , was determined by differential scanning calori etry (DSC) on the second heating cycle scanning at 20°C/minute after the sample has been heated to melt and quenched to below the resin Tg. Tg values are reported as midpoint.

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn) are determined by gel permeation chromatography in tetrahydrofuran (THF) using polystyrene standard and a UV detector.

Impact strengths are determined using a Gardner Laboratory,Inc. , impact tester per ASTM D 2794—84.

Pencil hardness is determined using ASTM D 3363-74. The hardness is reported as the hardest pencil which will not cut into the coating. The results are expressed according to the following scale: (softest)6B,5B,4B,3B,2B,B,HB,F,H,2H,3H,4H,5H,6H (hardest) . The conical mandrel is performed using a Gardener Laboratory Inc., conical mandrel of specified size according to ASTM-522.

The 20 and 60 degree gloss are measured using a gloss meter (Gardener Laboratory, Inc. Model GC-9095) according to ASTM D—523.

The QUV resistance is measured by the loss of gloss. QUV is run by alternately exposing the coated panel at 70°C to a 313 nm fluorescent tube for 8 hours followed by a condensation at 45°C for 4 hours. Gloss is monitored every 100 hours of exposure. The number of hours needed to reduce the 60° gloss to 50% of the original is reported.

Carboxyl Resins

Carboxyl Resin CA

To a 1000 ml, 3—neck round bottom flask were added 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-l,3-cyclobutanediol (204.5 g, 1.418 moles), 2,2-dimethyl-l,3-propanediol (66.1 g, 0.635 moles), trimethylolpropane (8.5 g, 0.063 moles) and Fascat 4100 (0.6 g) . The contents were heated to melt at 180°C and 1,4—cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (328.2 g, 1.908 moles) is added. The flask was swept with 1.0 scfh nitrogen while the temperatures was raised from 180°C to 230°C over a 6-hour period. The batch temperature was maintained at 230°C for 8 hours. The resulting resin has an acid number of 3 mg KOH/g and an ICI melt viscosity of 15 poise at 200°C. 1,4—Cycle— hexanedicarboxylic acid (70.0 g) is added at 230°C and the melt was agitated at 230°C for 4 hours. The molten resin was poured to a syrup can where it cooled to a solid with the following properties:

I.V. 0.237 dl/g

ICI Melt Viscosity at 200°C 52 poise

Acid Number 37

Hydroxyl Number 3 DSC (2nd cycle) Tg 58°C Gel permeation chromatography

MW 11,047

Mn 3,308

Carboxyl Resin CB

To a 3000 ml, 3—neck round bottom flask were added hydrogenated bisphenol A (726.5 g, 3.027 moles), 2,2— dimethyl—1,3—propanediol (326.4 g, 2.847 moles) and trimethylolpropane (24.3 g, 0.183 moles) and FASCAT 4100 (1.8 g) . The contents were heated to melt at 180°C. 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (951.7 g, 5.526 moles) was added. The flask was swept with 1.0 scfh nitrogen while the temperatures was raised from 180°C to 230°C over a 6—hour period. The batch temperature was maintained at 230°C for 8 hours. The resin has an acid number of 3 mg KOH/g and an ICI melt viscosity of 15 poise at 2P0^oC. 1,4—Cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (238.2 g) was added at 230°C and the melt agitated at 230°C for 4 hours. The molten resin was poured to a syrup can where it cooled to a solid with the following properties:

I.V. 0.174 dl/g ICI Melt Viscosity at 200°C 31 poise

Acid Number 47

Hydroxyl Number 5 DSC (2nd cycle)

Tg 60°C Gel permeation chromatography

Mw 6,263

Mn 1,904

Carboxyl Resin CC

This example illustrates the typical procedure for preparing the all—aliphatic semi—crystalline polyester of this invention. A 3000 mL, 3—necked, round bottom flask equipped with a stirrer, a short distillation column, and an inlet for nitrogen, was charged with dimethyl cycle— hexanedicarboxylate (1280.8 g, 6.40 mol), 1,4—butanediol (692.9g 7.683 mol, 10% excess), and 100 ppm of titanium tetraisopropoxide in 2—propanol. The flask and contents were heated under nitrogen atmosphere to a temperature of 170°C at which point methanol begins to distill rapidly from the flask. After the reaction mixture was heated with stirring at this temperature for about 1 hour, the temperature was increased to 200°C for 2 hours, raised to 215°C for 4 hours, and then to 235°C After 3 hours at this temperature, a vacuum of 10 mm of mercury was applied over a period of 12 minutes. Stirring was continued under 10 mm of mercury at 235°C for about 3 hours to produce a low melt viscosity. colorless polymer. The resulting polymer was cooled to 200°C and 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (228.7 g, 1.33 mol) was added. Heating with stirring was continued for about 4 hours to produce a resin with an inherent viscosity of 0.21, a melting point of 134°C, an acid number of 47, and a molecular weight by GPC of 2200.

Example Powder IA — Powder Coating from 70/30 Resin CA/CC and β—hydroxylalkylamide

This example provides a coating with excellent UV resistance and excellent impact resistance.

Carboxyl Resin CA (260 g) , Resin CC (112 g) , PRIMID XL552 (28.0 g) , MODAFLO 2000 (6.0 g) , benzoin (1.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (200.0 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 130°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows:

Film thickness, Mil 2.2

Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 160

Reverse 160 Pencil Hardness F Gloss

20 deg 57

60 deg 86 MEK double rubs more than 200 QUV, hours to 50% loss >2300 hrs.

Example Powder 2A - Powder Coating from 50/50 Resin

CA/CC and β—hydroxylalkylamide

This example provides a coating with excellent UV resistance and excellent impact.

Resin CA (186 g) , resin CC (186 g) , PRIMID XL552 (28.0 g) , MODAFLOW 2000 (6.0 g) , benzoin (1.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (200.0 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 130°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows: Film thickness. Mil 2.2 Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 160

Reverse 160 Pencil Hardness HB Gloss

20 deg 47

60 deg 81 MEK double rubs more than 200 QUV, hours to 50% loss 1600

Example Powder 3B Powder Coating from 70/30 Resin CB/CC and β—hydroxylalkylamide

Resin CB (260 g) , Resin CC (112 g) , PRIMID XL552 (28.0 g) , MODAFLOW 2000 (6.0 g) , benzoin (1.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (200.0 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 130°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows:

Film thickness, Mil 2.3

Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 160

Reverse 160 Pencil Hardness HB

Gloss

20 deg 62

60 deg 88

MEK double rubs more than 200 QUV, hours to 50% loss >2600

Example Powder 4B — Powder Coating from 50/50 Resin

CB/CC and β—hydroxylalkylamide

Resin CB (186 g) , Resin CC (186 g) , PRIMID XL552 (28.0 g) , MODAFLOW 2000 (6.0 g) , benzoin (1.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (200.0 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 130°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen.

The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows: Film thickness, Mil 2.0

Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 160

Reverse 160 Pencil Hardness 2B

Gloss

20 deg 47

60 deg 83

MEK double rubs more than 200 QUV, hours to 50% loss 1900

Comparative Example 5A — Powder Coating from Resin CA and β—hydroxylalkylamide

This comparative example provides a coating with excellent UV resistance but poor impact.

Resin CA (372 g) , PRIMID XL552 (28.0 g) , MODAFLOW 2000 (4.0 g) , benzoin (1.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) ,

TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (200.0 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 130°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows:

Film thickness, Mil 2.2

Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 40

Reverse 20 Pencil Hardness H

Gloss

20 deg 68

60 deg 89

MEK double rubs 200 QUV, hours to 50% loss 2200

Comparative Example 6B — Powder Coating from Resin CB and β—hydroxylalkylamide

This comparative example provides a coating with excellent UV resistance but poor impact (40/20 front/reverse) . Carboxyl Resin CB (372 g) , PRIMID XL552 (28.0 g) , MODAFLOW III (6.0 g) , benzoin (1.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (200.0 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 130°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows: Film thickness, Mil 2.0 Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 40

Reverse 20 Pencil Hardness F Gloss

20 deg 72

60 deg 88 MEK double rubs 200 QUV, hours to 50% loss >1600

Comparative Example 7 — Powder Coating from Commercial

Rucote 915 and β—hydroxyl¬ alkylamide

This comparative example shows that aromatic resin has fair impact but poor UV resistance.

Carboxyl resin RUCOTE 915 (379.0 g) , PRIMID XL552 (21.0 g) , MODAFLOW III (4.0 g) , benzoin (1.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (200.0 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 130°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows: Film thickness, Mil 2.0

Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 40

Reverse 80 Pencil Hardness F

Gloss

20 deg 78

60 deg 95

MEK double rubs 200 QUV, hours to 50% loss 230

Comparative Example 8 — Powder Coating from Commercial

Resin EMS GRILESTA 7612 and β—hydroxyalkylamide

This comparative example shows that aromatic resin has good impact but poor UV resistance. Carboxyl resin EMS GILESTA 7612 (379.0 g) , PRIMID XL552 (21.0 g) , MODAFLOW III ( 4.0 g) , benzoin (1.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (200.0 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 130°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows: Film thickness, Mil 21.1

Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 160

Reverse 160 Pencil Hardness H

Gloss

20 deg 73

60 deg 92

MEK double rubs 200 QUV, hours to 50% loss 250

Comparative Example 9 - Powder Coatings from Carboxyl

Resin EMS GRILESTA 7309 and TGIC

This example shows aromatic resin with TGIC has good impact but poor UV resistance.

Carboxyl EMS GILESTA 7309 (372.0 g) , Triglycidyl- isocyanurate (TGIC) (28.0 g) , MODAFLOW III (4.0 g) , benzoin (1.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (5.6 g) , TINUVIN 234 (5.6 g) , and titanium dioxide (160.0 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 130°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electro¬ statically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows: Film thickness, Mil 1.9

Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 160

Reverse 160 Pencil Hardness H

Gloss

20 deg 63

60 deg 82

MEK double rubs 200 QUV, hours to 50% loss 250

Hvdroxyl Resins

Hydroxyl Resin HA

To a 1000 ml, 3-neck round bottom flask were added 2,2,4,4—tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (209.0 g, 1.450 moles), 2,2-dimethyl-l,3—propanediol (36.1 g, 0.347 moles), trimethylolpropane (18.1 g, 0.135 moles) and FASCAT 4100 (0.5 g) . The contents were heated to melt at 180°C and 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (306.5 g, 1.780 moles) is added. The flask was swept with 1.0 scfh nitrogen while the temperatures was raised from 180°C to 230°C over a 6—hour period. The batch temperature was maintained at 230°C for 8 hours. The molten resin was poured to a syrup can where it cooled to a solid with the following properties:

I.V. 0.249

ICI Melt Viscosity at 200°C poise

Acid Number 2.6

Hydroxyl Number 28.0 DSC (2nd cycle)

Tg 49°C Gel permeation chromatography

Mw 19,841

Mn 4,750

Hydroxyl Resin HB

To a 1000 ml, 3—neck round bottom flask were added 2,2,4,4-tetramethy1-1,3—cyclobutanediol (209.0 g, 1.450 moles), 2,2—dimethyl—1,3—propanediol (40.2 g, 0.387 moles), trimethylolpropane (12.7 g, 0.095 moles) and Fascat 4100 (0.5 g) . The content was heated to melt at 180°C and 1,4—cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (307.2 g, 1.784 moles) was added. The flask was swept with 1.0 scfh nitrogen while the temperatures was raised from 180°C to 230°C over a 6—hour period. The batch temperature was maintained at 230°C for 8 hours. The molten resin was poured to a syrup can where it cooled to a solid with the following properties:

I.V. 0.233

ICI Melt Viscosity at 200°C poise

Acid Number 3.4

Hydroxyl Number 42.4 DSC (2nd cycle)

Tg 47°C Gel permeation chromatography

Mw 16,233

Mn 3,806

Hydroxyl Resin HC

This example illustrates the typical procedure for preparing the aliphatic semi—crystalline polyesters of this invention which are in this example, hydroxyl—functional. A 3000 mL, 3—necked, round—bottom flask equipped with a stirrer, a short distillation column, and an inlet for nitrogen, was charged with dimethyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate (1259.7 g, 6.29 mol), 1,4—butanediol (997.5 g, 11.08 mol), trimethylolpropane (73.9 g, 0.55 moles) and 10 mL of titanium tetraiso— propoxide/2-propanol solution (100 ppm Ti) . The flask and contents were heated under nitrogen atmosphere to a temperature of 170°C at which point methanol began to distill rapidly from the flask. After the reaction mixture was heated with stirring at this temperature for about 1 hour, the temperature was increased to 200°C for 2 hours, raised to 215°C for 4 hours, and then to 235°C. After 3 hours at this temperature, a vacuum of 10 mm of mercury was applied over a period of 18 minutes.

Stirring was continued under 10 mm of mercury at 235°C for about 3 hours to produce a low melt viscosity, colorless polymer. The polymer has an inherent viscosity of 0.30, a melting point of 130°C, and a hydroxyl number of 30. Example Powder 10A — Powder Coating from 50/50 Resin

HA/HC and e—caprolactam Blocked Isophoronediisocyanate

Resin HA (160 g) , Resin HC (160 g) , Huls BF 1540 (80.0 g) , benzoin (6.0 g) , MODAFLOW 2000 (6.0 g) , TINXJVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (160.0 g) were mixed in Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 125°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen.

The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows:

Film thickness, Mil 1.8

Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 160

Reverse 160

Pencil Hardness B Gloss

20 deg 67

60 deg 92

MEK double rubs more than 200

QUV, hours to 50% loss >2300

Example Powder 11A - Powder Coating from 50/50 Resin

HA/HC and Self-blocked Isophoronediisocyanate

Resin HA (160 g) , Resin HC (160 g) , Huls BF 1540 (80.0 g) , benzoin (6.0 g) , MODAFLOW 2000 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (160.0 g) were mixed in Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 125°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows:

Film thickness. Mil 1.8 Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 160 Reverse 160

Pencil Hardness B Gloss

20 deg 63

60 deg 89 MEK double rubs more than 200

QUV, hours to 50% loss >1500

Example Powder 12A — Powder Coating from 50/50 Resin

HB/HC and POWDERLINK 1174 Crosslinker

Resin HB (188 g) , Resin HC (188 g) , POWDERLINK 1174 (24.0 g) , methyl tolyl sulfonimide (5.0 g) , benzoin (6.0 g) , MODAFLOW 2000 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (160.0 g) were mixed in Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 125°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electro¬ statically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows:

Film thickness, Mil 1.9 Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 160 Reverse 160

Pencil Hardness 2B Gloss

20 deg 40

60 deg 85 MEK double rubs more than 200

QUV, hours to 50% loss >1500

Comparative 13A — Powder Coatings from Resin HA and

Caprolactam Blocked Isophoronediisocyanate

This comparative shows that Resin HA produces coating with excellent QUV but poor impact.

Resin HA (415 g) , Huls 1530 (99.4 g) , dibutyltin dilaurate (5.1 g) , benzoin (5.1 g) , MODAFLOW III (7.7 g) , TINUVIN 144 (5.1 g) , TINUVIN 234 (5.1 g) , and titanium dioxide (205.7 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 120°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 400°F c /en for 10 minutes. The film properties are as follows: Film thickness, Mil 1.5

Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 40

Reverse 20

Pencil Hardness F

Gloss

20 deg 67

60 deg 85

MEK double rubs 200

QUV, hours to 50% loss of gloss 2100

Comparative 14B — Powder Coatings from Resin HB and

POWDERLINK 1174 Crosslinker

This comparative shows that HB produces coating with excellent QUV but poor impact.

Resin HB (376 g) , POWDERLINK 1174 (24.0 g) , methyl tolyl sulfonimide (5.0 g) , benzoin (4.0 g) , MODAFLOW

2000 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (160.0 g) were mixed in Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 125°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder was electrostatically applied to a 3 in. x 9 in. metal panel and cured in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows:

Film thickness, Mil 1.8

Impact strength, (in, ./lb)

Front 20

Reverse <20

Pencil Hardness H

Gloss

20 deg 73

60 deg 93

MEK double rubs 200

QUV, hours to 5Cι% loss of gloss >1500

Comparative Example 15 — Powder Coatings from Hydroxyl

RUCOTE 107 and e—Caprolactam Blocked Isophoronediisocyanate

This comparative shows commercial aromatic resin produces coating with good impact but poor QUV. RUCOTE 107 (800 g) , Huls 1530 (200.0 g) , benzoin (10.0 g) , MODAFLOW III (10.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (14.3 g) , TINUVIN 234 (14.3 g) , and titanium dioxide (400.0 g) were mixed in a Henschel mixer and compounded in an ZSK 30 extruder. The extruder temperature profile was Feed zone = 110°C, die zone = 125°C, and a screw speed of

250 rpm with feeding rate enough to maintain 45% torque. The extrudate was cooled through a chill roll, granulated and pulverized using a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen, electrostatically applied to 3 in. x 9 in. metal panels and cured in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. The film properties are as follows: Film thickness, Mil 2.0

Impact strength, (in./lb)

Front 160

Reverse 160

Pencil Hardness H

Gloss

20 deg 84

60 deg 95

MEK double rubs 200

QUV, hours to 50% loss of gloss 240

Examples 16—26

Carboxyl Resin I

To a 3000 ml, 3—neck round bottom flask were added hydrogenated bisphenol A (726.5 g, 3.027 moles), 2,2— dimethyl—1,3—propanediol (326.4 g, 2.847 moles) and trimethylolpropane (24.3 g, 0.183 moles) and FASCAT 4100 (1.8 g) . The contents were heated to melt at 180°C.

1,4—Cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (951.7 g, 5.526 moles) was added. The flask was swept with 1.0 scfh nitrogen while the temperature was raised from 180°C to 230°C over a 6-hour period. The batch temperature was maintained at 230°C for 8 hours. The resulting resin has an acid number of 3 mg KOH/g and an ICI melt viscosity of 15 poise at 200°C. 1,4—Cyclohexane¬ dicarboxylic acid (238.2 g) was added at 230°C and the melt was agitated at 230°C for 4 hours. The molten resin was poured into a syrup can where it cooled to a solid with the following properties: I.V. 0.174 dl/g

ICI Melt Viscosity at 200°C 31 poise

Acid Number 47

Hydroxyl number 5 DSC (2nd cycle)

Tg 60°C Gel permeation chromatography

Mw 6,263

Mn 1,904

Carboxyl Resin II

A 3000 mL, 3-necked, round bottom flask equipped with a stirrer, a short distillation column, and an inlet for nitrogen, was charged with dimethyl cyclohexanedicarboxylate (1280.8 g, 6.40 mol), 1,4— butanediol (692.9 g, 7.683 mol, 10% excess), and 100 ppm of titanium tetraisopropoxide in 2—propanol. The flask and contents were heated under nitrogen atmosphere to a temperature of 170°C at which point methanol began to distill rapidly from the flask. After the reaction mixture was heated with stirring at this temperature for about l hour, the temperature was increased to 200°C for 2 hours, raised to 215°C for 4 hours, and then to 235°C. After 3 hours at this temperature, a vacuum of 10 mm of mercury was applied over a period of 12 minutes.

Stirring was continued under 10 mm of mercury at 235°C for about 3 hours to produce a low melt viscosity, colorless polymer. The resulting polymer was cooled to 200°C and 1,4—cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (228.7 g, 1.33 mol) was added. Heating with stirring was continued for about 4 hours to produce a resin with an inherent viscosity of 0.21, a melting point of 134°C, an acid number of 47, and a molecular weight by GPC of 2200. Powder coating composition Examples 16 through 22. Powder coatings from 50/50 Resin I/II and 0-hydroxylalkylamide.

Resin I (186 g) , Resin II (186 g) , PRIMID XL552

(28.0 g) , MODAFLOW 2000 flow aid (6.0 g) , benzoin (1.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (6.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (6.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (200.0 g) were mixed in a Vitamix mixer and compounded in an APV extruder at 130°C. The extrudate was cooled, granulated, and pulverized in a

Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. The powder coating described above was mixed with specified amount of catalyst in a Micromill for about 1 minute and the gel time of the resulting powder was determined. The table below demonstrates that gel time changes with variety and amount of catalyst.

POWDER # CATALYST WT% CONCENTRATION GEL TIME SECONDS

16 None (control) 0 235

17 Zinc Acetate 1.0 147

18 Zinc Acetate 2.0 137

19 Zinc Stearate 1.0 189

20 Zinc Stearate 3.6 156

21 Titanium 1.0 Ti 128 Isopropoxide

22 Zinc Oxide 1.0 163

Thermosetting powder coating composition Examples 23 through 26. Powder coatings from 50/50 Resin I/II, /ϊ-hydroxylalkylamide and zinc stearate coextruded.

Resin I (372 g) , Resin II (372 g) , PRIMID XL552 (56.0 g) , zinc stearate (amount specified in table below), MODAFLOW 2000 (12.0 g) , benzoin (2.0 g) , TINUVIN 144 (12.0 g) , TINUVIN 234 (12.0 g) , and titanium dioxide (400.0 g) were mixed in a Henschel mixer and compounded in an ZSK 30 extruder. The extruder temperature profile was Feed zone = 110°C, die zone = 110°C, and a screw speed of 400 rpm. The extrudate was cooled through a chill roll, granulated and pulverized using a Bantam mill with liquid nitrogen bled into the grinding chamber. The powder was classified through a 200 mesh screen. Gel time taken from these powders are listed below.

POWDER # CATALYST GRAM GEL TIME SECONDS

23 None (control) 0 245

24 Zinc Acetate 12.0 188

25 Zinc Stearate 12.0 197

26 Zinc Stearate 43.0 169

Claims

CLAIMSe claim:

1. A thermosetting coating composition comprising

(b) a semicrystalline polyester comprised of residues of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and a linear diol, said linear diol having 4, 6, 8 or 10 carbon atoms, said semicrystalline polyester having a Tm of about 60—160°C and a hydroxyl or an acid number of about 30—80; and

(c) a cross—linking effective amount of a cross¬ linking agent.

A thermosetting coating composition comprising

(b) a semicrystalline polyester comprised of residues of cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid and a linear diol, said linear diol having 4, 6, 8 or 10 carbon atoms, said semicrystalline polyester having a Tm of about 60—160°C and a hydroxyl or an acid number of about 30—80; provided that when (a) has an acid number of 30 to 80, (b) has an acid number of 30 to 80, and when (a) has a hydroxyl number of 30 to 80, (b) has a hydroxyl number of 30 to 80; and

(c) a cross—linking effective amount of a cross— linking agent.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the cycloaliphatic diol is selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated bisphenol A; 2,2,4,4— tetramethyl—1,3—cyclobutanediol; tricyclodecane dimethanol; and 1,4—cyclohexanediol.

4. The composition of claim 2, wherein the cycloaliphatic diol is selected from the group consisting of 2,2,4,4—tetramethyl—1,3— cyclobutanediol; hydrogenated bisphenol A; and 1,4—cyclohexanediol.

5. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein component (b) is further comprised of about 1 to about 12 weight percent of residues of trimethylolpropane, based on the weight of component (b) .

6. The composition of claim 2, wherein component (a) has a hydroxyl number of about 30 to 80; component

(b) has a hydroxyl number of about 30 to 80; and component (c) is a blocked isocyanate, a glycoluril, or a melamine type crosslinker.

7. The composition of claim 2 or 6, wherein the blocked isocyanate is selected from the group consisting of e-caprolactam—blocked isophoronediisocyanate; e—caprolactam-blocked toluene 2,4—diisocyanate; and the self—blocked uretidione of isophoronediisocyanate.

8. The composition of claim 2, wherein component (a) has an acid number of about 30 to 80; component (b) has an acid number of about 30 to 80; and component (c) is an epoxy compound or resin or a β—hydroxyl¬ alkyl amide.

9. The composition of claim 2 or 8, wherein component (c) is triglycidylisocyanurate or Bis(N,N— dihydroxyethy1)adipamide.

10. A shaped or formed article coated with the cured composition of claim 1.

11. A shaped or formed article coated with the cured composition of claim 2.