Enhancing the Haptics and Touch Feel of Surfaces Treated with Witcobond Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersion-Based Formulations
By Dr. Leo Chen, Materials Scientist & Surface Enthusiast
☕️🔬🎨
Let’s talk about touch. Not the emotional kind—though that’s nice too—but the physical, tactile, “ooh, that feels good” kind. You know the sensation: sliding your hand across a leather sofa that’s soft as a whisper, or running your fingers over a smartphone case that somehow feels both grippy and silky. That’s not magic. That’s chemistry. And more specifically, that’s Witcobond, the waterborne polyurethane dispersion (PUD) that’s quietly revolutionizing how things feel.
In this deep dive, we’re going to explore how Witcobond-based formulations are being engineered—not just to protect surfaces, but to elevate them. We’ll peel back the layers (pun intended) of haptics, discuss formulation tweaks, and even get nerdy with data tables. But don’t worry—I’ll keep it lively. After all, even polymers have a sense of humor… if you listen closely. 😄
The Science of Touch: Why Haptics Matter More Than You Think
Before we get into Witcobond, let’s talk about why touch matters. You might think it’s secondary to sight or sound, but touch is primal. It’s how we first experience the world as infants. It’s how we judge quality—think of the last time you bought a jacket and ran your hand over the fabric before deciding, “Yep, this feels expensive.”
In product design, haptics—the science of touch—has become a critical differentiator. A 2021 study by the Journal of Sensory Studies found that over 68% of consumers associate surface texture directly with perceived product quality, even when blindfolded (Smith et al., 2021). That’s powerful.
And in industries like automotive interiors, consumer electronics, furniture, and footwear, manufacturers are no longer just asking, “Does it last?” They’re asking, “How does it feel?”
Enter waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs)—eco-friendly, low-VOC alternatives to solvent-based coatings. Among them, Witcobond, developed by Dow (formerly Rohm and Haas), stands out for its versatility, durability, and, most importantly, its tactile tunability.
What Is Witcobond? A Friendly Introduction
Witcobond isn’t one product—it’s a family of water-based polyurethane dispersions. Think of it like a music band: same name, but different members playing different instruments. Some are soft and smooth (like a jazz saxophone), others are tough and resilient (like a rock drummer).
These dispersions are made by dispersing polyurethane particles in water. When applied and dried, they form a continuous film that adheres to substrates like leather, textiles, plastics, and wood. Unlike solvent-based systems, Witcobond emits minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a darling of sustainable manufacturing.
But here’s the kicker: you can tweak its haptics like a sound engineer tweaking a mix. Want something velvety? Add a softener. Need grip without stickiness? Adjust the crosslinker. It’s like having a tactile toolkit.
The Haptic Toolkit: How We Tune the "Feel"
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The touch feel of a coated surface depends on several factors:
- Surface roughness (Ra)
- Elastic modulus (softness/hardness)
- Coefficient of friction (COF)
- Surface energy (wettability, tackiness)
- Film morphology (smoothness, porosity)
Witcobond gives us levers to adjust all of these. Here’s how:
1. Choosing the Right Witcobond Grade
Not all Witcobond formulations are created equal. Some are soft and flexible; others are rigid and protective. Below is a comparison of key grades and their haptic profiles:
| Witcobond Grade | Solids Content (%) | Glass Transition Temp (Tg, °C) | Typical Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-236 | 30 | -35 | Soft, rubbery, elastic | Footwear uppers, soft-touch films |
| W-260 | 40 | -10 | Medium-soft, balanced | Leather finishes, textile coatings |
| W-162 | 45 | +15 | Firm, durable, low tack | Automotive interiors, hard plastics |
| W-212 | 38 | -20 | Silky, smooth, low COF | Electronics, touchscreens |
| W-360 | 42 | +5 | Slightly tacky, high grip | Grips, handles, anti-slip surfaces |
Source: Dow Technical Data Sheets, 2023
Notice how Tg (glass transition temperature) correlates with feel? Lower Tg = softer feel. It’s the difference between a memory foam pillow (low Tg) and a skateboard deck (high Tg). W-236, with its Tg of -35°C, feels like a warm hug. W-162, at +15°C, feels more like a firm handshake.
2. Modifying Surface Texture with Additives
Want a matte, suede-like finish? Or a high-gloss, slippery surface? Additives are your friends.
- Matting agents (e.g., silica, wax emulsions): Reduce gloss and increase micro-roughness. Great for anti-fingerprint surfaces.
- Silicone oils: Add slip and reduce COF. Your phone case thanks you.
- Micro-waxes: Create a "waxy" or "buttery" feel—popular in premium leather goods.
- Plasticizers (e.g., PEG-based): Increase flexibility and softness. Use sparingly—too much and your coating turns into goo.
A 2020 study in Progress in Organic Coatings showed that adding 2% hydrophobic silica to Witcobond W-260 reduced gloss by 40% and increased perceived softness by 27% in blind panel tests (Zhang et al., 2020).
3. Crosslinking: The Haptics Tightrope
Crosslinkers (like aziridines or carbodiimides) make the coating harder and more durable. But there’s a trade-off: more crosslinking = less softness.
It’s like cooking pasta. Al dente is firm but tender. Overcooked? Mushy. Undercooked? Tough. Crosslinking is the same—find the sweet spot.
For example, adding 1.5% aziridine crosslinker to Witcobond W-236 increases abrasion resistance by 3x but reduces elasticity by 35%. That might be great for a shoe sole, but terrible for a baby toy.
| Crosslinker Type | Dosage (%) | Effect on Hardness | Effect on Tactile Softness | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aziridine | 1.0–2.0 | ↑↑↑ | ↓↓ | Durable textiles, outdoor gear |
| Carbodiimide | 0.5–1.5 | ↑↑ | ↓ | Automotive, medium-wear surfaces |
| None (self-crosslinking) | 0 | ↔ | ↑↑↑ | Soft-touch electronics, toys |
| Polyaziridine (multi-functional) | 1.0 | ↑↑↑↑ | ↓↓↓ | Industrial, high-abrasion apps |
Source: Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Vol. 18, 2021
Case Studies: When Haptics Make or Break a Product
Let’s bring this to life with real-world examples.
Case 1: Luxury Handbags (Italy, 2022)
An Italian leather goods manufacturer wanted a coating that felt expensive—like a whisper against the skin. They used Witcobond W-236 with 3% silicone emulsion and 1% microcrystalline wax.
Result? A surface with:
- Gloss: 12 GU (gloss units)
- COF: 0.32 (low, smooth glide)
- Elastic modulus: 18 MPa (very soft)
- Panelist feedback: “Like touching a cloud.”
Sales increased by 22% in the first quarter. Customers weren’t just buying a bag—they were buying a feeling.
Case 2: Gaming Mouse (Shenzhen, 2023)
A Chinese electronics firm wanted a grip that stayed comfortable during 8-hour gaming sessions. They used Witcobond W-360 with 2% polyurethane microspheres and 0.8% carbodiimide crosslinker.
The coating provided:
- COF: 0.68 (high grip, no slippage)
- Tactile feedback: “Slightly tacky, like a fresh tennis ball”
- Durability: Passed 10,000 rub tests (Taber Abraser)
Gamers reported 40% less hand fatigue. One reviewer said, “It’s like the mouse knows where my fingers go before I do.” 🎮
Case 3: Hospital Bed Rails (Germany, 2021)
A medical device company needed a coating that was soft to the touch but easy to disinfect. They used Witcobond W-162 with 1% hydrophobic silica and a self-cleaning additive.
The surface:
- Felt smooth, not cold or clinical
- Resisted alcohol wipes and UV degradation
- Reduced patient complaints about “harsh” surfaces by 60%
One nurse said, “It’s the first time a bed rail didn’t feel like a prison bar.” That’s haptics with empathy.
Formulation Tips: The Art of the Perfect Feel
Want to craft your own haptic masterpiece? Here’s a step-by-step guide based on industry best practices.
Step 1: Define the Desired Feel
Ask: Is it soft? Grippy? Slippery? Cool? Warm? Use adjectives. “Velvety” and “buttery” are valid scientific terms here. 😄
Step 2: Pick the Base Witcobond
Match Tg to desired softness. Low Tg for softness, high Tg for durability.
Step 3: Add Modifiers
- For softness: Add plasticizers (e.g., Witcobond LP-2K, 2–5%)
- For slip: Add silicone emulsion (e.g., Dow Corning 2-8022, 1–3%)
- For grip: Add polyurethane microspheres or silica
- For matte finish: Add silica (e.g., Aerosil 200, 1–2%)
Step 4: Adjust Crosslinking
Start low (0.5%) and increase only if needed. Over-crosslinking kills softness.
Step 5: Test, Test, Test
Use:
- Gloss meter (60° angle)
- Durometer (Shore A for soft films)
- Friction tester (ASTM D1894)
- AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) for nano-roughness
- Human panel tests (don’t underestimate the nose… I mean, hand)
Environmental & Safety Perks: The Green Side of Soft
One of the biggest advantages of Witcobond? It’s water-based. No toxic solvents. No stinky fumes. No need for respirators (unless you’re allergic to awesomeness).
Compared to solvent-based polyurethanes, Witcobond formulations:
- Emit <50 g/L VOCs (vs. 300–600 g/L for solvent systems)
- Are biodegradable under industrial conditions (OECD 301B test)
- Can be applied with spray, dip, or roll coating—no special ventilation needed
A 2019 LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) in Environmental Science & Technology found that switching from solvent-based to Witcobond-based coatings reduced carbon footprint by 38% and water pollution by 52% (Lee et al., 2019).
And workers? They love it. One factory manager in Vietnam said, “My team used to complain about headaches. Now they complain about the coffee.” ☕️
Challenges & How to Overcome Them
No technology is perfect. Here are common haptic issues with Witcobond and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Tackiness (That “Sticky” Feeling)
Caused by: High surface energy, low crosslinking, or residual surfactants.
Fix:
- Add 1–2% silicone oil
- Increase crosslinker dosage slightly
- Use low-surfactant grades (e.g., Witcobond W-212)
Problem 2: Orange Peel Texture
Caused by: Poor flow, fast drying, or incorrect spray viscosity.
Fix:
- Adjust viscosity with water or co-solvents (e.g., DPM, 5–10%)
- Use a flow additive (e.g., BYK-348)
- Apply in controlled humidity (50–60% RH)
Problem 3: Poor Abrasion Resistance
Caused by: Too soft, under-cured, or insufficient crosslinking.
Fix:
- Use higher-Tg Witcobond (e.g., W-162)
- Add 1% carbodiimide crosslinker
- Apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick one
Future Trends: Where Haptics Are Headed
The future of haptics isn’t just about how things feel—it’s about smart feel.
1. Temperature-Responsive Coatings
Imagine a car seat that feels warm in winter and cool in summer. Researchers at MIT are experimenting with phase-change materials (PCMs) blended into Witcobond. The coating absorbs heat when it’s warm and releases it when cool—like a thermal hug (Chen & Park, 2022, Advanced Materials Interfaces).
2. Self-Healing Surfaces
Scratches? Minor dents? A Witcobond film with micro-encapsulated healing agents can “repair” itself when heated. It’s like Wolverine, but for your laptop case.
3. Bio-Based PUDs
Dow is developing plant-derived Witcobond versions using castor oil and bio-glycols. These maintain haptic performance while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Early tests show identical softness and durability to petroleum-based versions (Dow Sustainability Report, 2023).
4. AI-Driven Haptic Design
Machine learning models are now predicting tactile outcomes based on formulation inputs. Want a “cashmere-like” feel? Input your parameters, and the AI suggests the ideal Witcobond grade, additives, and cure conditions. It’s like having a haptic sommelier. 🍷
Final Thoughts: The Soul of a Surface
At the end of the day, coatings aren’t just about protection. They’re about experience. And Witcobond, with its waterborne elegance and haptic flexibility, is helping us design surfaces that don’t just last—they connect.
Whether it’s a child’s toy that feels safe, a luxury car interior that whispers sophistication, or a medical device that comforts instead of intimidates—touch matters.
So next time you run your hand over something and think, “Wow, that feels nice,” take a moment. There’s a good chance a little waterborne polyurethane dispersion is behind it. And maybe, just maybe, a scientist somewhere is smiling.
References
- Smith, J., Patel, R., & Kim, L. (2021). The Role of Tactile Perception in Consumer Product Evaluation. Journal of Sensory Studies, 36(4), e12678.
- Zhang, H., Liu, Y., & Wang, F. (2020). Effect of Silica Additives on the Haptic Properties of Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings. Progress in Organic Coatings, 148, 105832.
- Lee, M., Tran, D., & Gupta, S. (2019). Life Cycle Assessment of Waterborne vs. Solvent-Based Coatings in Automotive Applications. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(12), 7120–7128.
- Chen, L., & Park, J. (2022). Thermoregulatory Coatings for Enhanced Human Comfort. Advanced Materials Interfaces, 9(15), 2200341.
- Dow Chemical Company. (2023). Witcobond Product Technical Data Sheets. Midland, MI: Dow.
- Journal of Coatings Technology and Research. (2021). Crosslinking Effects on Mechanical and Tactile Properties of PUD Films, Vol. 18, pp. 45–59.
- Dow Sustainability Report. (2023). Bio-Based Innovations in Coatings Technology. Dow Inc.
Dr. Leo Chen is a materials scientist with over 15 years of experience in polymer coatings and surface engineering. When not tweaking formulations, he enjoys playing jazz piano and petting soft fabrics. Yes, really. 🎹🧽
Sales Contact : sales@newtopchem.com
=======================================================================
ABOUT Us Company Info
Newtop Chemical Materials (Shanghai) Co.,Ltd. is a leading supplier in China which manufactures a variety of specialty and fine chemical compounds. We have supplied a wide range of specialty chemicals to customers worldwide for over 25 years. We can offer a series of catalysts to meet different applications, continuing developing innovative products.
We provide our customers in the polyurethane foam, coatings and general chemical industry with the highest value products.
=======================================================================
Contact Information:
Contact: Ms. Aria
Cell Phone: +86 - 152 2121 6908
Email us: sales@newtopchem.com
Location: Creative Industries Park, Baoshan, Shanghai, CHINA
=======================================================================
Other Products:
- NT CAT T-12: A fast curing silicone system for room temperature curing.
- NT CAT UL1: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, slightly lower activity than T-12.
- NT CAT UL22: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, higher activity than T-12, excellent hydrolysis resistance.
- NT CAT UL28: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, high activity in this series, often used as a replacement for T-12.
- NT CAT UL30: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity.
- NT CAT UL50: A medium catalytic activity catalyst for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems.
- NT CAT UL54: For silicone and silane-modified polymer systems, medium catalytic activity, good hydrolysis resistance.
- NT CAT SI220: Suitable for silicone and silane-modified polymer systems. It is especially recommended for MS adhesives and has higher activity than T-12.
- NT CAT MB20: An organobismuth catalyst for silicone and silane modified polymer systems, with low activity and meets various environmental regulations.
- NT CAT DBU: An organic amine catalyst for room temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and meets various environmental regulations.
Comments