Totally recyclable paint
The challenge
Used and unwanted paint is commonly sent to landfill. The incorrect disposal of paint can lead to environmental contamination as a result of the chemicals in the paint leaching into the soil and groundwater.
Our response
CSIRO’s Polymer Chemistry Team has partnered with Dulux to develop a totally recyclable water-based paint resin.
Using reversible cross-linking technology, dried paint no longer needs to be thrown out and can be reconstituted. Painted surfaces can be stripped without the use of harsh chlorinated chemicals.
Impact
The technology has been transferred to Dulux and has further potential applications as an undercoat, primer, sealer, clearcoat and adhesive.
Dried paint
Addition of water-based solvent to the dried paint.
Reconstituted paint.
Find out more about our polymer capability (pdf and word versions).
