Tim Wright08.11.08
The launch of the American Coatings Show and Conference, held June 2-5, 2008 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charolotte, NC, marked the beginning of a new era for the coatings industry in the U.S. The event was hosted and organized by the National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA) and Hanover, Germany-based Vincentz Network, while the coordination of the trade show was overseen by NurnbergMesse North America based in Atlanta, a U.S. subsidiary of NurnbergMesse.
After much anticipation the event proved to live up to the hype. Approximately 5,600 visitors from roughly 48 countries were on hand to gather information from the 331 exhibitors who displayed a comprehensive range of products and services related to all aspects of paint and coatings formulation in 68,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Seventy-nine percent of the 5,600 visitors were from the U.S., while four percent came from Canada and the remaining 17% from other countries and regions, including Mexico, Brazil, Japan and India, as well the European Union, the Middle East and Australia.
In its closing report, the NPCA and Vincentz reported that nine out of every ten visitors to the American Coatings Show reported having responsibility for procurement decisions at their companies, and 39% of visitors signed one or several business deals at the 2008 show. Top reasons for attending included gathering information about new products (44%), developing new prospects and strengthening relationships with existing contacts (40-41%), sharing expertise (39%) and furthering professional development (28%; multiple responses allowed).
Trade visitors gave the American Coatings Show 2008 top marks: 98% were satisfied with the exhibitors' presentations, while 100% appreciated the information and contact opportunities at the booths, as well as the overall organization of the show and the services provided. New products and innovations awaited trade visitors at half the booths, and approximately 75% of visitors expressed an interest in using the new products in their businesses. For some 50%, the American Coatings Show is the only event of its kind they visit, and two thirds had already decided at the 2008 show that they would be back for the American Coatings Show 2010.
For the 331 exhibitors occupying 68,600 square feet of exhibition space, the launch of the American Coatings Show exceeded all expectations in terms of demand, according to NPCA and Vincentz. International businesses accounted for 24% of exhibitors; top exhibiting countries after the U.S. were China, Germany, India, Canada, South Korea and the UK.
Attracting new customers (84%), maintaining existing business relationships (77%) and enhancing industry image (66%; multiple responses allowed) were among the key reasons why exhibitors participated in the American Coatings Show 2008. Approximately 95% stated that they were able to reach their main target groups and establish new leads. Eight out of ten exhibitors were satisfied with the professional expertise of visitors, and just as many expect follow-up business from the show. Overall, 86% of exhibitors viewed their participation in the show as positive, with a third ranking it as good or very good. For more than 80% of companies, the American Coatings Show represents an important or very important component of their marketing efforts. About 85% were satisfied with the trade show's organization and the services provided. By the last day of the show, 60% had already decided to return in 2010.
Additionally, the sold-out American Coatings Conference was a resounding success. Featuring more than 70 presentations and other events as well as 750 attendees from 25 countries, attendance doubled expectations, according to the organizers. The conference program was jointly developed by the new Science & Technology Initiative of the NPCA and Vincentz.
During the American Coatings Conference, the NPCA and Vincentz Network presented the first American Coatings Award to lead author James Rawlins of the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials at the University of Southern Mississippi and his co-authors Michael Blanton and Pirro Cipi of the University of Southern Mississippi, and C. Steven McDaniel, Melinda Wales and Juan Carlo Carvajal, Reactive Surfaces Ltd., for their paper entitled, "Letting Mother Nature Tackle the Dirty Work: The Future of Coatings Additives." The jury selected it for the award, which is endowed with $2,500 and a sculpture, from among 170 submissions. The paper explores how increased levels of understanding about enzymes and peptides, traditionally viewed as functionally restricted to very narrow environmental conditions, have led to the development of innovative, bio-engineered "smart" additives for paints and coatings.
Keynote speakers at the American Coatings Conference discussed key issues concerning the future of the coatings industry in America. In his talk, Lewis Manring, global platform technology director of coatings and color for DuPont Performance Coatings, stressed the importance of renewable resources for the future of the coatings industry. "The coatings industry has greatly helped to reduce VOC emissions levels over the past30 years. Now we must focus on the next path towards sustainability: renewable resources," he said.
With rising oil prices, changing environmental policies and customer demands driving the search for renewable alternatives, Manring highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships to adapt existing materials for sustainable manufacturing. "The NPCA should facilitate connections between raw material suppliers, coatings producers, large customers and biotech companies to help drive the industry towards renewable alternatives," he said.
Wendy Hoenig, vice president R&D for Dow Coating Solutions, built on Manring's themes by exploring how modern materials research will take the industry to new heights. Hoenig highlighted the sector's innovations in sustainable solutions (waterborne coatings), enhanced durability (scratch-resistant coatings), "smart" coatings (photocatalytic paints) and throughput research. She also stressed the importance of working with OEM partners to streamline production processes to lower costs, reduce energy usage and improve product performance. "The coatings industry is growing fast," said Hoenig. "But only by embracing collaboration and innovation we can ensure productivity and long-term success."
Exhibitors at ACS 2008 eagerly displayed their products and technology to attendees. The majorannouncement by Celanese Emulsion Polymers at ACS 2008 was the introduction of its new EcoVAE line of vinyl acetate/ethylene (VAE) emulsion polymers. The first product in the new line, EcoVAE 401, offers advances in wet edge, touch-up performance, scrub resistance, and low odor and low to no VOC formulation capability. EcoVAE 401 can be used in a range of architectural interior paints from premium decorative DIY to highly functional contractor grades. It is synthesized to be free of alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APE) and will assist coatings manufacturers, architects and the construction industry in achieving 'green' certifications.
Celanese also highlighted two other products at ACS 2008. Resyn 7480 is a vinyl acetate/acrylate copolymer emulsion that can be used to formulate high scrub flat, eggshell and semi-gloss coatings for high-traffic and frequently washed areas, such as kitchens and hallways. Additional performance advantages include stain resistance, washability and good hiding. Celvolit LDM 2456 is a vinyl acetate/ VeoVa/ acrylic emulsion that can serve as a foundation for both architectural DIY and contractor paints. Celvolit LDM 2456 is ideal for exterior masonry paints because of its alkali and efflorescence resistance. It also features good durability and weathering characteristics and can be used in textured coatings and plasters for interior uses.
Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc., introduced its Carboset CA-600 acrylic polymer designed to enhances the performance and appearance of mineral-based, horizontal masonry surface. Carboset CA-600 polymer provides blush-resistance and weathering on driveways, sidewalks, patios, pavers, overlays, decorative concrete and garage floors. It can be used in clears, semi-transparent stains and fully pigmented systems. With wide formulating latitude, Carboset CA-600 can be applied wet-on-wet directly on cementitous substrates, over acid stains and/or over substrates previously treated with latex coatings and in both interior and exterior applications.
For wood coatings formulators and contractors Lubrizol highlighted Turboset 2025 urethane dispersion-a polymer that eliminates additional crosslinkers. Ideal for commercial and high-traffic residential floors, the nano-sized polymer particles in Turboset 2025 urethane dispersion crosslink after application and continue while drying. As a result, wood finishes produced with Turboset 2025 urethane dispersion demonstrate good floor-wear characteristics, including resistance to abrasion, household stains and cleaners.
Lubrizol also featured PowderAdd 9080 structuring additive designed to provide good control of powder coating structured finishes. PowderAdd 9080 allows formulators of industrial power coatings-including polyester-TGIC, polyester/epoxy hybrids, polyester/primids or urethanes-to achieve uniform, reproducible hammertone finishes.
International Specialty Products (ISP), makers of eco-friendly biocides and surfactants, displayed its broad range of specialty ingredients, technologies and formulation expertise for today's low- and no-VOC paint and coatings applications. Of particular note is ISP's CleanGuard family of green industrial biocides, which shields paints, architectural coatings, plastics, adhesives and other coating surfaces from damaging microbial growth. Part of ISP's CleanGuard family, Nuosept 400 Preservatives series and the Fungitrol 900 Fungicides series, provides protection for such applications as paint emulsions, joint compounds, adhesives, grouts, caulks, sealants, ready-mixed cements, inks and metal working fluids in addition to paints and coatings.
High-performance ISP additives such as Surfadone LP surfactants and Easy-Wet 20 wetting agents were also on display and are designed to make pigment dispersing more efficient and enable paints and coatings to wet out more effectively on difficult substrates.
Evonik presented a broad range of additives and resins from Tego for the coatings and inks industry. In particular, the solvent-free de-aerator Tego Airex 904 W for waterborne formulations was highlighted. This high-performance product is suitable for waterborne acrylate/polyurethane emulsion formulations as well as radiation-curing 2-pack PUs, and is effective across a wide range of application viscosities. The Inorganic Materials business unit was also on hand to offer Inxel granular pigment preparations, in which the pigment is incorporated into a binder matrix. These were first supplied based on the company's range of carbon blacks, but colored types have now been introduced and full-scale production of approximately 20 colors is planned for 2008.
At Troy Corporation's booth, the company highlighted its zero VOC additives for green, clean formulation. Troy's product portfolio includes a range of zero VOC products including dry-film preservatives, in-can preservatives and a complete line of performance additives for aqueous and powder coatings. On the biocide front, Troy offers Troysan 1050, a water-based bactericide designed to inhibit growth of microorganisms on coated surfaces. Surfactants Troysol LAC and Troysol ZLAC promote superior wetting for aqueous and water reducible coatings applied to low energy surfaces, the difference between the two being that Troysol ZLAC does not contain VOCs. In addition, the company featured Troysperse 98C, a pigment dispersing additive for non-aqueous systems, and Troythix 150ACS, an additive that improves the rheological profile of non-aqueous systems.
Shamrock Technologies presented its broad line of specialty additives including low micron PTFE and wax powders, dispersions and emulsions. Technical associates were on hand to discuss various products including: PowderMatte 58 (smooth finish matting agent for Powder Coating); EverGlide UV600D (abrasion resistance for UV); and Miton CF70 (metal mark resistance). Shamrock's newest offerings are Hydrocer 132 (carnauba/wax water dispersion) and UltraMatte 76 (polyurea matting agent).
Rohm and Haas introduced almost two-dozen products for the architectural and industrial coatings markets. For architectural and decorative coatings it launched five new products within the Rhoplex series of acrylic emulsion polymers, including low-VOC and APEO-free Rhoplex Multilobe 400 and Rhoplex AC-464 acrylic binders. Also debuting at ACS for the architectural coatings market were new environmentally advanced Avanse ST-410 acrylic emulsion for semi-transparent deck and siding stains, and Avanse 412 acrylic polymer, which provides greatly improved film integrity in very high PVC formulations.
Five new, high-performance acrylic binders introduced by Rohm and Haas at ACS for industrial coatings applications included Maincote waterborne acrylic resins and Avanse MV-100 waterborne resin. RoShield 636 waterborne styrene-acrylic emulsion formulated for use in factory-applied wood coatings was also introduced.
Reichhold, Inc. offered visitors to its booth an alkyd latex resin technology suited for architectural applications. Designated Beckosol AQ, the line of products provides alkyd-like performance in a waterborne vehicle for semi-transparent stains, primers, flat, semi-gloss and high gloss paint, as well as metal enamels. With good adhesion, stain blocking and high performance finish characteristics, Beckosol AQ is ideal for use in interior and exterior architectural applications for both commercial and residential uses, including exterior wood stains and interior paint.
The first three products commercially available from Reichold's Beckosol AQ line are AQ 100, AQ 200 and AQ 510. Beckosol AQ 100 is a soya-based, long oil alkyd resin provided at 55% solids. Beckosol AQ 200 is a soya-based, medium oil alkyd resin, also provided at 55% solids. Beckosol AQ 510 is a modified alkyd emulsion for faster dry times.
BASF focused on presenting sustainable solutions to help fomulators of coatings for architectural, industrial and automotive applications make their products better. BASF addressed the need for low- to zero-VOC coatings, alkylphenol ethoxylate (APEO)-free coatings, high-performance coatings, and lastly, cooler solutions for heat management. In addtion to discussing how the company's broad portfolio of resins, binders, latex, pigments and effect pigments, colorants, specialty additives and minerals, and systems meet specific applications and customer needs, BASF experts also delivered four technical paper presentations during the American Coatings Conference including: "It's a 'Cool,' Cruel, World. Succeed Through IR Reflective Coating Technology in a Challenging Marketplace," by David Story, technical manager; "New Advances on an Old Technology," by Nilanjan Chakrabarti, development leader; "Hybrid Pigments-What is the Difference and Why Do We Need Them," by Lee Young, technical services manager; and "Speed Up Your Coating Development: High Throughput Screening for Low VOC Coatings," by Nick Gruber, innovation manager and senior technical marketing manager.
Chemtura Corp.'s UK-based subsidiary Baxenden Chemicals was on hand at ACS 2008 to support further growth of its urethanes business, particularly its Witcobond polyurethane dispersions. Baxenden recently came under full ownership of Chemtura on March 3 when Chemtura acquired Croda International's stock in the company. Chemtura previously held 53.5% of Baxenden, which is now a part of Chemtura's Performance Specialties unit, which includes its urethanes business.
Witcobond products are increasingly used for coatings on a wide range of plastic substrates, where they offer good adhesion, stain and chemical resistance, and scratch and mar resistance. Soft grades are compounded into aqueous formulations for soft-touch coatings on interior automotive components.
The United Soybean Board (USB) is a farmer-funded organization working with industry, academia and government to commercialize: (1) stable, waterborne architectural coatings, (2) high performance, low VOC coatings for industrial applications, (3) soy polyols for polyurethane coatings, (4) new printing ink formulations, and (5) powder coatings. The USB represents over 600,000 U.S. soybean farmers.
In 2007 the USB commercialized 26 new products, three of which were highlighted at ACS including:
Dura Soy, a soy-based multipurpose coating from EcoProducts/New Century Coatings;
SG 500X coatings additive from Soy Technologies; and,
Varathane, a water-dispersible stain from Rust-Oleum.
Soybean oil-based polymers help contribute to the paint industry's environmental challenges of reducing VOCc and lowering raw material costs. In addition, according to the United Soybean Board, overall product performance can be enhanced with soy, giving manufacturers a further reason to replace petrochemicals with renewable products.
After much anticipation the event proved to live up to the hype. Approximately 5,600 visitors from roughly 48 countries were on hand to gather information from the 331 exhibitors who displayed a comprehensive range of products and services related to all aspects of paint and coatings formulation in 68,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Seventy-nine percent of the 5,600 visitors were from the U.S., while four percent came from Canada and the remaining 17% from other countries and regions, including Mexico, Brazil, Japan and India, as well the European Union, the Middle East and Australia.
In its closing report, the NPCA and Vincentz reported that nine out of every ten visitors to the American Coatings Show reported having responsibility for procurement decisions at their companies, and 39% of visitors signed one or several business deals at the 2008 show. Top reasons for attending included gathering information about new products (44%), developing new prospects and strengthening relationships with existing contacts (40-41%), sharing expertise (39%) and furthering professional development (28%; multiple responses allowed).
Trade visitors gave the American Coatings Show 2008 top marks: 98% were satisfied with the exhibitors' presentations, while 100% appreciated the information and contact opportunities at the booths, as well as the overall organization of the show and the services provided. New products and innovations awaited trade visitors at half the booths, and approximately 75% of visitors expressed an interest in using the new products in their businesses. For some 50%, the American Coatings Show is the only event of its kind they visit, and two thirds had already decided at the 2008 show that they would be back for the American Coatings Show 2010.
For the 331 exhibitors occupying 68,600 square feet of exhibition space, the launch of the American Coatings Show exceeded all expectations in terms of demand, according to NPCA and Vincentz. International businesses accounted for 24% of exhibitors; top exhibiting countries after the U.S. were China, Germany, India, Canada, South Korea and the UK.
Attracting new customers (84%), maintaining existing business relationships (77%) and enhancing industry image (66%; multiple responses allowed) were among the key reasons why exhibitors participated in the American Coatings Show 2008. Approximately 95% stated that they were able to reach their main target groups and establish new leads. Eight out of ten exhibitors were satisfied with the professional expertise of visitors, and just as many expect follow-up business from the show. Overall, 86% of exhibitors viewed their participation in the show as positive, with a third ranking it as good or very good. For more than 80% of companies, the American Coatings Show represents an important or very important component of their marketing efforts. About 85% were satisfied with the trade show's organization and the services provided. By the last day of the show, 60% had already decided to return in 2010.
Additionally, the sold-out American Coatings Conference was a resounding success. Featuring more than 70 presentations and other events as well as 750 attendees from 25 countries, attendance doubled expectations, according to the organizers. The conference program was jointly developed by the new Science & Technology Initiative of the NPCA and Vincentz.
American Coatings Award goes to James Rawlins' team
2008 AC Award winner James Rawlins displays his trophy. |
Keynote speakers talk about the future of industry
Lewis Manring (top), DuPont Performance Coatings and Wendy Hoenig, Dow Coatings Solutions, took a look into the future of coatings during their keynote presentations at the American Coatings Conference. |
With rising oil prices, changing environmental policies and customer demands driving the search for renewable alternatives, Manring highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships to adapt existing materials for sustainable manufacturing. "The NPCA should facilitate connections between raw material suppliers, coatings producers, large customers and biotech companies to help drive the industry towards renewable alternatives," he said.
Wendy Hoenig, vice president R&D for Dow Coating Solutions, built on Manring's themes by exploring how modern materials research will take the industry to new heights. Hoenig highlighted the sector's innovations in sustainable solutions (waterborne coatings), enhanced durability (scratch-resistant coatings), "smart" coatings (photocatalytic paints) and throughput research. She also stressed the importance of working with OEM partners to streamline production processes to lower costs, reduce energy usage and improve product performance. "The coatings industry is growing fast," said Hoenig. "But only by embracing collaboration and innovation we can ensure productivity and long-term success."
Exhibitors display innovative products
Celanese also highlighted two other products at ACS 2008. Resyn 7480 is a vinyl acetate/acrylate copolymer emulsion that can be used to formulate high scrub flat, eggshell and semi-gloss coatings for high-traffic and frequently washed areas, such as kitchens and hallways. Additional performance advantages include stain resistance, washability and good hiding. Celvolit LDM 2456 is a vinyl acetate/ VeoVa/ acrylic emulsion that can serve as a foundation for both architectural DIY and contractor paints. Celvolit LDM 2456 is ideal for exterior masonry paints because of its alkali and efflorescence resistance. It also features good durability and weathering characteristics and can be used in textured coatings and plasters for interior uses.
Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc., introduced its Carboset CA-600 acrylic polymer designed to enhances the performance and appearance of mineral-based, horizontal masonry surface. Carboset CA-600 polymer provides blush-resistance and weathering on driveways, sidewalks, patios, pavers, overlays, decorative concrete and garage floors. It can be used in clears, semi-transparent stains and fully pigmented systems. With wide formulating latitude, Carboset CA-600 can be applied wet-on-wet directly on cementitous substrates, over acid stains and/or over substrates previously treated with latex coatings and in both interior and exterior applications.
For wood coatings formulators and contractors Lubrizol highlighted Turboset 2025 urethane dispersion-a polymer that eliminates additional crosslinkers. Ideal for commercial and high-traffic residential floors, the nano-sized polymer particles in Turboset 2025 urethane dispersion crosslink after application and continue while drying. As a result, wood finishes produced with Turboset 2025 urethane dispersion demonstrate good floor-wear characteristics, including resistance to abrasion, household stains and cleaners.
Lubrizol also featured PowderAdd 9080 structuring additive designed to provide good control of powder coating structured finishes. PowderAdd 9080 allows formulators of industrial power coatings-including polyester-TGIC, polyester/epoxy hybrids, polyester/primids or urethanes-to achieve uniform, reproducible hammertone finishes.
International Specialty Products (ISP), makers of eco-friendly biocides and surfactants, displayed its broad range of specialty ingredients, technologies and formulation expertise for today's low- and no-VOC paint and coatings applications. Of particular note is ISP's CleanGuard family of green industrial biocides, which shields paints, architectural coatings, plastics, adhesives and other coating surfaces from damaging microbial growth. Part of ISP's CleanGuard family, Nuosept 400 Preservatives series and the Fungitrol 900 Fungicides series, provides protection for such applications as paint emulsions, joint compounds, adhesives, grouts, caulks, sealants, ready-mixed cements, inks and metal working fluids in addition to paints and coatings.
High-performance ISP additives such as Surfadone LP surfactants and Easy-Wet 20 wetting agents were also on display and are designed to make pigment dispersing more efficient and enable paints and coatings to wet out more effectively on difficult substrates.
Evonik presented a broad range of additives and resins from Tego for the coatings and inks industry. In particular, the solvent-free de-aerator Tego Airex 904 W for waterborne formulations was highlighted. This high-performance product is suitable for waterborne acrylate/polyurethane emulsion formulations as well as radiation-curing 2-pack PUs, and is effective across a wide range of application viscosities. The Inorganic Materials business unit was also on hand to offer Inxel granular pigment preparations, in which the pigment is incorporated into a binder matrix. These were first supplied based on the company's range of carbon blacks, but colored types have now been introduced and full-scale production of approximately 20 colors is planned for 2008.
At Troy Corporation's booth, the company highlighted its zero VOC additives for green, clean formulation. Troy's product portfolio includes a range of zero VOC products including dry-film preservatives, in-can preservatives and a complete line of performance additives for aqueous and powder coatings. On the biocide front, Troy offers Troysan 1050, a water-based bactericide designed to inhibit growth of microorganisms on coated surfaces. Surfactants Troysol LAC and Troysol ZLAC promote superior wetting for aqueous and water reducible coatings applied to low energy surfaces, the difference between the two being that Troysol ZLAC does not contain VOCs. In addition, the company featured Troysperse 98C, a pigment dispersing additive for non-aqueous systems, and Troythix 150ACS, an additive that improves the rheological profile of non-aqueous systems.
Shamrock Technologies presented its broad line of specialty additives including low micron PTFE and wax powders, dispersions and emulsions. Technical associates were on hand to discuss various products including: PowderMatte 58 (smooth finish matting agent for Powder Coating); EverGlide UV600D (abrasion resistance for UV); and Miton CF70 (metal mark resistance). Shamrock's newest offerings are Hydrocer 132 (carnauba/wax water dispersion) and UltraMatte 76 (polyurea matting agent).
Rohm and Haas introduced almost two-dozen products for the architectural and industrial coatings markets. For architectural and decorative coatings it launched five new products within the Rhoplex series of acrylic emulsion polymers, including low-VOC and APEO-free Rhoplex Multilobe 400 and Rhoplex AC-464 acrylic binders. Also debuting at ACS for the architectural coatings market were new environmentally advanced Avanse ST-410 acrylic emulsion for semi-transparent deck and siding stains, and Avanse 412 acrylic polymer, which provides greatly improved film integrity in very high PVC formulations.
Five new, high-performance acrylic binders introduced by Rohm and Haas at ACS for industrial coatings applications included Maincote waterborne acrylic resins and Avanse MV-100 waterborne resin. RoShield 636 waterborne styrene-acrylic emulsion formulated for use in factory-applied wood coatings was also introduced.
Reichhold, Inc. offered visitors to its booth an alkyd latex resin technology suited for architectural applications. Designated Beckosol AQ, the line of products provides alkyd-like performance in a waterborne vehicle for semi-transparent stains, primers, flat, semi-gloss and high gloss paint, as well as metal enamels. With good adhesion, stain blocking and high performance finish characteristics, Beckosol AQ is ideal for use in interior and exterior architectural applications for both commercial and residential uses, including exterior wood stains and interior paint.
The first three products commercially available from Reichold's Beckosol AQ line are AQ 100, AQ 200 and AQ 510. Beckosol AQ 100 is a soya-based, long oil alkyd resin provided at 55% solids. Beckosol AQ 200 is a soya-based, medium oil alkyd resin, also provided at 55% solids. Beckosol AQ 510 is a modified alkyd emulsion for faster dry times.
BASF focused on presenting sustainable solutions to help fomulators of coatings for architectural, industrial and automotive applications make their products better. BASF addressed the need for low- to zero-VOC coatings, alkylphenol ethoxylate (APEO)-free coatings, high-performance coatings, and lastly, cooler solutions for heat management. In addtion to discussing how the company's broad portfolio of resins, binders, latex, pigments and effect pigments, colorants, specialty additives and minerals, and systems meet specific applications and customer needs, BASF experts also delivered four technical paper presentations during the American Coatings Conference including: "It's a 'Cool,' Cruel, World. Succeed Through IR Reflective Coating Technology in a Challenging Marketplace," by David Story, technical manager; "New Advances on an Old Technology," by Nilanjan Chakrabarti, development leader; "Hybrid Pigments-What is the Difference and Why Do We Need Them," by Lee Young, technical services manager; and "Speed Up Your Coating Development: High Throughput Screening for Low VOC Coatings," by Nick Gruber, innovation manager and senior technical marketing manager.
Chemtura Corp.'s UK-based subsidiary Baxenden Chemicals was on hand at ACS 2008 to support further growth of its urethanes business, particularly its Witcobond polyurethane dispersions. Baxenden recently came under full ownership of Chemtura on March 3 when Chemtura acquired Croda International's stock in the company. Chemtura previously held 53.5% of Baxenden, which is now a part of Chemtura's Performance Specialties unit, which includes its urethanes business.
Witcobond products are increasingly used for coatings on a wide range of plastic substrates, where they offer good adhesion, stain and chemical resistance, and scratch and mar resistance. Soft grades are compounded into aqueous formulations for soft-touch coatings on interior automotive components.
The United Soybean Board (USB) is a farmer-funded organization working with industry, academia and government to commercialize: (1) stable, waterborne architectural coatings, (2) high performance, low VOC coatings for industrial applications, (3) soy polyols for polyurethane coatings, (4) new printing ink formulations, and (5) powder coatings. The USB represents over 600,000 U.S. soybean farmers.
Dura Soy, a soy-based multipurpose coating from EcoProducts/New Century Coatings;
SG 500X coatings additive from Soy Technologies; and,
Varathane, a water-dispersible stain from Rust-Oleum.
Soybean oil-based polymers help contribute to the paint industry's environmental challenges of reducing VOCc and lowering raw material costs. In addition, according to the United Soybean Board, overall product performance can be enhanced with soy, giving manufacturers a further reason to replace petrochemicals with renewable products.
