Build in humidity resistance with Maxemul™ reactive emulsifiers

Supporting improved humidity resistance in waterborne paints

Increasing exposure to high humidity, rainfall, and variable weather conditions places growing demands on modern waterborne paints. To meet these requirements, formulators need raw materials that support stable emulsions and durable coating films without increasing water sensitivity.

Maxemul™ 6106, Maxemul™ 6112 and Maxemul™ 6112/20 are reactive emulsifiers designed for use in emulsion polymerisation. They support the development of waterborne binders intended for improved resistance to moisture and weathering. While these grades differ slightly in composition and physical form, they are used for similar applications and offer comparable performance benefits.
The inclusion of Maxemul™ 6112/20, a liquid version of Maxemul™ 6112, provides additional handling and formulation flexibility.

Role of reactive emulsifiers in moisture-resistant coatings

Humidity-related performance issues in paints are often linked to the presence and behaviour of conventional surfactants within the dried film. conventional surfactants can contribute to increased water uptake, surface sensitivity, or changes in appearance following exposure to moisture.

Reactive emulsifiers such as Maxemul™ 6106, 6112 and 6112/20 contain polymerisable double bonds, enabling them to become covalently bonded into the latex particle during polymerisation. This reduces their mobility within the dried film and supports the formation of more coherent, durable coatings with improved resistance to moisture.

Contribution of Maxemul™ 6106, 6112 and 6112/20 to weather resistance

Stable emulsion formation

Maxemul™ 6106, 6112 and 6112/20 promote the formation of stable polymer emulsions during latex manufacture.

Reduced sensitivity to moisture

Because these reactive emulsifiers are chemically bound into the polymer structure, they are less prone to migration compared with conventional low-molecular-weight surfactants. This can help:

• Lower water uptake
• Improve resistance to humidity-related defects, such as whitening
• Provide more consistent appearance after exposure

Support for exterior durability

Improved control over surfactant behaviour within the coating film contributes to:

• More consistent appearance following environmental exposure
• Enhanced resistance to humidity-related changes
• Improved durability in exterior or moisture-exposed environments

Formulation flexibility

Both grades are compatible with a wide range of common coating raw materials and can be used across similar polymer systems.

Maxemul™ 6112/20 is supplied as a liquid (20% active), offering:

• Easier handling and dosing
• Simplified incorporation into formulations
• Improved processing convenience, particularly for liquid feed systems

The availability of both solid (6112) and liquid (6112/20, 6106) forms allows formulators to maintain formulation continuity while adapting to processing needs or supply considerations.

Typical applications

• Exterior architectural paints
• Interior paints for moisture-prone areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms
• Waterborne coatings intended for humid or variable climates

Key product characteristics

• Reactive emulsifiers for emulsion polymerisation
• Contain polymerisable functionality enabling covalent bonding to latex particles
• Designed to removes surfactant mobility within the dried film
• Support improved resistance to humidity and weather exposure
• Available in both solid and liquid formats (including Maxemul™ 6112/20)
• Suitable for waterborne paint and coating formulations

Request a sample

To evaluate how Maxemul™ 6106, Maxemul™ 6112 or Maxemul™ 6112/20 can support humidity resistance and durability in your waterborne paint formulations, samples are available on request.

For further technical information or formulation guidance, please contact your local Croda representative.