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.

The industrial coatings market is recovering. After having suffered a severe drop segments such as metal and powder coatings show good growth rates, says Pekka Rantamäkki of Teknos. Especially themarket in Russia and Poland, which has not been hit that hard during the financial downturn, will further record a positive development. But not all parts of Eastern Europe show growthpotentials.By Damir Gagro

From a global perspective, the paint and coatings industry will grow above GDP during the next years. However, there are of course regional differences. China, India and Vietnam will experiencegrowth rates significantly above the ones in mature markets. Within the geographic chapters, there are interesting discussions going on regarding the dynamics that take place from region to region,as Charles Bangert, Orr & Boss explains referring to the latest "Global Coatings Market Study”.By Miriam von Bardeleben

Sustainability is one of the buzz words in the coatings industry. Gerard de Vries, PPG Coatings Europe, presents three different perspectives on how one can look at sustainability in protectivecoatings. He gives examples in protective coatings that focus on durability and reduction of solvents. However, these are not the only factors for sustainability.By Damir Gagro

Although there is a multitude of small paint and coatings manufacturers in Malaysia, this Asian market is dominated by about ten large international players. Julina Bt Zainal Abidin West, Chairman of Malaysia Paint Manufacturers Association describes the main drivers and challenges for the Malaysian paint industry which has struggled with minimal growth rates during the last years.Von Miriam von Bardeleben