PCI’s December issue discusses ecological anti-foaming agents, novel bio-based additives, using inorganic black asphalt coatings to reduce heat, and the current state of merger and acquisitions market, among other topics.
Epoxy resins are widely used in coatings thanks to their excellent adhesion to materials and their durability. However, epoxy resins typically contain aromatic groups with strong absorption in the UV range. This makes epoxy structures vulnerable to UV degradation. The performance of one company’s stabilizers in a typical commercial epoxy resin with hardeners are tested and reviewed in this article.
The TiO2 industry is entering a significantly challenging time. The optimism of the first half of 2022 has completely turned in the opposite direction. European demand may be off as much as 40-50% in the second half of 2022 versus the prior year. Numerous operating plants are reported to be curtailing or ceasing production. North America and Latin America were reported to remain strong. These regions are expected to slow in 2023, as recession is likely.
What are your powder coating questions and challenges? Joe Powder shares his powder coating knowledge and expertise by answering questions sent in from around the world.
Anti-foam products allow controlling the presence of unwanted foam in different processes, including the manufacture and application of paints. A new range of mineral oil-free anti-foams have been designed, which are not harmful to humans or the environment due to their low or no toxicity, and include enhanced bio-degradability of the raw materials.
Today, many coatings producers are increasingly focusing their production towards water-based coatings and are moving away from solvent-based formulations. This is to reduce the VOC content of their formulations, not only to make it friendlier for the end-user, but also to improve the sustainability impact on the environment by reducing their CO2 footprint.
The coatings industry will play a major role in our near future’s sustainable way of life. Accordingly, new generations of pigments for coatings must provide more than color for surfaces. Not only must they enable the aesthetic visual appearance through colors and effects, they are also required to contribute to a comfortable, safe, and sustainable future. This article reviews a new generation of coatings and color materials supporting the “Cool City” initiative showcased across the United States.
