Self-crosslinking aqueous acetoacetate-functionalized sulfonated alkyd systems

1. Field of the Invention Self-crosslinking aqueous coating compositions are disclosed comprising a water-dispersible alkyd having both sulfonate and acetoacetate functionality, a suitable bi- or poly-functional primary amine, and a monofunctional primary or cycloaliphatic secondary amine. The crosslinking of the composition includes oxidative curing via the fatty acid segments of the alkyd, and crosslinking via reaction between the acetoacetate groups of the alkyd and the primary amine groups of the polyfunctional amine. The aqueous alkyd systems disclosed do not require the presence of amines for the purpose of dispersing the alkyds, while exhibiting superior tack-free and through-dry times when used in coating compositions. Performance levels are achieved that heretofore had required increases in molecular weight and Tg, with a concomitant increase in VOC levels. Also disclosed are methods of making the inventive compositions.