TiO2 is a critical ingredient in most paints and coatings. It has been readily available in past years but following the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) supply has been extremely tight resulting in significant price increases but also in limited availability.
In its additive business Clariant concentrates on solutions for powder and water based technologies. According to Bernhard Ehrenreich, Vice President Head of BL Waxes at Clariant, this area bears promising growth rates. In addition, he expects a higher demand for non-halogenated flame retardants.
A multifunctional, smart coating for the autonomous control of corrosion has been developed in order to detect the chemical changes associated with the onset of corrosion and respond autonomously to indicate it and control it. Dr. Luz Marina Calle, NASA Kennedy Space Center, USA, explains the multi-functionality of the coating which is based on microencapsulation technology.
The polyurethane market is showing increasing demand in both mature markets of Europe and North America as well as in emerging markets of Asia, according to Martin Lundin, CEO of Perstorp. As a result the company will expand its production capacities in that region.
Multiple action self-healing properties of a polymer coating doped with a cerium based corrosion inhibitor are in the focus of a new study. Thibault Muselle, research group SURF (Surface and Electrochemical Engineering), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, reports that measurements showed a good closure of scratches after a heat treatment. It was proven that this closure was accompanied by a good recovery of the barrier properties.
Fast and simple production of transparent superhydrophobic surfaces Alexander Irzh of the Bar-Ilan University in Israel reports on a very fast and simple production of transparent superhydrophobicsurfaces by using microwave (MW) plasma. It was found that by reacting various organic liquids in MW argon plasma, these materials are polymerised and the substrates including the plasma chamberwalls are coated by hydrophobic polymer.By Kirsten Wrede
"Adhesion is one of the important properties for coatings in the automotive field,” says Dr. Audrée Andersen, Lab Manager Coatings Technologies at BASF Coatings. In our interview, she commentson the complex phenomenon of adhesion failure.
