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This month’s edition of TiPMC Solution’s TiO₂ Insider focuses on global TiO₂, mineral sands, and coatings producers’ first half earnings reports, and their outlooks for the remainder of 2023. The prolonged slump seems all but certain to continue for the rest of 2023. TiPMC believes 2023 will see a 5-8% drop in overall TiO₂ demand as compared to 2022, when the market declined an estimated 8% vs. the previous year.

This month’s Formulating with Mike column continues the focus on resins, and discusses acrylic emulsion polymerization, in particular, surfactant design and how it affects the polymerization of a vinyl-acrylic emulsion.

This article describes a new higher-block-resistance VAE under development that significantly minimizes the trade off between block resistance and scrub resistance in VAE-only paints. Additionally, this new VAE continues to maintain high scrub resistance even in low-sheen paints, enabling the formulator to use a single-VAE binder across all sheens.

Cast elastomers based on PDO-sebacate polyol exhibit an excellent combination of tensile properties, abrasion resistance, thermal, hydrolytic, and solvent resistance, as well as adhesion to metal substrates. These are desirable properties for cast elastomers intended for applications as protective coatings for pipes, and coatings for sieves typically used in drilling and mining applications. 

According to a report from MarketsandMarkets, the market size for powder coatings was USD 14.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 19.9 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. Economic growth in developing countries, end-use industry expansion, investment in infrastructure, stringent environmental regulations, and growing purchasing power drive the powder coatings market.

It’s easy to date many homes by the color of their brick. Know a 90’s home from the pink brick? How about a 60’s red brick? For many years, homeowners have been turning their dated brick homes into instant classics with one simple trick – coating the brick with Rhino Shield. To enjoy long-lasting performance, expert prep work and application is critical. Mike Moore, AmCoat’s Director of Products and Applications, said coated brick can last for decades.

It’s a common sight in most people’s garages; half-full paint cans and half-used rolls of wallpaper. Decofy believes it’s time to use technology to change these old habits when it comes to decorating homes. Decofy, the AI-powered mobile retail channel, launched in April to help home decorators realize their design dreams, and, at the same time, end systemic paint waste and the environmental damage it can cause.

Plasma pre-treatment is a crucial step for improving the quality and durability of automotive assemblies and components. It enhances the adhesion and compatibility of different materials that are used for encapsulation, printing, or painting processes. By applying plasma to the surface of low-energy materials, it removes contaminants and creates functional groups that increase the surface energy and reactivity.

Simon Wagenaar, Manager of the Technical Services department for coatings at Ulamo Coating BV, noted that the contamination of the cleaning liquids was costing thousands of Euros for personnel, lost sales, and scrap parts. This article explains the company's search for cleaning centrifuges that offered savings and sustainability benefits.

The mining industry has long been an important sector of the global economy, providing the raw materials necessary for various products, from electronics to infrastructure. However, mining operations can be incredibly damaging to the environment, negatively impacting local ecosystems and communities. Mark Dorgan, Technical & Sales Manager at SIFCO ASC, discusses how the industry can minimize its impact through selective brush plating.