News Markets & Companies

IMCD acquires Merit Solution in Thailand

Merit Solution, a distributor of additives for the plastic and compounding industry, is based in Bangkok and serves a wide range of applications, including plastics, construction and adhesives.

News Coatings Technologies

Fluorine-free hydrophobic coating boosts solar panel output

Researchers have developed a fluorine-free, UV-curable hydrophobic coating combining silicone-modified acrylate resin with SiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles. The coating reduces panel temperatures, repels dust...

News Markets & Companies

Evonik raises its 2026 outlook

Thanks to supply bottlenecks affecting Asian competitors and higher prices, Evonik has reported unexpectedly strong preliminary figures for the second quarter of 2026. The Essen-based specialty chemicals...

News Coatings Technologies

Why low-gloss coatings need multi-angle colour measurement

A multi-angle spectrophotometer study shows that solid colours – not only effect pigments – display noticeable colour shifts with viewing angle. Researchers identify a critical gloss threshold around...

News Coatings Technologies

Moderate hydrophobicity boosts epoxy anticorrosion performance

A new study challenges the assumption that maximum hydrophobicity equals maximum corrosion protection. Researchers show that epoxy coatings achieve optimal anticorrosion performance at a moderate water...

Lars Wallstein, incoming CEO of Oqema Group.
News People & Careers

Lars Wallstein named CEO of Oqema

Oqema Group has announced the appointment of Lars Wallstein as Chief Executive Officer, starting 1 July 2026.

News Coatings Technologies

iCVD enables hydrophobic PSA films with water-resistant adhesion

Researchers have produced hydrophobic pressure-sensitive adhesive thin films using a solvent-free initiated chemical vapour deposition process. The fluorinated copolymer films combine high water contact...

The Executive Committee sets the company’s strategic direction and drives business performance.
News People & Careers

BASF Coatings appoints new Executive Committee

The team, led by Jens Luehring, consists of seven executives who will oversee the strategic development of the company starting 1 July 2026.

Kansai Helios strengthens its architectural coatings footprint in the Adriatic region.
News Markets & Companies

Kansai Helios restructures architectural coatings operations in Adriatic region

The coatings manufacturer has revealed plans to restructure its architectural coatings operations across the Adriatic region. The initiative is part of the company’s broader transformation programme,...

News Coatings Technologies

Curcumin-grafted nanocomposite enables long-lasting marine coating

Researchers have developed a marine antifouling coating that combines curcumin-grafted silica nanoparticles with a PDMS matrix using RAFT polymerisation. The coating demonstrated stable antifouling performance...

A glimpse into the new site’s production facilities: in Karlovy Vary, room-temperature-curing silicones and high consistency rubber will be produced.
News Markets & Companies

Wacker opens production site for specialty silicones in Karlovy Vary

With the official opening of its new site in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, Wacker expands its production capacities for customised specialty silicones. The facility supports key growth sectors such as...

News Coatings Technologies

Nanocone film combines bacterial killing with self-release effect

Researchers have developed a transparent and flexible nanocone array film grafted with a thermo-responsive polymer that mechanically kills bacteria and releases their debris on demand. The approach offers...

Status quo and future outlook for bio-based coatings.
News Raw Materials

Bio-based coatings: “Moving from niche to scale”

The adoption of bio-based coatings is accelerating globally, driven by sustainability, performance, and affordability. Julie Haevermans, Vice President of Marketing, Coating Solutions, and Richard Jenkins,...

Bio-based feedstocks: The Indian model.
News Raw Materials

Bio-based feedstocks: The Indian model

India is advancing the development of bio-based feedstocks through targeted policies and innovative approaches. Sangeeta Srivastava, Executive Director at Godavari Biorefineries, discusses how ethanol-based...