PPG announced a collaboration with Dow and its Sustainable Future Program, developed to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies.

The partnership focuses on advances in anti-corrosion coating products for steel designed to deliver reduced greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency while helping to lessen the high maintenance costs of steel infrastructure.

Based on Dow’s next-generation polysiloxane technology, PPG’s two-coat PPG PSX coatings require fewer coats to achieve the same level of protection from a traditional three-coat system.

This results in less energy-intensive production and application and a corresponding reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, fulfilling the Sustainable Future Program’s goal of advancing best in class technologies that deliver tangible sustainability gains to society.

Compared to alternative systems, PPG PSXcoatings offer better long-term adhesion and toughness as well as corrosion, weathering and chemical resistance under even the most aggressive exposure conditions.

While other coating technology often requires three coats – primer, intermediate layer and topcoat – PPG PSX coatings are simple two-coat systems with a zinc primer and polysiloxane topcoat.

Polysiloxane requires fewer recoats over time compared to traditional topcoat technologies, resulting in lower maintenance costs for the building owner and a lower associated environmental impact.

The PPG PSX portfolio includes PPG PSX 700 two-component coating, PPG PSX One single-pack acrylic siloxane and PPG PSX805 epoxy siloxane with a satin sheen. Each of these patented products uses Dow polysiloxane resin technology.

“Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, we are combining PPG and Dow expertise to drive measurable change through carbon mitigation projects backed by Dow’s Sustainable Future Program,” said Christopher Welch, PPG global business development director, protective and marine coatings. “Together, we have the common goal of protecting steel, one of the world’s strongest building materials, while contributing to a more sustainably-built environment for the future. Within Dow’s Sustainable Future Program, this collaboration is one of several projects designed to accelerate the adoption of technologies and practices that meet local market needs while delivering carbon emission benefits and catalyzing change across value chains.”

“From the skyscrapers that shape our skylines, to the bridges that connect our roads in the transportation networks, to marine vessels that transport goods and people, steel is the backbone of modern society,” added Dr. Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi, circular economy market director for Dow and global technology and sustainability director for Dow Olympic & Sports Solutions. “As a leading materials science company, we can provide solutions that help extend the life span of infrastructure and reduce the environmental impact of steel manufacturing and maintenance over the long term. Together with PPG, we are providing paint and coating formulators with the ability to offer architects and property developers a next-generation steel coating solution that encourages partners across the value chain to adopt technologies with a lower carbon impact.”