David Savastano, Contributing Editor10.04.24
This month, Coatings World interviewed a number of key suppliers of specialty additives. They include: Zaheed Islam, global segment manager for coatings, Cabot Corp.; Keith Condon, national sales director, and Tyler John, technical sales manager, Gehring Montgomery; Rajesh Wadhwani, global business manager - Coatings, Honeywell; Rich Czarnecki, VP, Micro Powders, Inc.; John Kwasnecki, director of sales, Munzing; Kevin Huang, product manager, Shamrock Technologies; and Robert Ruckle, global marketing and sales director, Siltech.
CW: What considerations should formulators make when choosing a performance enhancing additive?
Cabot: When selecting the right performance-enhancing additive, formulators are looking for a solution that can not only meet all their functional criteria but also provide consistent quality over time and valuable technical support.
Additionally, formulators are also looking for materials that can help them towards their sustainability goals. Our specialty additives contribute towards this in several ways. Simply replacing raw materials with a low percentage of additives has limited impact. However, using specially designed additives can help reduce the use of other additives as well as reduce the processing time and cost. Depending on the formulation and performance needs, these savings can be meaningful.
GM: Outside of price, knowing what final properties you desire is the first thing to consider (abrasion resistance, water repellency, etc.) Once you determine that, product media (i.e. solid v. liquid) and how that media fits into your current process is your next step. For example, a dry-form product’s extremely long shelf-life might appear to be easy savings, but you may not have the equipment necessary to properly incorporate it. Finally, think about what chemistries will actually be compatible with your system (this can require some trial and error).
Honeywell: Formulators should consider:
• Compatibility: Ensuring the additive works well with other formulation components.
• Desired Properties: Identifying needed properties such as gloss reduction, thermal stability, or abrasion resistance.
• Environmental Conditions: Considering exposure to temperature extremes, chemicals, or UV light.
• Cost vs. Benefit: Evaluating the additive’s cost against its performance benefits to ensure value.
MPI: When selecting an additive powder, it is always important to know if your coating system is solvent- or water-based. Some powders are more effective in water-based and others in solvent-based, especially in terms of in-can stability. If the product is intended to be used in very thin film applications, maximum particle size can be an important selection factor. It’s also important to know if the end coating requires high gloss or a lower, mattified appearance.
Munzing: Are you formulating with products that most efficiently add value and performance? Does the vendor provide technical support and resources? Does the product meet or exceed current and/or anticipated regulations? What is the security of supply from that particular vendor and what is the overall cost to use?
Shamrock Technologies: When choosing an enhancing additive, formulators should carefully consider several key factors to ensure optimal performance. This includes the type of formula (water- or solvent-based), type of substrate, component compatibility, application method, curing conditions, film thickness and key performance requirements.
Siltech: Considering the complexity of these interactions, one is always trying to sit on a fence. For this reason it is best to work closely with the manufacturer.
CW: What are the latest technologies being developed for additives in paint and coatings?
Cabot: Our strength in research and development is a major reason why we have been an industry leader for more than 140 years. We partner with our customers to understand their specific application needs and leverage our technical expertise to innovate
new solutions.
Based on addressing customers’ application needs, we have developed several new technologies. Some notable examples that I would like to highlight include:
• Low viscosity fumed silica: Compared to our standard fumed silica, we have developed a product that enables lower viscosity dispersions, allowing higher loading of silica resulting in more efficient coatings formulation.
• Highly dispersible carbon black: Driven by the need to provide more sustainable and less energy-intensive formulations, Cabot has developed an easy-to-disperse carbon black that can increase throughput, reduce formulation cost and enable a more sustainable color solution.
• Conductive additives: Technological advancement and sustainability are leading to electrification across multiple industries requiring more conductive surfaces without sacrificing strength or appearance. As a result of the markets’ need for conductive additives that take performance to the next level, we have extended our portfolio to now include carbon nanostructures (CNS).
GM: The desire for more eco-friendly materials is ever-present, most recently with the avoidance of microplastics. As a result, developing bio-based or “green” chemistry is a core initiative across the industry and additives are no exception. Consumers want peace of mind that their everyday items are safe and sustainable. For us, that means finding new, natural sources to derive our waxes from without compromising performance.
Honeywell: Latest technologies include:
• Sustainable Additives: Development of bio-based and eco-friendly additives to meet environmental regulations.
• High-Performance Additives: Innovations in polymers for enhanced strength, durability, and resistance to harsh conditions.
• Multi-Functional Additives: Additives that provide multiple benefits, such as improving durability, aesthetics, and
environmental resistance.
MPI: Micro Powders is leading the way in developing an extensive range of composite and nanocomposite additive powders specifically designed to replace conventional PTFE based additives. We have been very successful at replacing our legacy PTFE technology with these new advanced additives that deliver equal or better performance. We also have built a significant portfolio of natural and naturally derived additives for surface protection and texturing.
Munzing: The bulk of our product development continues to focus on creating cleaner and greener products that can meet or exceed the performance of older, outdated additives, that coatings producers no longer want or have been regulated out of approved use. We have a robust, new portfolio of additives that are based on bio-renewable raws, are PTFE free, mineral oil free and free
of microplastics.
Shamrock Technologies: As the market landscape continues to change in response to global regulations and move towards sustainable performance coatings, Shamrock is leading the way by expanding our BioSLIP line, which includes bio-based products designed to enhance coatings performance and durability without compromising on quality. A shift towards fluoropolymer free materials has generated great interest in our MaxWax product line, a PFAS-free micronized wax alloy designed to provide optimum combination of slip and wear resistance.
Siltech: Siltech’s R&D team has been doing research on oleophobicity and have developed a group of acrylate functional silicone additives which provide good beading of oils in UV systems. We haven’t finalized the choice of best structure or structures yet but will do so soon.
CW: Please provide a brief description of your company’s latest product.
Cabot: CAB-O-SIL® MS-55LV fumed silica enables lower viscosity dispersions, allowing higher loadings of silica resulting in a more efficient formulation compared to our standard CAB-O-SIL® MS-55 fumed silica.
• MAJESTIC® 710 carbon black for water-based systems is easy to disperse, without needing substantial milling equipment, while enabling increased color performance.
• ATHLOS™ SR1200 carbon nanostructures are our advanced conductive carbon solution for coatings. They provide next-level performance, solving problems previously unsolvable with other carbon-based additives and extend our portfolio beyond its previous limits.
GM: In addressing the need for greener chemistries, Gehring-Montgomery and Ceronas have worked to develop a suite of new bio-based waxes. One of our newest grades, mju:wax 7007, is a micronized natural wax that improves abrasion and scratch resistance in water-based coatings applications.
Honeywell: Honeywell’s performance enhancing additives, such as NduroMatt™, Cohesa®, AClyn®, and A-C® Polyethylene Additives, are designed to improve durability, performance, and efficiency in various applications. These additives offer benefits including enhanced resistance to abrasion, mar, and stains, better adhesion and slip properties, and significant formulation flexibility. Honeywell Advanced Materials is invested in delivering next generation innovative and sustainable solutions.
MPI: Our most recent additions to the PTFE-free composite additives portfolio have shown impressive performance data. Superslip 6515AL-EZ, a composite of HDPE, amide wax, and aluminum oxide, is a powerful multi-functional PTFE replacement option that is surface treated for ease of use. MP-28AL is a value engineered composite of biodegradable synthetic wax and aluminum oxide that has best-in-class scratch resistance and provides lubricity with abrasion resistance. Additionally, 100% natural and biodegradable NatureMatte C44 is highly efficient for gloss reduction without viscosity build and allows formulators flexibility in coatings where food contact compliance is required.
Munzing: AGITAN® 5336 mineral oil and silicone free defoamer/deaerator for inks, adhesives and paper coatings.
• AGITAN® DF 6422, a non-aqueous, PTFE free defoamer for high solids systems like epoxy floors.
• EDAPLAN® 495 dispersant for ultra-high pH paints.
• CERETAN® MBP 20220 bio-based wax, microplastic free with excellent technical properties.
• LUBA-print® WBP 1021 alternative to paraffin, which is also recyclable.
• Over two dozen bio-based alternatives targeted to meet USDA Bio-Preferred Program targets.
Shamrock Technologies: The MaxWax product line is designed to provide the high performance of PTFE without any PFAS contents. The BioSlip product line provides the high performance of Shamrock’s additives using bio-based materials. These additives are designed to improve abrasion resistance, increase slip, add water repellency, provide matting, reduce blocking, increase burnish resistance and improve black heel mark resistance.
CW: What considerations should formulators make when choosing a performance enhancing additive?
Cabot: When selecting the right performance-enhancing additive, formulators are looking for a solution that can not only meet all their functional criteria but also provide consistent quality over time and valuable technical support.
Additionally, formulators are also looking for materials that can help them towards their sustainability goals. Our specialty additives contribute towards this in several ways. Simply replacing raw materials with a low percentage of additives has limited impact. However, using specially designed additives can help reduce the use of other additives as well as reduce the processing time and cost. Depending on the formulation and performance needs, these savings can be meaningful.
GM: Outside of price, knowing what final properties you desire is the first thing to consider (abrasion resistance, water repellency, etc.) Once you determine that, product media (i.e. solid v. liquid) and how that media fits into your current process is your next step. For example, a dry-form product’s extremely long shelf-life might appear to be easy savings, but you may not have the equipment necessary to properly incorporate it. Finally, think about what chemistries will actually be compatible with your system (this can require some trial and error).
Honeywell: Formulators should consider:
• Compatibility: Ensuring the additive works well with other formulation components.
• Desired Properties: Identifying needed properties such as gloss reduction, thermal stability, or abrasion resistance.
• Environmental Conditions: Considering exposure to temperature extremes, chemicals, or UV light.
• Cost vs. Benefit: Evaluating the additive’s cost against its performance benefits to ensure value.
MPI: When selecting an additive powder, it is always important to know if your coating system is solvent- or water-based. Some powders are more effective in water-based and others in solvent-based, especially in terms of in-can stability. If the product is intended to be used in very thin film applications, maximum particle size can be an important selection factor. It’s also important to know if the end coating requires high gloss or a lower, mattified appearance.
Munzing: Are you formulating with products that most efficiently add value and performance? Does the vendor provide technical support and resources? Does the product meet or exceed current and/or anticipated regulations? What is the security of supply from that particular vendor and what is the overall cost to use?
Shamrock Technologies: When choosing an enhancing additive, formulators should carefully consider several key factors to ensure optimal performance. This includes the type of formula (water- or solvent-based), type of substrate, component compatibility, application method, curing conditions, film thickness and key performance requirements.
Siltech: Considering the complexity of these interactions, one is always trying to sit on a fence. For this reason it is best to work closely with the manufacturer.
CW: What are the latest technologies being developed for additives in paint and coatings?
Cabot: Our strength in research and development is a major reason why we have been an industry leader for more than 140 years. We partner with our customers to understand their specific application needs and leverage our technical expertise to innovate
new solutions.
Based on addressing customers’ application needs, we have developed several new technologies. Some notable examples that I would like to highlight include:
• Low viscosity fumed silica: Compared to our standard fumed silica, we have developed a product that enables lower viscosity dispersions, allowing higher loading of silica resulting in more efficient coatings formulation.
• Highly dispersible carbon black: Driven by the need to provide more sustainable and less energy-intensive formulations, Cabot has developed an easy-to-disperse carbon black that can increase throughput, reduce formulation cost and enable a more sustainable color solution.
• Conductive additives: Technological advancement and sustainability are leading to electrification across multiple industries requiring more conductive surfaces without sacrificing strength or appearance. As a result of the markets’ need for conductive additives that take performance to the next level, we have extended our portfolio to now include carbon nanostructures (CNS).
GM: The desire for more eco-friendly materials is ever-present, most recently with the avoidance of microplastics. As a result, developing bio-based or “green” chemistry is a core initiative across the industry and additives are no exception. Consumers want peace of mind that their everyday items are safe and sustainable. For us, that means finding new, natural sources to derive our waxes from without compromising performance.
Honeywell: Latest technologies include:
• Sustainable Additives: Development of bio-based and eco-friendly additives to meet environmental regulations.
• High-Performance Additives: Innovations in polymers for enhanced strength, durability, and resistance to harsh conditions.
• Multi-Functional Additives: Additives that provide multiple benefits, such as improving durability, aesthetics, and
environmental resistance.
MPI: Micro Powders is leading the way in developing an extensive range of composite and nanocomposite additive powders specifically designed to replace conventional PTFE based additives. We have been very successful at replacing our legacy PTFE technology with these new advanced additives that deliver equal or better performance. We also have built a significant portfolio of natural and naturally derived additives for surface protection and texturing.
Munzing: The bulk of our product development continues to focus on creating cleaner and greener products that can meet or exceed the performance of older, outdated additives, that coatings producers no longer want or have been regulated out of approved use. We have a robust, new portfolio of additives that are based on bio-renewable raws, are PTFE free, mineral oil free and free
of microplastics.
Shamrock Technologies: As the market landscape continues to change in response to global regulations and move towards sustainable performance coatings, Shamrock is leading the way by expanding our BioSLIP line, which includes bio-based products designed to enhance coatings performance and durability without compromising on quality. A shift towards fluoropolymer free materials has generated great interest in our MaxWax product line, a PFAS-free micronized wax alloy designed to provide optimum combination of slip and wear resistance.
Siltech: Siltech’s R&D team has been doing research on oleophobicity and have developed a group of acrylate functional silicone additives which provide good beading of oils in UV systems. We haven’t finalized the choice of best structure or structures yet but will do so soon.
CW: Please provide a brief description of your company’s latest product.
Cabot: CAB-O-SIL® MS-55LV fumed silica enables lower viscosity dispersions, allowing higher loadings of silica resulting in a more efficient formulation compared to our standard CAB-O-SIL® MS-55 fumed silica.
• MAJESTIC® 710 carbon black for water-based systems is easy to disperse, without needing substantial milling equipment, while enabling increased color performance.
• ATHLOS™ SR1200 carbon nanostructures are our advanced conductive carbon solution for coatings. They provide next-level performance, solving problems previously unsolvable with other carbon-based additives and extend our portfolio beyond its previous limits.
GM: In addressing the need for greener chemistries, Gehring-Montgomery and Ceronas have worked to develop a suite of new bio-based waxes. One of our newest grades, mju:wax 7007, is a micronized natural wax that improves abrasion and scratch resistance in water-based coatings applications.
Honeywell: Honeywell’s performance enhancing additives, such as NduroMatt™, Cohesa®, AClyn®, and A-C® Polyethylene Additives, are designed to improve durability, performance, and efficiency in various applications. These additives offer benefits including enhanced resistance to abrasion, mar, and stains, better adhesion and slip properties, and significant formulation flexibility. Honeywell Advanced Materials is invested in delivering next generation innovative and sustainable solutions.
MPI: Our most recent additions to the PTFE-free composite additives portfolio have shown impressive performance data. Superslip 6515AL-EZ, a composite of HDPE, amide wax, and aluminum oxide, is a powerful multi-functional PTFE replacement option that is surface treated for ease of use. MP-28AL is a value engineered composite of biodegradable synthetic wax and aluminum oxide that has best-in-class scratch resistance and provides lubricity with abrasion resistance. Additionally, 100% natural and biodegradable NatureMatte C44 is highly efficient for gloss reduction without viscosity build and allows formulators flexibility in coatings where food contact compliance is required.
Munzing: AGITAN® 5336 mineral oil and silicone free defoamer/deaerator for inks, adhesives and paper coatings.
• AGITAN® DF 6422, a non-aqueous, PTFE free defoamer for high solids systems like epoxy floors.
• EDAPLAN® 495 dispersant for ultra-high pH paints.
• CERETAN® MBP 20220 bio-based wax, microplastic free with excellent technical properties.
• LUBA-print® WBP 1021 alternative to paraffin, which is also recyclable.
• Over two dozen bio-based alternatives targeted to meet USDA Bio-Preferred Program targets.
Shamrock Technologies: The MaxWax product line is designed to provide the high performance of PTFE without any PFAS contents. The BioSlip product line provides the high performance of Shamrock’s additives using bio-based materials. These additives are designed to improve abrasion resistance, increase slip, add water repellency, provide matting, reduce blocking, increase burnish resistance and improve black heel mark resistance.
