PCI recently asked Holger Hüppeler, Head of the Inorganic Pigments (IPG) business unit at the specialty chemicals company LANXESS, some questions about his first 18 months in his new role, trends in the pigments market and the future direction of the business unit.
The TiO2 industry worldwide is encountering difficulties and challenges short term, although there are some signs of hope. The trade wars, the potential of recession in the European economy, and political tensions in the Middle East are showing up in trade statistics, and they directly relate to TiO2 demand.
The European Coatings Show will focus on trends and technologies covering all aspects of the production of paints, coatings, sealants, construction chemicals and adhesives. For the first time, the show will extend into eight halls. Below is a snapshot of some of the technology that will be presented at this year's ECS.
As you extend the protection of the payload and/or controlled release aspect of microencapsulation, you can look to a future that includes biocides, effect pigments, antioxidants, flame retardants, catalysts and colors, just to name a few.
In its report, Smithers Rapra forecasts the growth of 14 high-performance pigments and specialty pigments – including complex inorganic colored pigments – and tracks how the overall market will reach $7.97 billion in 2023; a year-on-year growth rate of 3.4%.
Organic polymethyl urea matting agents impact the aesthetic appearance of a coating made with a metallic pigment in two ways: it reduces the flop index and increases the "sparkle" effect.
In order to achieve high-quality coatings, a pigment dispersion must be liquid, have an optimal particle size and be stable over long periods of time. During the grinding process, dispersing agents distribute and stabilize the smaller pigment particles, restricting re-agglomeration. These same dispersing agents help prevent flocculation of the pigment particles during storage and when mixed in a white-base, latex paint.
The Hoover Color Division of CATHAY INDUSTRIES has worked in conjunction with iron oxide recovery to modify a naturally occurring process to produce a series of unique iron oxides pigments. Not only is the EnvironOxide range a good source of color, it is also a by-product of a successful reclamation project.
TiO2 forecasts for 2018 looked strong worldwide. Then yellow flags signaled warnings by early summer. What happened? And what can we expect in the near future? CEOs of major TiO2 producers are still upbeat, because they see a strong industry and growing demand without significant capacity expansion.
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