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European Coatings Podcast: Replacing cobalt in coatings
Why has the replacement of cobalt driers proven to be such a persistent technical challenge for the coatings industry? In the latest episode of the European Coatings Podcast, editor Yeray Arauco speaks with Dr. Andrew Mason, R&D and technical expert at EGE Kimya, about the complex journey of phasing out cobalt from alkyd formulations.
The discussion explores the long-standing role of cobalt as the industry standard for over two decades and how REACH regulations have pushed the industry to search for safer alternatives. Dr. Mason explains why early Manganese-based replacements struggled to gain traction: simply put, “only cobalt behaves like cobalt.” The conversation highlights the technical hurdles of matching the unique redox chemistry of cobalt, which allows for efficient drying under various ambient conditions, unlike the more temperature-dependent iron or manganese alternatives.
The episode also details the evolution of drier technology, from the initial, imperfect manganese substitutes to the shift toward cobalt neodecanoates and the recent development of polymeric cobalt forms, which bypass current regulatory restrictions. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the next major hurdle for formulators: the move toward oxime-free systems. Dr. Mason emphasises that replacing MEKO is arguably a greater challenge for in-can stability than finding cobalt replacements. He advises technical managers to leverage existing industry expertise rather than “reinventing the wheel” when tackling these reformulations.
To hear the full discussion, including practical advice on balancing driers in water-based versus solvent-based systems and the future of alkyd innovation, listen to the latest European Coatings Podcast:
