Nanotechnology in Coatings

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The coatings industry faces rising sustainability challenges, but innovation is driving solutions — from PFAS-free alternatives to low-carbon raw materials and regulatory-driven advancements.

ATO-based antistatic coatings outperform PEDOT and fluorinated additives, offering PFAS-free protection and superior stability, especially in PSAs for LCD polarizers to prevent static discharge.

Demand for man-made lagoons is rising, highlighting the durability of aliphatic polyurea-based linings for long-term waterproofing and structural integrity.

Dürr's new return system enables VOC-free color changes for two-component clear coats, reducing emissions, cycle times and paint booth costs.

A new thermal additive enhances energy efficiency and fire resistance, reducing heat absorption, improving emissivity, and meeting stringent environmental and building performance standards.

AI can transform paint formulation, reducing development time, enhancing sustainability and opening new market opportunities with precision and efficiency.

Researchers at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering explore using piezoelectric nanoparticles for smart material design. The team discovered a key role for friction between particles in causing the materials to flip from a fluid to a more solid structure. Potential applications are paint that does not clump, liquids that harden into a mold when shaken, and wearable protective gear that stiffens when hit.

Nanotechnology is an emerging field that is enabling breakthroughs of new and effective tools in the coatings industry. The trends and developments mentioned in this article are a few hot bets expected to impact the coatings industry in the coming years.

Research has shown that a thin cellulose film can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus within minutes, inhibit the growth of bacteria including E.coli, and mitigate contact transfer of pathogens. The coating is invisible to the naked eye, and is abrasion resistant under dry conditions, making it suitable for use on high-traffic objects such as door handles and handrails.  

The producer of long-lasting, sustainable, nanotechnology coatings for a wide variety of substrates recently moved to a new office space in Singapore.