European Coatings Journal, 2010,07-08

Market Watch Industry news

 Adhesives

Interview Sustainability

“Several ways to improve overall sustainability” Jan Besamusca, DSM NeoResins+ A sustainable business model is becoming increasingly important. Jan Besamusca, Innovation Director at DSM NeoResins+, speaks about how his company defines sustainability and reveals approaches to enhance efforts in this context. _How does DSM define sustainability? Jan Besamusca: By sustainability we mean meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This is the widely accepted definition. _How do you measure sustainability? Besamusca: We measure sustainability at various points at which the “Eco+ solution” approach is applicable. With this approach we mean products and services that, when considered over their entire life cycle, offer clear environmental benefits compared to the mainstream solutions they compete with. These environmental benefits can be created at any stage of the product life cycle- from raw material through manufacturing and use to potential re-use and end-of-life disposal. In short, creating more value with less environmental impact. In 2009, approximately 78 % of our innovations launched had such an Eco+ score. To assess the Eco+ score consistently and comparably over time, we are currently developing a comprehensive approach including criteria, which we will continue in 2010. _How will you improve overall sustainability results while lowering costs? Besamusca: There are several ways through which we can improve overall sustainability. First of all by reducing negative environmental impact through improving processing conditions, reducing emis-

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sions and enhancing safety in the handling of hazardous substances. We can also improve sustainability by enhancing the functionality and performance of our products in the area of durability with a strong focus on compliance with legislation. Lastly, sustainable technology should be cost effective especially in reducing energy costs and dealing with waste disposal. _Please identify trends and opportunities in terms of sustainability in the global coatings industry? Besamusca: The main trend we see is the improvement of the environmental footprint of paints. This is for example done through the transition of solvent containing systems to waterborne, powder and UV coatings or through increasing the durability of products. Besides this, we see a continuing process to eliminate suspected hazardous components from the value chain. Some of these components are APO (Amorphous polycycloolefin), NMP (Methylpyrrolidone), BPA (Bisphenol A). Another way to reduce the carbon footprint of paint products is achieved by using a coating technology that uses carbon dioxide based polycarbonates. This development demonstrates the sustainability strategy in two ways: it leverages the focus on open innovation and it has a strong contribution to sustainability because it eliminates carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In addition, it also has a large potential with regard to production efficiency and with regard to the performance of these resin products. (gag)

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Henkel to invest in Russia Henkel plans to open a EUR 10 million construction adhesives factory in Ulyanovsk and to build two more such plants by 2012, Russian newspaper “Vedomosti” reported, citing Chief Executive Officer Kasper Rorsted. The adhesive producer expects Russia to become its fourth-largest market over the next four years. Currently Russia is the company's sixth or seventh-biggest market. “I am sure that emerging markets will be out of the crisis sooner than developed markets. We expect that already in the mid-term prospective markets like Russia will be showing faster growth than Western Europe and the U.S.”, Rorsted said. www.henkel.com

 Emulsions Dow builds new plant in China Dow Coating Materials has announced a major investment in its Chinese manufacturing footprint – a new USD 17 million dollar emulsion plant located at the company’s Zhangjiagang site. The facility will also supply products for the company’s adhesives and functional polymers business as well as the building and construction business unit. Construction of the new plant is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010, with an expected start-up date sometime in late 2011. www.dow.com

 Investment Thor announces China expansion Thor Group Limited is confirming its commitment to the Asia Pacific market with the commissioning of a new facility in Shanghai/China. The company will invest USD 30 million at the site for offices, laboratories and a manufacturing plant. Production of the bulk of the Group’s major product lines including biocides, flame retardants and ingredients for the cosmetics industry is expected to commence in 2012. The company anticipates an annual production capacity of 30,000 metric tons. www.thor.com

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Market Watch Industry news

 Wood coatings Sherwin-Williams to buy Becker Acroma Sherwin-Williams announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Becker Acroma Industrial Wood Coatings, a subsidiary of AB Wilh. Becker based in Sweden. The transaction, subject to certain regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the third quarter. The Swedish company’s wood coatings serve the joinery, kitchen cabinet, furniture, and flooring markets directly and through distributors. www.sherwin-williams.com

 Binders Evonik to end production of polyethylene waxes Evonik Industries intends to shut down its production of polyethylene waxes in Herne/Germany, at the end of December 2010. The group has taken this step as a part of a profitability analysis. The modification and sale of Fischer-Tropsch based waxes will continue. The company announced it will use best efforts to achieve a controlled withdrawal of the polyethylene waxes from the business. Polyethylene waxes are used in coatings and adhesives. http://corporate.evonik.com

 Production technology Netzsch invests in German laboratory Netzsch-Feinmahltechnik GmbH, the Business Unit Grinding & Dispersing of Netzsch, has announced the expansion of the laboratory at their headquarters in Selb/Germany. The company invested around EUR 1 million. Completion of the new building is scheduled for September 2010. www.netzsch-grinding.com

 Acquisition RPM takes over Hummervoll RPM’s Performance Coatings Group has acquired Hummervoll Industribelegg AS, a supplier and installer of industrial flooring systems based in Norway. The Norwegian company serves both onshore and offshore markets with its concreteand epoxy-based flooring systems. Its onshore division primarily focuses on the food, manufacturing and chemical industries. The offshore division provides flooring solutions for oil platforms, barricade decks and emergency escape routes. www.rpminc.com

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Interview Powder coatings

“The industrial market will grow at 4 to 5 %” Rob Molenaar, AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel has recently completed the acquisition of Dow’s powder coatings business to strengthen its manufacturing footprint. According to Rob Molenaar, Managing Director of AkzoNobel Powder Coatings, the market for powder coatings shows further growth opportunities for the next decades. _What has led to the acquisition in these difficult economic times? Rob Molenaar: We merged in a period of economic difficulties but our outlook for the powder coatings industry shows opportunities that are not necessarily linked to the cycles of the economy. The power and the eco-footprint that powder coatings have made this acquisition a strategic fit for our operations. The combination of both companies brings along a lot of complementary technical know-how especially in the plastics and automotive business. Through the acquisition we will also strengthen our geo-position with a strong manufacturing footprint in Asia, Europe and now as well in America. The U.S. is an important market in the powder coatings industry where many international and global customers have a presence. _To what extent will you restructure the powder coatings business? Molenaar: Right now, at this early stage, it is difficult to talk about restructuring measures in general. However, we certainly don’t have targets when it comes to reducing headcount or closing plants. In a deal such as this, synergies will be found, and will obviously require careful evaluation. We will share news of any relevant developments with the market if and when they occur, as we have done when we announced the intended closure of the site in Bensheim, Germany.

We will continue our growth ambitions in India and China. In Q3 of 2010 we will inaugurate our seventh factory in China. This demonstrates our dedication to the industry as we see drivers of growth for the next decade. _What market development do you expect for powder coatings? What segments will show growth? Molenaar: We expect that the industrial market will grow at about 4 to 5 % above the average GDP at least for the next five to ten years. The acceleration of growth could come through new technology, technical developments and of course innovations. The area of wood will show the strongest increase followed by plastics and then by the area of automotive. _How do you rate the market potential in the different regions? Molenaar: The obvious markets for growth in the future will be the emerging markets of Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America. In these regions the consumption of durable goods is steadily increasing and so the demand for powder coatings will eventually grow as well. Especially the automotive segment shows a significant development potential. We also expect growth in the mature markets for powder coatings for wood and plastics. The market in the U.S. is rebounding, for Europe our prognosis is a bit more cautious. The markets are driven by environmental issues and legislative regulations from which powder coatings could benefit even more in the coming years. Applying powder coatings on plastic substrates and achieving lower curing times will support the trend to use more powder instead of liquids. (gag)

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Market Watch CEPE

High performance for a green future Europe’s coatings sector looks to sustainability Damir Gagro Sustainability into the future will be the defining theme of the Annual CEPE Conference 2010, which brings together the decision makers in the European paints and coatings sector. The high-calibre conference will feature sustainability experts who will be identifying upcoming trends and divulging their own approaches. A sustainable business model founded on social, economic and environmental standards is becoming increasingly important for coatings manufacturers as they struggle with the global economic crisis. It is simply too risky for them to ignore climate change, the need to manage resources and to have regard for social standards along the supply chain. The sector is fully cognizant of the reputational damage and commercial setbacks that it will suffer if companies fail to comply with social and environmental standards. A sustainable business model also means conserving resources. When these are managed properly, both the environment and the company benefit. Decision makers in the European paints and coatings sector, along with sustainability experts, will gather at this year’s CEPE Annual Conference and General Assembly, held from 22 to 24 September 2010, to discuss and plot their course for the future.

Action – not reaction

Source: BASF Coatings AG, Hofschlaeger/Pixelio, Cognis, Herla/Pixelio, Maren Bessler/Pixelio, Byk Chemie

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A sustainable business model entails adopting professional social and environmental management techniques to safeguard economic prosperity into the future. How and in what form sustainability can be integrated into the business model to secure that success will be demonstrated by Dr. Peter Grochal, Sto AG,

who will provide examples of how to turn theory into practice. The mega-trends that are set to impact the paints and coatings sector will be discussed by Dr. Martin Vollmer, Clariant International Ltd., in a 40-minute presentation to the plenary session. Such trends spring from both climate change and demographic change. Vollmer believes that they can open up pathways to a plethora of new, environmentally friendly technologies. If companies wish to become top dog, it is vital that they not only spot such trends early, but also take swift action – otherwise they will forever be playing catch-up. In Turkey, 850,000 tonnes of paints and coatings worth nearly USD 2 billion are produced every year. The local coatings market is served by 20 major companies and some 600 SMEs scattered throughout the land. Gavsi Özarpak, Jotun Powder Coatings, will cover the structure and future development of the market in his plenary address. Özarpak believes that, just as in bygone centuries, Turkey’s geographical location will turn it into a major hub for the markets in the East and West.

Making sustainable contacts The venue of this year's Annual CEPE Conference is also unique – for Istanbul is not just the “European Capital of Culture for 2010”, it is also the only city in the world to link two continents. The conference is not the only opportunity for professional and personal networking, though. A welcome reception will be held in the “City Lights Bar” on the evening beforehand, enabling participants and speakers to become acquainted with each other while enjoying a breathtaking view over the city and the river Bosphorus. After the presentations, there will be an exclusive Bosphorus tour during which the sector decision makers and sustainability experts will have a chance to review the highlights of the conference, at which participants are sure to forge links that can be sustained well into the future. For more information on the CEPE Annual Conference & General Assembly 2010, please contact: Vincentz Network Nicole Steinbach T +49 511 9910-274 F +49 511 9910-279 [email protected] www.european-coatings.com/cepe

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Market Watch Russia

Source: Alexey Usov/Fotolia.com

The Russian paint market and the global financial crisis Continued economic growth expected in the near future

Dr. Marina Polyakova Olga Listova Dr. Vladimir Stokozenko* Following the default in 1998, Russian paint production reached a historic low of 465,300 tonnes. Thereafter, both paint production and consumption grew fairly briskly and steadily. From 2001 to 2007, paint production grew at an average annual clip of 7.0 %, consumption of 6.3 %.

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ike many other countries around the world, Russia went into economic meltdown in the year 2008. However, unlike the default of 1998, the crisis was not home-grown, but rather, as has now been established,

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had its origins in the world’s leading economy – the United States of America.

Increasing consumption of foreign-made paints in Russia This development is reflected in the Russian paint market. Compared with the prior-year period, paint production in 2008 rose 1.2 % in Q1, 3.1 % in Q2, and 14.7 % in Q3. However, Q4 2008 saw paint production slump 20.6 % year on year. As a result, Russian paint production in 2008 increased just 1.65 %. At the same time, Russian paint exports in 2008 grew a substantial 48.4 %, while paint imports sky-rocketed by 99.6 % (see Table 1) [1].

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* Contact: Dr. Vladimir Stokozenko JSC “Spektr LK”, Moscow, Russia T +7 495 457-1081 Vladimir.Stokozenko@ yandex.ru

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Market Watch Russia Table 1: Russian paints market in 2007-2009 Index Production

2007 (1,000 t)

2008 (1,000 t)

2009 (1,000 t)

927.1

942.2 (+ 1.65 )

804.5 (- 14.6 %)

- Export + Import Inside consumption Volume of domestic paints on market

71.1

105.5 (+ 48.4 %)

94.4 (-10.5 %)

200.8

400.7 (+ 99.6 %)

313.5 (-21.8 %)

1056.8

1236.7 (+ 17.1 %)

1023.6 (-17.3 %)

836.9 (67.6 % of total paints)

710.1 (69.4 % of total paints)

850.0 (80.4 % of total paints)

Figure 1: Value of Russian and foreign materials in the paint markets of Russia in the period 2005-2009

As a result, domestic consumption, primarily of foreignmade paints, increased by 17.1 %. They increased their share of the Russian paint market from 19.6 % in 2007 to 32.4 % in 2008 (Figure 1). Although Russian GDP grew 5.6 % in 2008, this was modest compared with average annual growth of 8.1 % from 2000 to 2007.

The full force of the economic crisis hit Russia in 2009 According to Russia’s Federal State Statistics Service (FSSS) and the Ministry for Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Russian GDP shrank 7.9 % in 2009, year on year, the index of industrial production fell 10.8 %, while manufacturing declined 16.0 %, compared to January to December 2008. The index of real GDP in “construction"”in 2009 was 84 % of the prior-year figure. Freight turnover was running at 89.8 % of the previous year’s total, with the corresponding figure for railway freight being 88.1 %. The index of chemical production in the year 2009 came in at 94.6 %. Customs statistics show that Russian foreign trade turnover fell 36.2 % in 2009, relative to 2008, with drops in the value of both exports (down 35.5 %) and imports (down 37.3 %). The fall in the value of exports was due to the sharp contraction in late 2008 and the lower prices for primary commodities exported by Russia (especially oil, gas, nonferrous metals, etc). However, there was little change in physical volumes of exported commodities. Investments in chemical plants in Russia decreased by 17.6 % compared to 2008. However, thanks to stimulus measures taken by the Russian Federation Government [2], a number of investment projects have been implemented, including construction by JSC “United Yaroslavl Paints” of a waterborne dispersion paints plant with a capacity 10,000 tonnes.

Double-digit drop across all indicators Economic realities are negatively impacting the Russian paint market. As Table 1 shows, this market has suffered a double-digit drop across all major indicators, namely paint production (-14.6 %), paint exports ( 10.4 %) and imports ( 21.8 %), domestic paint consumption (-17.3 %) and the number of domestic paints on the market (-15.2 %). It should be noted that, despite declining significantly, paint imports were 56.1 % higher in 2009 than in 2007. Consequently, paint imports, which account for a substantial part of the volume of Russian market for premium-price coatings, have acquired a strong position in the Russian paint market in recent years. The main suppliers of coatings to Russia continue to be EU countries (Fig. 2).

A period of post-crisis development

Figure 2: Russian imports 2009: Total volume of 313.5 thousand tons, value of USD 1,242.9 millions

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As already noted, the Russian Federation’s government actively tackled the economic crisis in 2009 and has remained active in 2010. This is reflected, especially, in the Russian paint industry. Whereas paint production in Q1 2009 was down 34.4 % on the prior-year period, the rate of decline slowed

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Market Watch Russia Table 2: Russian paints market in I quarters 2009 and 2010 Index

I quarter 2009, (1,000 t)

I quarter 2010, (1,000 t)

128.0

158.7 (+ 24.0 %)

7.1

9.2 (+ 29.6 %)

23.0

32.2 (+ 40.0 %)

Production - Export + Import Inside consumption Volume of domestic paints on market

143.9 120.9

(84.0 % of total paints)

181.7 (+ 26.3 %) 149.5 (82.3 % of total paints)

2010. On that basis, we estimate that Russian paint production in 2010 will amount to 937,000 tonnes.

REFERENCES [1] Koftjuk V., Poljakova M., Bublik L., Listova O., Stokozenko V.,Lakokrasochnye materialy i ikh primenenie, number 4, p. 6-8, 10-11, April 2010 [2] The main directions of anti-crisis actions of the government of the Russian Federation in 2010. Document of the RF Government, 30 December 2009 [3] Koftjuk V., Poljakova M., Bublik L., Listova O., Stokozenko V., Lakokrasochnye materialy i ikh primenenie, number 5, p. 7-9, May

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2010

to -17.6 % in Q2 and to -9.0 % in Q3. In Q4 2009, paint production in Russia increased 10.4 %. This growth continued into Q1 2010 (see Table 2) [3]. Like the world in general, Russia is now entering a period of post-crisis development. GDP growth in the first quarter of 2010 is variously estimated at 2.9 - 4.5 %, the index of industrial production is put at 5.8 %, while the population’s real income is estimated to have risen 7.4 %. Freight turnover rose 11.5 %, including railway freight, which was up 13.9 %. FSSS estimates that in Q1 2010, Russian paint production amounted to 158,700 tonnes (+ 24.0 % on Q1 2009), paint exports were 9,200 tonnes (+ 29.6 %), while paint imports were running at 32,200 tonnes (+ 40.0 %). Domestic paint consumption was 181,700 tonnes (+ 26.3 %), while domestic paints made up 82.3 % of the number of all paints on the market. The FSSS says that paint production in Russia rose 26.2 % in April 2010, year on year.

Conclusions 1. The global financial crisis led to a significant decline in paint production in Russia from Q4 2008 to Q3 2009. This was followed in 2009 by a fall in exports, imports and domestic paint consumption. 2. Paint production began to rise in Q4 2009 and continued into Q1 2010, accompanied by rises in exports, imports and domestic paints consumption. 3. The situation in the overall global economy, especially expected growth of more than 5 % in U.S. GDP in 2010, and double-digit GDP growth in China (11.9 % in Q1 2010) and in the Russian economy, give cause for hope of continued economic growth in Russia in Q2 to Q4 2010, with corresponding growth in the Russian paint market. 4. According to a forecast by the Bank of America, Russian GDP will grow 7 % in

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4/15/10 9:12 AM

Market Watch Asia-Pacific

Analysis of the Asia-Pacific paint and coatings market Economic growth in APAC region remains resilient despite global economic crisis

Contact: Donna Jeremiah Frost & Sullivan [email protected]

Sheila Senathirajah No doubt, the world economic growth was greatly impacted by the key happenings in 2008 and 2009. In 2009, we saw North America and Europe recording negative growth numbers however growth regions such as Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Middle East still maintained positive growth numbers. From 2010 onwards, growth is expected to return positive, mainly aided by the strong performance of the Asian economy.

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ooking at past years, we can see that the world economy grew at an average of 4 to 5 % annually. In 2008, that dropped to 3 % and in 2009 the world economy further contracted by 1.1 %. Now let’s take a deeper dive into the economic growth within the APAC region by looking at some key growth countries. China, the clear front runner of the Asian (and world) economic growth was greatly impacted in 2009, with growth rates dropping to 9 % from its average 15 to 20 %. This is as a direct result of China’s increasing foreign investment growth as well as dependence on exports. To counter this, the Chinese government put in place aggressive policies to support and drive domestic demand, thus bolstering growth.

Figure 1: Current and forecasted GDP growth of key economies, 2003-2013  Source: IMF(World Economic Outlook, Oct 2009)

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Vietnam and Indonesia are key hot spot markets Within ASEAN, the two key hot spot markets are currently Vietnam and Indonesia. These countries have not been as hard hit as other ASEAN countries reflecting its relatively lower share of advanced manufacturing and its higher contribution to growth coming from domestic demand. The growths of these countries are expected to remain positive over the coming two years. Moving on to the industrial giants in Asia, Japan and Korea have not fared well during the economic crisis having been severely hit due to their extensive global financial links. These are mature markets registering minimal growth within the market place and sustained positive growth is only expected to reemerge in late 2010, once the external environment improves.

Market growth of 20 % in China and India The APAC paint and coatings market is growing in line with the robust economic growth seen in the region. In 2008 the paint and coatings market in APAC was valued at USD 40.1 billion with a volume of 13.6 million tonnes or approximately 11 billion litres. This makes up roughly 30 to 35 % of the global paint industry. In the last five years, the APAC paint market enjoyed a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 15 %. However, effects of the economic slump begin to hit the market in the second half of 2008 continuing into the first half of 2009. Industry players only started to see a positive rebound in late 2009. Overall in 2009, the market is estimated to have only recorded marginal growth. The negative growth seen in most countries has been buffered by the positive growth coming from China and India. Industry players are positive and confident on seeing positive growth numbers in 2010 and 2011. Next, let’s zoom in on individual countries paint market growth, CAGR (2004-2008), versus its paint consumption per capita. Paint consumption per capita is the total volume of paint consumed in a country divided by its population. The higher the value the more advanced its paint industry As seen in Figure 1, China and India both have high paint market growth at over 20 % but relatively low paint consumption per capita, indicating a very under penetrated market. This is followed closely by Vietnam and Indonesia who have also begun to show high growth potential with double digit growth rates and equally low domestic consumption. Much opportunity in terms of volume sales exist in these countries.

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Market Watch Asia-Pacific On the other hand, mature markets such as Australia, South Korea and Japan have lower market growth but high paint consumption per capita indicating a rather saturated market. Areas of opportunities in these countries lie in the form of high value coatings exhibiting higher performance attributes or to be used in niche applications.

Competition through coatings substitutes will challenge the market In terms of drivers, the more notable ones in the recent one to two years are clearly the impact of stimulus packages to boost domestic demand and mergers and acquisitions within the industry that have helped sustain company growth. Besides that, the recently finalised free trade agreement (1 January, 2010) between ASEAN and China is also expected to play a positive role in driving the industry as will new coating technology entering the market. The terms green chemistry, nanotechnology and smart coatings are the current buzz words and formulators are finding ways to couple these three technologies together to produce coatings that are not just environmentally friendly but also able to enhance sustainability. In terms of restraints, we see the market has been heavily impacted by the reduction in export demand from the west which has particularly affected coatings serving the automotive, industrial furniture and white goods production industries. Along with this, rising raw material prices as well as fiercer competition from small, back end players in Asia that operate at lower cost, place much pressure on industry players in terms of margin squeeze. In the long run, competition from coating substitutes such as glass and steel is also expected to negatively impact the market.

Protective and powder coatings show highest growth potential The paint and coatings market can be further split into ten key segments. They are decorative, automotive OEM, automotive refinish, powder, coil, can, industrial wood, marine, protective, and other industrial coatings. The

Figure 2: APAC paint & coatings market size (2003-2008)  Source: PaintFrost, Frost & Sullivan six focus segments are decorative, other industrial, industrial wood, protective, powder and automotive OEM coatings ranked in order of market size. Combined these six segments make up close to 90 % of the total market value. Figure 3 highlights the growth rates of each segment from 2004-2010. For these segments, their substantial size and growth has been greatly spurred by a demographic shift towards urbanization, higher industrial growth within the countries in Asia, increased activity in the oil & gas industry and a healthy export market. Protective and powder coatings are estimated to witness the highest growth in coming years despite being hit badly in 2009 due to a reduction in export demand of white goods and postponement of key construction projects.

Coating resins market will continue thriving Having looked at paint market growth in this region, let’s zoom into an analysis of the key raw materials within a paint formulation. Paint is generally composed of resins, pigments, solvents, and various additives. Pigments give

Figure 3: Paint market growth rate versus per capita consumption  Source: Frost & Sullivan

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Market Watch Asia-Pacific and subsequent slowdown in demand, the market for coating resins in Asia Pacific has thrived, and is expected to continue this trend in the coming years along with the robust growth seen in the paint and coatings industry. It is expected to have the highest growth rate compared to that of other key regions, benefiting largely from industrial migration and low labor cost in the region. Most end-use industries have already set up manufacturing centers in Asia to capitalise on the growing paint and coatings market and to increase profitability. Nevertheless, Asia is still affected by some key challenges such as slowing growth in the mature high-value markets including Japan and South Korea, consolidations within the industry that restrict the growth of local stand-alone resin manufacturers, and inferior advancement in R&D as most of the technology is transferred from the west.

Figure 4: APAC paint industry market drivers and restraints  Source: Frost & Sullivan the paint its colour; solvent is the medium used to carry the paint ingredients making it easier to apply, resins are the binders that encapsulate the pigment and additives together in a smooth film once dry and additives serve as everything from fillers to anti-fungicidal agents. A typical paint formulation contains a mixed balance of these key raw materials that come together to produce a coating with desired properties. Typically resins, an integral component in a paint formulation, accounts for an average of between 20 and 30 % by volume. However there are formulations that use much more or much less than this amount depending on the requirements. The Asia Pacific coating resins market is an evolving market. The market for coating resins in APAC in 2008 was valued at USD 11.07 billion with a market size of around 2.8 million tonnes. The coating resins market which serves the paint and coatings industry is highly dependent on the growth of the latter. Despite the downturn in economy

Success factors for industry players to stay ahead In order to succeed in this evolving and thriving industry in APAC, industry players within the coatings market need to focus on some key success factors in order to succeed. »»Focus on branding – This is becoming more and more important with the increase in awareness amongst consumers. In China for example, local branding is fast becoming an essential marketing strategy to capitalise on increasing domestic demand. »»Enter new markets or segments – APAC is a rapidly developing region with many growth countries and segments as reviewed above. These hold much opportunity for industry players who are willing to invest in these areas. »»Innovation – Customers are becoming more demanding and aware of paint and its attributes. A competitive edge is required to distinguish the key players from the masses. »»Keep abreast with changing regulations – In terms of safety and health, APAC tends to take cue from its more advanced counterparts. Industry players need to be aware of regulations impacting the industry not just at a local level but also at a regional and international level. Most trends in Western regions tend to find their way to Asia at some point.

Green coatings are the leading technology trend in the region

Figure 5: CAGR growth rates of key coating segment in APAC, 2004-2010 

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Source: PaintFrost, Frost & Sullivan

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A recent poll conducted by Frost & Sullivan in early Q1, 2010 with key industry players within the APAC coatings industry showed that 53 % were of the opinion that the market would grow between 5 to 10 % in 2010 and 2011 and a further 47 % were expecting higher growth of between 10 to 15 % for the same time frame. In terms of technology, green coatings are expected to be one of the leading technology trends in this region. In the same poll, 37 % were confident that green coatings would witness high growth in the coming five years with a further 50 % of the audience predicting moderately high growth.

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Associations AFTPVA

Cross-border cooperation The French association AFTPVA is active at regional, national and international levels The Association of French Technicians in Paints, Varnishes, Printing Inks and Adhesives (AFTPVA) has so far acquired a fairly long experience since its foundation in 1947. It is also the most prominent booster for painting, varnish, printing ink, glue and adhesive industries in France. AFTPVA is an association administrated by the law of the 1 July 1901 and is governed by a management team – President, 2 Vice-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer – with the support of an Advisory Board. The current President is Valère Zanone. The association counts about 400 members, engineers and technicians, among five regional sections. These sections and the Glue and Adhesive Group organise technical and social meetings all along the year and so far provide its members constantly scientific and technical information about their profession and its advancement.

Providing training programmes The association also organizes with the CoRI (Coatings Research Institute of Brussels) the “Forum de la Connaissance”, a high-level scientific event. Additionally, AFTPVA develops training courses throughout a professional association, AFPEV - Paint Training Association. Both partners provide quality programmes to the people who work in the paint, ink and adhesive industries as well as in related industries. Modules are of one to three days duration. Courses deal with raw materials, formulation, colour, environment, surface treatments, etc. AFTPVA publishes technical and industrial knowledge in the French magazine “Double Liaison” devoted to paints and adhesives, which covers business information, articles, reports on congresses, news, etc.

Forming cooperations across Europe At the beginning of the 1990s, the French association entered into partnership with the Italian (AITIVA) and the Spanish (AETEPA) associations in order to create UATCM (Union of Associations of Paints Technicians of Mediterranean Culture). Algeria (ACPEV) as associate member and later on Romania (ARTILAC) and Portugal (APTETI) joined the Union. On behalf of this Union, the international event, Eurocoat, is organized each year, either in France, Spain or Italy. AFTPVA is one of the founding members of FATIPEC in 1951 grouping together eleven European countries and has been a member of CSI (Coatings Society International) since 1979. AFTPVA has a close cooperation with other scientific and technical associations in Europe.

Bringing the industry together For over 60 years, AFTPVA has been involved in the paint, varnish, printing ink, glue and adhesive industry. So far, it has been playing an important part in the French industry. The French association organizes regional, national and international conferences and seminars to focus attention on the advancement of science, technology and home and European Commission regulations. It brings together engineers and technicians of companies that operate in the coatings chain all over the country and abroad. The association fosters its continuing improvement in the areas of chemistry, technology, materials and equipments, law, environment, sustainable development, safety, health, etc. The association is active internationally. With sister associations, AFTPVA will participate in the Eurocoat Exhibition for South Europe and in the FATIPEC Congress 2010 which will be held simultaneously in Genoa, Italy on 9 to 11 November. These two events will offer a global forum to discuss about the international paint industry and to collect valuable information. Next year, and with its partner ETAI, AFTPVA will organize Eurocoat 2011 for the first time in Paris, France from 27 to 29 September. AFTPVA is sure to continue making an important contribution to the coatings of the 21st century.

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Source: Sebastian Duda - Fotolia.com

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Contact: AFTPVA – Association of French Technicians in Paints, Varnishes, Printing Inks and Adhesives T +33 1 42 63 45 91 F +33 1 42 63 31 50 [email protected] www.aftpva.org

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Valère Zanone, President, AFTPVA

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Expert Primer Voices Sustainability

Green sells Sustainability has become an important issue in product selling More and more research is focused on renewable raw materials Their use has also increased significantly. Nevertheless a 100 % substition of fossiles is still a challenge with lots of hurdles – from the technical perspective as well as in communication. Dr. Houshang Kherdmand, European Resin Manufacturers Association, and Robbert van der Eijk, De Ijssel Coatings BV, tackle these hurdles from different angles.

“Sustainability and its development is a holistic, cross-disciplinary approach.”

1

Would you agree that the use of sustainable raw materials is also profitable?

2sustainable When will coatings made of 100 % raw materials be developed?

Dr. Houshang Kheradmand Tech. Committee Chairman European Resin Manufacturers Association (ERMA) Hampton, UK [email protected]

What are the toughest hurdles right now?

1“Yes”.TheIn answer to this question is a clear today’s worldwide activities the

sustainability during the life cycle is a key selling point for a product or service so the economical, ecological and societal (sustainable prosperity) aspects are the benefits for the producers and users.. In our coatings industries, there are normally many steps between the raw materials and the final products; at each stage (gate to gate) the suppliers with sustainable raw materials will create the opportunities to reduce: »»Consumption of resources: raw materials, energy, water, … »»Waste generation »»Hazards and risks A sustainability approach is the key driver for the raw materials (RM) producers and could help to have or keep a sustainable leadership position in the market which means business profitability.

2

Sustainability and its development is a holistic, cross-disciplinary approach, necessarily involving functions across the supply chain and market organisation. A partnership approach could facilitate the product

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optimisation and the development of a sustainable coating based on sustainable RMs. The toughest hurdles right now for this specific product and market are: a) Strategy and resources: market globalisation, has generated a highlevel technical competition and innovations. Right strategy, planning and organisation needed at this level of competition. b) Environmental and ecological trends: They are the critical elements for designing the future of our business Climate change, energy, limits to natural resources and degradation of our natural environment would be critical for product, process and applications. c) Consumer requirements: The users focus on smart products meeting criteria such as innovation, costs, health and environmental friendliness. The optimisation is challenging. d) Stockholders: sustainable benefits for owners could be guaranteed via innovations (strategy, policy, product, process, business, leadership, ...) Sustainability and its development management should include the existing and on going issues from human activities.

í

www.european-coatings.com

Primer Voices Expert Sustainability

“By using advanced materials the durability and economic service life of the end product will be increased.”

Robbert van der Eijk Managing Director De IJssel Coatings BV Moordrecht, The Netherlands [email protected]

1

We believe that it is possible for the fiber reinforced industry to use sustainable raw materials, and that this will be eventually profitable on the medium and long term. The current sharp increase of raw material prices combined with unstable prices for crude oil will definitely stimulate this development. For one research direction the main objective is to increase the performance of the materials used in the process. By using advanced materials the durability and economic service life of the end product will be increased. If prices of these more sustainable materials are in line with the prices of the current products used this might be profitable. Another development has a large focus on renewable raw materials. At this moment most of the efforts towards renewable materials is done in the field of the resin and fibres. In the fibre area there are good commercially alternative products available such as flax, hemp or bamboo. For the gelcoat layer there are some very small developments but as far as we know they are not commercially available for a wide range of applications. The biggest challenge for our reinforced industry is to combine these devlopments.

a) It is necessary that the availability of 100 % sustainable resins that are suitable for the application as a laminating resin as well as for gelcoats will be improved. b) Another problem that all new products face: there are no reliable data on long-term performance. To avoid risks it will take a lot of time before 100 % sustainable resins become common practice. c) Availability of 100 % sustainable additives and pigments. Not only the compatibility with the resins is important but it should at least give you the same properties as the pigments used at this moment.

“Green Chemistry for Environmental Sustainability” Sanjay K. Sharma, Ackmez Mudhoo www.crcpress.com

í

2searching The fibre reinforced industry is not only for one sustainable product but for a complete range of sustainable products. The gelcoats, resins and fibres used in the process have to be replaced by 100 % sustainable materials. It will not be easy to reach the goal within a few years. There are a number of technical hurdles that need to be taken. In general you can say that:

Source: Alx/Fotolia.com www.european-coatings.com

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Technical Paper Surfactants

Source: Cognis

With green credentials Renewable, non-ionic surfactants for optimised emulsion polymerisation

Ronald Klagge* Sascha Oestreich Thomas Schliwka

Video interviews on renewable materials: www.europeancoatings.com/ videos

* Corresponding author: Dr. Ronald Klagge Cognis GmbH T +49 211 7940 5634 [email protected]

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A new range of surfactants, based on modified natural fatty alcohols, and those based on renewable raw materials, meets the need for high-performance materials which optimise the emulsion polymerisation process in an environmentally sound and sustainable way without sacrificing quality.

M

ore than ever before, the polymer-dispersions market requires environmentally sound products that deliver state-of-the-art performance. Manufacturers are therefore looking to improve the performance of the final latex to meet this demand. This has resulted in the development of a new series of surfactants based on modified natural and renewable-based fatty alcohols. They combine state-of-the-art performance, handling and environmental soundness.

Non-ionic surfactants Emulsion polymerisation is a radical chain growth reaction of water-insoluble monomers which have been emulsified in an aqueous phase. The end product is

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known as a “latex”. It consists of a high-molecularweight polymer or copolymer that is made up of billions of submicron micelles dispersed in water and stabilised by surfactants. Latexes are mainly used as film-forming materials or binders in coating applications and adhesives and as thickeners or rheology modifiers. Normally, the surfactants employed during the polymerisation process also use the electrostatic repulsion between the micelles to provide the final colloidal stability to the latex. Nevertheless, to improve the long-term stability of the latex, non-ionic surfactants are added at the end of the process. Non-ionic surfactant molecules consist of a hydrophobic section and a long-chain hydrophilic section. The hydrophobic element incorporates itself into the micelle and the long hydrophilic chain points away from it and thus provides steric stability against other micelles. In addition, to their use in emulsion polymerisation, surfactants also play an important role in latex application. As this usually involves the destabilisation of the latex and the subsequent formation of a polymeric film or phase, surfactants must allow this coagulation to take place without compromising the properties of the polymer particles. Ideally, the surfactants are designed in such a way that their properties synergetically enhance those of the chosen polymer.

www.european-coatings.com

Technical Paper Surfactants Results at a glance A family of new non-ionic surfactants offers significant handling benefits by avoiding a gel phase. The products demonstrate low foaming behaviour and have low pour points. They show good stabilisation performance and thereby help manufacturers optimise and speed up their processes and even improve final applications. The materials are FDA approved. They help to reduce energy consumption and are based on renewable raw materials. They help manufacturers optimise and speed up their processes thanks to the absence of gel phases, low foaming, and low pour point.

No formation of liquid crystal gel phases Non-ionic surfactants are normally diluted with water prior to use in the emulsion polymerisation process. This is because latex manufacturers usually prefer to purchase these surfactants in the concentrated form, in order to reduce transport costs. Whilst some manufacturers reduce the active ingredient content by diluting the surfactant solution with water before adding it to the latex, others use the surfactant in the concentrated state and take advantage of the dilution effect caused by the water in the latex. Whichever method is used, the concentration of the surfactant in its aqueous environment usually changes significantly when applied.

Figure 1: Phase behaviour of non-ionic surfactants with 30 moles of EO

Plant operators are well aware of the fact that the dilution of surfactants is often accompanied by the formation of liquid-crystal gel phases. This can occur either in the form of a multitude of solid particles of varying sizes or as a massive block that can even stop the stirrer of the vessel. In both cases, these gel phases destroy the homogeneity of the latex and either do not re-dissolve or only do so very slowly. The new non-ionic surfactants are specifically designed to avoid the presence of liquidcrystal gel phases in aqueous surfactant environments over the whole concentration range at 20 °C or above. Figure 1 illustrates phase limits between solid and liquid states of non-ionic surfactants with 30 moles of ethylene oxide (30 EO) and shows a comparison between the new class of non-ionic surfactants, a standard non-ionic surfactant and

Technical Paper Surfactants

Figure 2: Phase limit boundaries of the new non-ionic surfactants with different moles of EO

iso-tridecylic alcohol with 30 EO. Each of these surfactants was diluted with water to give a range of concentrations of the active ingredient in steps of 10 %. The gelation temperature was determined for each sample according to the following method: each sample was placed in temperature bath at 20 ºC until thermal equilibrium was attained. The sample was then cooled in steps of 1 ºC with the proviso that after every cooling step thermal equilibrium was reached. This process was followed until the sample solidified. The lowest temperature that allowed the sample to remain liquid is shown in Figure 1. It demonstrated that the new non-ionic surfactant with 30 EO can easily be diluted to lower concentrations at temperatures above 10 °C without the formation of gel phases. In contrast, a standard 30 EO non-ionic surfactant will show a gel phase at 55 % active ingredient when diluted from 70 % at the same temperature. Iso-tridecyl alcohol 30 EO even forms liquid crystal particles between 60 % and 40 % active ingredient at temperatures as high as 30 °C. What is more, the addition of even a small amount of water to them can cause severe problems in the production process. Figure 2 illustrates the phase boundaries for the new class of non-ionic surfactants with the different degrees of ethoxylation that will be available in the market. The good phase behaviour of the new class of non-ionic surfactants enables easier handling, brought about by the faster addition of non-ionic surfactants to their process, and no risk of gel formation. Furthermore, the temperature range at which these surfactants can be added to the process is greater.

Low foaming

Figure 3: Collapse of foam with the new non-ionic surfactants and ethoxylated iso-tridecyl alcohol

Foam formation is a common concern in industrial latex production. Foaming may occur during agitation throughout the whole of the emulsion polymerisation process. This happens particularly at the end of the polymerisation reaction, when unreacted monomers are distilled off in the reactor under reduced pressure. The presence of foam can significantly slow down a process, especially when it collapses very slowly. The newly developed, non-ionic surfactants provide rapid foam collapse in both the surfactant solution and the finished latex. Figure 3 compares the collapse time of foam columns when using the new non-ionic surfactants or ethoxylated iso-tridecyl alcohol. Foam was generated by stirring a 1 % solution of the surfactant in de-ionized water at 1100 rpm for one minute in a SITA foam tester. The actual height of the foam columns was detected using electrodes. Figure 3 shows that samples of the new non-ionics containing at least 20 moles of EO create less foam than ethoxylated iso-tridecyl alcohol. In addition, their rate of foam decay is much faster. In particular, the foam that occurs with the variant which was developed to have particularly low foaming properties, collapses completely in no more than five minutes.

Cold climates Low pour-point levels of raw materials are important for production plants in regions with very cold winters. In this case, it is desirable to use raw materials with pour points lower than the ambient temperature that occurs during transportation and storage, since it is only such materials that remain liquid and homogeneous and can therefore be used for process-

Figure 4: Improved defoaming performance of new non-ionic surfactants in exterior paints

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www.european-coatings.com

Technical Paper Surfactants ing without additional heating or stirring. The new non-ionic surfactants generally provide low pour points. One particular product has a pour point below -15 °C.

Stabilisaton of latexes Apart from advantages in handling, the new non-ionic surfactants show good micelle and latex stabilisation properties. The electrolyte stability of styrene acrylate latexes that were post-stabilised with a new non-ionic surfactant was comparable to that of a latex stabilised with standard commercial surfactants. Both latexes were tested for their freeze-thaw stability. According to ISO 1147, the freeze-thaw stability is determined by cooling an aqueous latex to 0 °C and keeping it at that temperature for 16 hours. The latex is then heated to 20 °C and kept at that temperature for 8 hours. It is then checked for the absence of coagulated matter. Whenever the latex is stable against coagulation the described cycle (cooling and thawing) is repeated up to a total of five cycles. If the latex is still stable against coaguluation, up to five cycles are performed with a lower temperature limit of -5 °C, then -10 °C and so on. Those prepared with the new non-ionic surfactants were able to withstand five freeze-thaw cycles at -15 °C without losing their homogeneity. Both these and subsequent tests

underline the suitability and excellent performance of the new non-ionic surfactants as post-stabilisers in the emulsion-polymerisation process.

Low foaming performance in exterior paints In addition to the handling benefits of the new surfactants and their performance as latex stabilisers, their low-foaming properties are not limited to the emulsion polymerisation process itself, but are also reflected in end users’ applications, e.g. in paints for outdoor applications. To determine foaming properties, a standard premix was made and pigmented with TiO2. Based on this pre-mix, two exterior paints were prepared by adding two styrene-acrylate polymer emulsions that differed in the non-ionic surfactants used for their preparation. Air was entrained into the finished paint stirring for three minutes at 3000 rpm with a 40 mm tooth wheel. The foaming properties of both paints were determined by measuring the density directly after stirring and after 30 and 90 minutes. The higher the density at the beginning and the quicker a high density is reached, the better the defoaming properties. Figure 4 shows that the paint that contains the new non-ionic surfactant has significantly improved defoaming capabilities.

“Surfactants from Renewable Resources” M. Kjellin/ I. Johansson www.wiley.com

Bring out the artist in you The Art of Resins by DSM NeoResins+

At DSM NeoResins+, we craft the world’s most enduring specialty resin systems. We offer an extensive palette of waterborne, UV and solvent-based resins that can help you meet today’s environmental and competitive challenges. We provide application-driven solutions for the adhesives, graphic arts, architectural coatings, industrial wood and plastics, and metal industries the world over. Together with DSM NeoResins+, you can achieve your full creative potential for formulating inspired new products; sustainable masterpieces that your customers will truly appreciate. The art of excellence is in your hands. Sluisweg 12, PO Box 123, 5140 AC Waalwijk, The Netherlands. www.dsmneoresins.com

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Technical Paper Wetting agents

Cutting the links to risk Short-chain fluorosurfactants minimise health and environmental problems

* Corresponding author: Dr. Gerhard Jonschker Merck KGaA [email protected]

Eckhard Claus Wolfgang Hierse Steffen Schellenberger

Melanie Kleineidam Gerhard Jonschker *

Fluorinated surfactants are extremely useful to coatings formulators, due to their outstanding wetting, levelling and anti-cratering effects. However, long-chain types are known to bioaccumulate and be environmentally persistent. Some new branched surfactants with very short perfluoro chains show excellent wetting performance, and one appears to be completely biodegradable.

O

ne of the major trends in the coatings industry is the reduction or replacement of organic solvents (especially those classed as VOCs - volatile organic compounds) by more environmentally friendly solutions. In addition to high solids solventborne systems and solventless powder or UV coatings, waterborne coatings are the obvious choice for a “green” coatings industry. Unlike organic solvents, however, water can cause wetting problems which may create a challenging task. When water is used as a solvent (or more accurately, dispersant) for coatings, then wetting of typical surfaces can only be achieved by adding surfactants to reduce its high surface tension (Pure water: 72 -73 mN/m). More generally speaking, wetting is a competition between the surface tension of the coating liquid and the interfacial energy released by the interaction of the sur-

Figure 1: Competition between the surface tension of the coating liquid and the interfacial energy set free by the interaction of the surface with the liquid determines wetting

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face with the coating liquid. If the surface energy of the surface to be wetted is low, it can be increased by cleaning or pretreatment measures by the user. The coating manufacturer, however, can only influence the surface tension of the coating liquid by using cosolvents and surfactants (see Figure 1). Most often, hydrocarbon or silicone polyether surfactants are used to lower the surface tension, but in many cases this is not sufficient, especially for critical surfaces and if contamination such as silicones is present. In these cases, fluorosurfactants are most commonly used to ensure wetting and levelling. Only these materials can reduce surface tensions to values lower than 20 mN/m, which is necessary for coating contaminated surfaces or naturally difficult surfaces such as wood with a high natural wax content.

Fluorocarbons raise health and environmental concerns Fluorochemicals offer exceptional performance in many roles, but there is considerable concern over the bioaccumulation and environmental persistence of these materials, including fluorocarbon surfactants with long (> 6 C atoms) perfluorinated alkyl chains. Long-chain perfluorinated chemicals are found world-wide in the environment and in every living being. They have been found in sediments in remote arctic regions and have been detected throughout the world in human blood samples or breast milk. They are bioaccumulative in wildlife and humans, and are persistent in the environment. Animal studies have shown that these compounds are well absorbed orally, but are only very slowly eliminated and that they are not metabolised. This means that these compounds will persist and accumulate in humans and so comparatively low exposures can result in large body burdens. Given the long half-life of these chemicals in humans, which is measured in years, it can reasonably be anticipated that continued exposure could increase body burdens beyond tolerable levels. The 2010/15 PFOA Stewardship Program of the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) therefore encourages the elimination of longchain perfluorinated alkyl chemicals such as perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA), which is one degradation product of existing fluorosurfactants. Consequently, most fluorosurfactants which are based on longer perfluorinated alkyl chains will soon disappear from the market. Fluorocarbon surfactants, however, are an indispensable tool for the coatings formulator due to their unique properties, with a so far unparalleled reduction of surface tension leading to excellent wetting of critical and contaminated surfaces. Fluorosurfactants are also often used for “saving” production lots with unidentified levelling and wetting problems.

www.european-coatings.com

Technical Paper Wetting agents Shorter chains minimise environmental risks It is known that shorter perfluorinated alkyl chains are still persistent, but less accumulating in the body. If fluorocarbon surfactants with longer perfluorinated alkyl chain lengths exceeding 7 or 8 carbon atoms are now phased out due to the problems they cause in the environment, it is evident that one should seek for molecules with a smaller number of perfluorinated C atoms. But, since the perfluorinated moieties in a molecule are usually the most expensive part, there might be a practical reason why long perfluorinated chains have been preferred over the shorter chains in the past in spite of their high costs. It can be anticipated that simply shortening the fluorocarbon chain will lead to inferior performance of the resulting surfactants. So it is unlikely that by simply following this approach the number of perfluorinated C atoms can be reduced significantly in an effective surfactant without sacrificing its performance. Clearly there is a need for a new concept of how fluorosurfactants with shorter perfluorinated alkyl chains may be synthesised.

Molecular redesign improves performance A number of branched fluorosurfactants with very short perfluorinated alkyl chains (OCF 3, C 2F5, C 3F 7) have now been synthesised which show a performance that is comparable to, and in certain areas superior to, the performance of today’s longer chain (C8F17) reference fluorosurfactants.

Results at a glance

Figure 2: Static surface tension in water for a commercial reference C8F17 linear fluorosurfactant and branched materials with three short C xFy chains measured by the pendant drop method The general building principle of these fluorosurfactants is the combination of a branched structure with two or more shorter fluorocarbon alkyl groups with a hydrophilic moiety such as a polyglycol or a sulfonate. These branched surfactants show remarkable advantages compared to conventional fluorosurfactants, which are often molecules with a linear structure. First of all, the short chain perfluorinated alkyl groups are, based on actual knowledge, not bioaccumulative and an OCF 3 group may even be fully mineralised to inorganic fluorides. The properties of fluorosurfactants with a branched structure, having in each case three short fluorocarbon moieties containing 1-3 C-atoms and one sodium sulfonate moiety were investigated in a number of tests.

Currently, the issues of bioaccumulation, toxicity and the environmental persistence of fluorinated surfactants made from long perfluoroalkyl chains are being closely examined by the world’s regulatory agencies. Fluorinated surfactants, however, are an indispensable tool for coatings formulators due to their excellent wetting, levelling and anti-cratering performance. A new range of branched fluorinated surfactants with very short perfluoro chains (≤ C 3) has now been synthesised as a more environmentally friendly alternative. Some of these products show wetting characteristics which are equivalent to, or even superior to, existing long-chain products. One product in this range appears to be completely biodegradable. Though it has the least satisfactory performance, it suggests a route that might lead some day to truly “green” fluorosurfactants.

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Figure 3: Dynamic surface tension in water for a reference C8F17 linear fluorosurfactant and branched materials with short C xFy chains using the maximum bubble pressure method (concentration of all surfactants is 0.1 %)

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Technical Paper Wetting agents Short-chain products show advantages in dynamic tests

Figure 4: Surface tension reduction in two commercial water-based acrylic paints after addition of 0.1 % of different fluorosurfactants, as described in text

Effectiveness of established products can be matched

“Additives for waterborne coatings” Wernfried Heilen www.europeancoatings.com/books

The efficiency of surfactants in achieving superior film formation in waterborne coatings can be assessed by determining the lowest surface tension achievable in a series of different concentrations as well as the speed of the surface tension reduction (dynamic surface tension) at a given surfactant concentration. The branched surfactants with two and three perfluorinated C atoms showed values in initial tests which can be considered highly relevant for the coatings industry. Figure 2 shows that the C 2F5 fluorosurfactant reaches a very good surface tension of 20.1 mN/m and that the C 3F 7 material with gmin < 20 mN/m even shows a surface tension comparable to the C8F17 linear reference material. At 0.15 %, the CMC (critical micelle concentration, effectively the point at which no further reduction in surface tension can be obtained) of the C2F5 branched fluorosurfactant is in a range which needs further optimisation, However, the branched C 3F7 fluorosurfactant at 0.02 mN/m is in the same range as the C8F17 reference. The OCF 3 based fluorosurfactant also shows a good minimum surface tension of < 25 mN/m but due to its high CMC of 0.9 %, this is obtained only at very high addition levels which would not be feasible in a coating.

Even more important than the minimum surface tension can be the question of how fast the surfactant is able to reduce the surface tension of a coating formulation. This is expressed by the dynamic surface tension and measured by the method of maximum bubble pressure. Figure 3 shows that the C 2F5 and C 3F 7 based surfactants have better dynamic properties than the C8F17 reference surfactant for a large region of bubble lifetimes. For fastrunning industrial coating applications such as printing or coil coating in particular, this can be a decisive advantage. In this test, the C 3F 7 surfactant also reaches a lower minimum surface tension, comparable to that of the C8F17 reference. The OCF 3 based surfactant in this test cannot reach its minimum surface tension, because the test was performed at a concentration below its CMC. More practically relevant than the measurements in water are the surface tension reductions achievable in commercial water-based paint formulations. The many possible interactions of the surfactant with the other components of the paint make the prediction of the minimum achievable surface tension difficult.

Good wetting and low foam in waterborne coatings The good results of the surface tension measurements in water have been confirmed in “real life” paint formulations. The C 3F 7 surfactant in these formulations can effectively replace the reference C8F17 surfactant, as shown in Figure 4. Anti-cratering tests were conducted with two siliconecontaminated waterbased paint formulations showing extensive coating defects. Coatings were applied with a doctor blade on leneta board at 30 µm wet coating thickness, corresponding to approximately 10 µm thickness after drying. The results showed that at 0.1 % surfactant level only the C 3F 7 surfactant was able to ensure perfect wetting and levelling of the coating without craters. At 0.15 % addition level, both the C 3F 7 and the C 2F5 as well as the C8F17 reference fluorosurfactant showed excellent wetting. The OCF 3 based product was not able to

Figure 5: Foam height of a waterborne paint formulation containing no surfactant, a C8F17-based fluorosurfactant, and branched fluorosurfactants with different perfluorinated alkyl chain lengths (all tested at 0.1 % concentration)

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www.european-coatings.com

Technical Paper Wetting agents reduce craters even at up to 1 % addition, which is in line with the results of the static and dynamic surface tension measurements. Coatings are very complex systems with a variety of interactions between all their ingredients. It cannot be expected that these excellent results will be transferable to all water-based coatings in the market, but these first results indicate that branched short fluorocarbon chain surfactants not only show interesting surface tension values in the laboratory but also work in “real” coating systems. One general drawback in using fluorosurfactants is their tendency towards foaming. The degassing of waterbased coatings containing fluorosurfactants can be a challenging task. From the theory of foam formation, it was expected that a branched fluorosurfactant should lead to less foaming than the linear fluorosurfactants, which tend to stabilise foam lamellae. The foaming of different fluorosurfactants was tested in paint formulations by the “Tego Foam Test”. 50 ml of paint formulation was stirred for 1 min at 2300 rev/min. Afterwards the height of 45 g of the stirred paint was measured with a graduated cylinder. Figure 5 shows the advantage of non-linear fluorosurfactants. The foam height is significantly lower than that of the linear reference product. It can be expected that this will result in better processing properties of the paint and fewer defects in the final coating layer.

Biodegradation is demonstrated for one product type Based on theoretical considerations, the OCF3 group could lead to completely mineralisable fluorosurfactants. This hypothesis was verified by a Zahn-Wellens degradation test in which an aqueous mixture, containing an OCF3 based surfactant, mineral nutrients and activated sludge is agitated and aerated at 20– 25 °C in the dark for up to 28 days. The test result in Figure 6 shows that after 28 days a significant amount of inorganic fluoride can be detected, which is an indicator of the complete mineralisation of the OCF 3 group to products such as CaF 2. This calcium fluoride is the mineral from which the HF is generated

Figure 6: Biodegradation and mineralisation of an OCF3 based surfactant in the Zahn-Wellens test

which is used to synthesise the fluorosurfactants, indicating a step towards fully sustainable chemistry. From the performance tests, however, it must be concluded that OCF 3 based fluorosurfactants do not meet current industrial requirements and therefore a lot of work remains to be done to obtain fully biodegradable fluorosurfactants. Even so, it has been shown that branched fluorosurfactants with short perfluorinated chains could be a more environmentally friendly alternative to existing longer chain products. The branched materials with C 3F 7 and C 2F5 groups show exceptionally good properties, making them a promising candidate for replacing the current generation of C8F17 surfactants.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors wish to thank the following for their assistance and co-operation in this project: Mr. J. Twitchell, Hidden Forest Consulting; Dr. N. Ignatiev, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt (Germany); Prof. A. Laschewsky, Fraunhofer Institut für Angewandte Polymerforschung FhG-IAP, Potsdam-Golm

Technical Paper Wetting agents

Breaking the tension New substrate wetting additive simplifies formulation

* Corresponding author: Dr. Patrick Glöckner Evonik Tego Chemie GmbH T +49 201 173 2451 patrick.gloeckner@ evonik.com

Kirstin Schulz Ellen Reuter Patrick Glöckner* Waterborne coatings require effective substrate wetting additives, and any cosolvent reduction changes the requirements for these additives. It can be time-consuming to find an optimum single additive or mixture for individual coatings. A new polyether-modified substrate wetting additive permits simultaneous optimisation of many coatings properties in many different types of binders.

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espite their physical limitations, waterborne paints must be as easy to apply as solventborne types. Even the thinnest films of cosolvent-free or low cosolvent formulations are expected to wet the substrate completely, possess optimal flow and not be susceptible to cratering. In addition, there should be no build-up of foam, which could lead to other defects.

Substrate wetting additives are frequently added to coatings to optimise these properties. However, different combinations of additives are often required for different paint formulations. Certain additives achieve the best results in individual areas such as wetting, anti-cratering, atomisation during spray application or compatibility. Formulators have therefore often required several products and laboratory research to find the best solution. Many formulators would therefore like a reliable “allrounder” or universal additive, particularly for spray application of waterborne industrial finishes on plastics and critical metal substrates. A new substrate wetting additive with universal qualities which provides reliable performance in the diverse areas related to substrate wetting is presented below. Ways of increasing production and application security by use of the new substrate wetting additives are also shown.

Theory of wetting summarised The most obvious consequences of the high surface tension of water (73 mN/m) are the inadequate wetting of various, mainly low energy, substrates by waterbornes and the susceptibility of the coatings to cratering. Due to surface tension, paint drops form a contact angle a on the substrate. According to Young’s equation (Equation 1), substrate wetting depends on the surface tension (s) of the wetting liquid, the surface tension of the substrate and the interfacial tension between the liquid and solid. ssubstrate = ssubstrate/liquid + sliquid .cos a (Eq. 1)

Figure 1: Surface tension: A: Balanced-out molecular forces in the aqueous phase, B: Directed force at the boundary layer, C: Minimisation of the directed force by surface active substances in the boundary layer

General requirements for substrate wetting agents

Figure 2: Schematic structure of a polyether siloxane

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The following rules can be deduced from the equation: »»A substrate with a high surface energy is relatively easy to wet; »»A liquid with a low surface energy wets relatively well. [1, 2]. The addition of substrate wetting additives causes a change in the balance of forces on molecules interacting at the interface. Within this interface, they reduce the forces directed into the aqueous solution (Figure 1). This significantly reduces the surface tension of the waterborne coating. The addition of a substrate wetting additive thus enables a waterborne coating to wet a low energy substrate, resulting in a closed film even at low film thicknesses. The coating is also less susceptible to cratering.

Substrate wetting additives are used for two main reasons: Optimising coatings properties such as:

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Technical Paper Wetting agents »»General application properties »»Substrate wetting »»Obtaining a closed film at low film thickness. Increasing general security by: »»Reducing susceptibility to cratering »»Repairing contaminated coatings »»Widening the application window. Depending on the polarity of the coating and the tasks it must perform, different substrate wetting agents must be used. Products once established are not in general replaced. As a result, many coatings formulations contain different wetting agents. Because of the low concentrations used (between 0.01 and 0.5 %w/w), the raw material costs remain reasonable, so that comprehensive series of tests to optimise formulations are rarely carried out. When there is a reduction in the cosolvent content in waterborne coatings, their polarity is changed. Established substrate wetting additives may no longer be reliable, and in addition, some may contain up to 50 % organic solvents which, although having a beneficial effect on foam characteristics, are detrimental to the VOC balance despite the small amounts used. The search for optimised substrate wetting additives is thus becoming an increasingly commonplace task in the laboratory.

Setting the targets for wetting agent development The company’s product development team has developed a new substrate wetting additive with the aim of achieving the following characteristics:

Figure 3: Substrate wetting by a black paint on a light background, One Spray Pass method (left: without; right: with substrate wetting additive)

Broad usability in: »»All waterborne industrial coatings (particularly for plastics and metals) »»Cosolvent-free or reduced cosolvent binders »»Conventional binders → Target: best performer in critical coatings formulations on low energy substrates Increased production and application security through very good: »»Ease of incorporation »»Wetting even with variations in the quality of plastics and metals »»Wetting even at very low film thicknesses »»Anti-cratering effect »»Recoatability → Target: best performer in terms of reliability »»High efficiency at low concentrations »»Low VOC content.

“European Coatings Handbook” Brock, Groteklaes, Mischke www.europeancoatings.com/books

Results at a glance Waterborne coatings require effective substrate wetting additives, and the trend to cosolvent reduction changes the requirements for these additives. The primary objectives of such additives are optimisation of application properties, anti-cratering effect, wetting of the substrate and formation of a closed film at low film thickness. Tailor-made substrate wetting additives or combinations of additives are often required for different coatings, and the search for an ideal solution is time-consuming. The polyether-modified substrate wetting additive presented here permits optimisation of many coatings properties such as: defect-free wetting on plastics and metals, closed paint films in the thinnest coats, non-critical rewetting and adhesion in multi-coat application, high compatibility in the most diverse binders and a high anti-cratering effect.

Figure 4: Substrate wetting by a silver paint on a dark background, wedge application (left: without; right: with substrate wetting additive)

The newly developed "all-rounder" thus ensures high production and application security.

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Technical Paper Wetting agents Polyethers are frequently linked onto the hydrophobic siloxane segments. Varying the length of the siloxane chain and the polyether modification density opens up many possibilities in relation to the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance of the molecule as a whole. The polarity of the polyether can also be adjusted over a wide range by selecting components such as ethylene-, propylene- and butylene-oxide, as well as by varying the chain length (Figure 2). Modification of the siloxane backbone must be reliable since unmodified siloxanes can, for example, impair recoatability or intercoat adhesion. This modification is ensured by suitable control of the manufacturing pro­cess. By varying the various parameters, tailor-made polyether-modified substrate wetting additives have been developed which satisfied the requirements described above better than previous products.

Figure 5: Crosshatch test on the stoving filler with substrate wetting additive

Putting the new product to the test Four low-solvent or solvent-free paints were used to differentiate various substrate wetting additives: »»Polyester PU/acrylate dispersion, a primer and basecoat for plastics »»PU modified polyester, a metal primer in OEM applications »»Acrylic copolymer, a basecoat for refinish and OEM coating of plastics »»Aliphatic PU dispersion, a topcoat for wood and plastics coatings

Figure 6: Contact angle showing good rewettability

All in all, the additive to be developed should make a waterborne, solvent-free or low-solvent coating highly resistant to defects, thus offering the user the widest possible application window with maximum security in production and quality.

Chemical structure of substrate wetting additives All substrate wetting additives can be regarded as surface active substances (surfactants), but these may originate from quite different chemical structure families. Common to almost all is the combination of a non-polar, often water-insoluble, part with a polar, often watersoluble part. For printing inks, which make high demands on the dynamic behaviour of the additives, pure organic substrate wetting agents are firmly established. In industrial coatings, substrate wetting agents based on modified siloxanes permit reliable wetting even on very low energy substrates or contaminants.

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The main assessment criteria were: »»Wetting during critical spray application »»Wetting at minimal film thicknesses »»Wetting on critical substrates such as plastics or contaminated steel »»Anti-cratering effect »»Gloss »»Foam stabilisation »»Recoatability »»Flow. The new substrate wetting additive was compared with several commercial products.

Measuring techniques summarised Static surface tension was measured by the du Nouy Ring Method. In this test, a ring is immersed in a liquid and slowly withdrawn. The maximum force required to form a lamella between the ring and the liquid is measured. The lower this force, the lower is the corresponding surface tension of the liquid. In spray application, atomisation of the paint into the finest droplets is decisive in achieving very thin closed films. In addition to viscosity, flow rate and atomising pressure, atomisation is decisively influenced by surface tension [3]. The use of effective substrate wetting additives enables the demand for ever thinner films to be met. To ensure good reproducibility, the paints were applied with robotic sprayers. Critical conditions for applying the paint were chosen to assist in differentiation: »»Low pressure

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Technical Paper Wetting agents »»Medium flow rate »»Slightly increased viscosity. The paints were also applied by spray in a wedge (film thickness increasing between 0 and 15 µm). The minimum film thickness at which a closed film was formed (wetting limit) was determined. Because the application conditions were identical, the position of the wetting limit on the panel provides an indication of wetting characteristics. Another spray technique used to evaluate paint quality is known as the One Spray Pass method. Here, the paint is applied very rapidly to a contaminated substrate using a spraying robot. Critical application parameters (pressure, amount of material, reduced spray fan) are again used. The width of the spray mist and the homogeneity of the droplet size on the substrate provide information on the quality of wetting. To evaluate the anti-cratering effect, a defoamer incompatible with the formulation was deliberately added to the coating. This produced surface defects in the reference sample. The various substrate wetting additives were added, and their performance in eliminating surface defects and craters was ranked by examining the dried film visually.

Recoatability is tested by adhesion and contact angle Recoatability was tested on a waterborne stoving filler. The coatings containing the additive were applied and after drying for 30 minutes were stoved at 165 °C. A second coat was then applied and stoved under the same conditions. Adhesion was evaluated by the crosshatch or pull-off test. The unimpaired rewettability of a paint film containing additives can be assessed using the contact angle. Water droplets are placed on the dried paint film and the contact angle is measured after 1 and 180 seconds. The smaller the difference in contact angles between the coating surfaces with and without additive, the lower is its influence on the rewetting performance of a second coat.

Pigment stabilisation effects are also checked Paints containing a mixture of pigments in which the densities of the pigments differ greatly were applied. After a short drying time – after which the paint must still be able to flow – part of the surface is rubbed out using a finger. The difference in colour between the rubbed and unrubbed area is determined spectrophotometrically (as total colour difference or DE). The resulting difference in colour reflects the pigments’ homogeneity and tendency to floating in the coating. Surface active additives can influence these properties. The lower the DE, the smaller is the influence of the substrate wetting agent on pigment stabilisation.

Positive results are obtained in all tests “Pictures speak louder than words”: The illustrations show the results of a series of laboratory tests on ad-

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Technical Paper Wetting agents

Figure 7: Rub-out test shows colour stability of a mixture of pigments

Video interviews on additives: www.europeancoatings.com/ videos

ditives. The amount of additive added was 0.3 % (w/w) of the complete coating. Wetting by a waterborne coating is a challenge if the substrate is contaminated with drawing lubricants or oils. The modified polyether siloxane is outstanding at dealing with this problem in the most diverse coating formulations, though results are only shown from one of the series of tests carried out (see Figure 3, where the one spray pass technique was used). In wedge application, an increasing film thickness is applied by spraying. The photograph shows two sections from the wedge (using the waterborne pigmented coating for plastics). With the substrate wetting agent described above, the minimal film thickness of the waterborne paint wets critical substrates while the reference sample exhibits beading. Furthermore, fine atomisation, good wetting on critical substrates and good flow in paint films with minimal thicknesses is achieved, as would be expected from any effective substrate wetting agent (Figure 4). Many users fear that the use of polyether siloxanes will result in impaired recoatability. Like the reference sample without additive, the polyether siloxane achieved optimum adhesion results (GT 0). The surface active product is highly effective during application but does not impair the properties of the dried film (Figure 5). Surface active additives can occasionally cause difficulties in wetting by a second coat of paint if they are used in the first coat. The newly developed polyether siloxane does not impair recoatability. Just like the reference sample without additive, the water droplet on the film with additive exhibits a contact angle of 70 ° (Figure 6).

The influence of the polyether siloxane on the colour stability of mixed pigment coatings was evaluated. The ΔE values of rubbed/unrubbed areas were determined before and after storage. The differences lay within measurement tolerances. Very high colour stability can thus be achieved, though no data is presented here to show how the commercial products affected this property (Figure 7). Highly effective defoamers are necessary for the manufacture and application of waterborne coatings but can cause surface defects. The illustration shows coatings for plastics based on a solvent-free AC/PU hybrid with a defoamer concentrate. The polyether siloxane successfully removes surface defects (Figure 8).

High compatibility and storage stability The properties described are achieved by modifying the siloxane chains with polyethers. To check whether these properties are retained, resistance to hydrolysis was tested. The new substrate wetting additive was aged for two weeks in aqueous solution at 50 °C and the surface tension was measured before and after ageing. From the initial 20.0 mN/m of a 0.5 % aqueous solution, a rise of 0.7 mN/m was observed after two weeks storage. This simple test gives no quantitative indication of the extent to which the additive has been hydrolysed. The storage stability of the new substrate wetting additive is, however, considered to be adequate. The substrate wetting additive described also exhibits particularly good compatibility in aqueous binders. This was determined visually and by measuring gloss and haze on the dried paint films. Used together with a lowfoam binder, the highest gloss can be achieved.

All-round benefits The new substrate wetting additive satisfies numerous requirements. Its all-round performance assists in the optimisation of spray-applied waterborne coatings, particularly on critical substrates. Where several products were previously necessary, one substrate wetting additive can ensure process security. Comprehensive R & D has resulted in a molecular structure which provides the best performance in relation to the maximum number of properties.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors wish to thank Cornelia Alzer, Petra Hinrichs and Stefan Pavelka for a variety of laboratory test results.

REFERENCES [1] Schulz K., in: Heilen W. et al., Additives for Waterborne Coatings, Vincentz Network, Hanover, Germany, 2009. [2] Tego Journal, Evonik Tego Chemie GmbH, Essen, Germany, 2007.

Figure 8: Removal of contamination craters (left: without; right: with substrate wetting additive)

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[3] Goldschmidt, Streitberger, Lackiertechnik/ BASF Handbuch, Vincentz Verlag, Hanover, Germany, 2002.

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Stability for dispersions Determining the effects of PVP upon sedimentation of clay suspensions Simona Schwarz* Gudrun Petzold Qaisar Abbas Bhatti For certain coatings applications, it is important to maintain the stability of fine particles in aqueous suspension. The theoretical effects of pH on the suspension stability of china clay in water were evaluated, and practical (centrifuge) tests were used to determine the effects of adding different molecular weights of the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at constant pH.

T

he preparation of particle suspensions, which are widely used in different applications (such as paints, pharmaceuticals etc.) is known to be very difficult. Studies on the influences which are responsible for the stability of these particle dispersions are limited in number. But the stability and characterisation of nanoparticle systems is a central research issue, because knowledge about the stability of dispersions is important for their practical application. Pigments and their properties play an important role in the stability of paints. Properties of pigments such as particle charge, particle size and size distribution all influence the stability of dispersions. The pigments in a paint must be well dispersed in order to perform successfully. If the pigment agglomerates, then the paint will appear to have larger pigment particles and the colour quality may be degraded. The rate of agglomeration depends on many factors, including particle concentration, size distribution, velocity gradients, ionic strength, pH, the presence of polymers and what is termed the zeta potential - the potential difference between the dispersion medium and the layer of fluid effectively attached to particles dispersed in it. In the work reported below, the stability of clay particles in aqueous dispersion and in the presence of the water-soluble polymer poly(vinylpyrrolidone) or PVP has been investigated. Various methods for particle characterisation such as zeta potential and particle charge determination, laser diffraction and separation analysis in a centrifugal field were used. The results will show how the particle size, particle size distribution and also the surface charge of particles and the stability of dispersions are influenced by the conditions of suspension preparation such as time of ultrasonication and the addition of PVP as a stabiliser.

range of applications in papers, paints, ceramics, plastics, medicine, construction materials etc. Due to the importance of its applications, the interaction of clay with polyelectrolytes has been investigated in great detail by different researchers, but in most cases with respect to its flocculation [1-7]. However, as stated above, the stabilisation of kaolin dispersions is also important. But detailed studies about the influences of polymers on the stability of dispersions are limited in number. For instance, Schaller [8] investigated the particle stabilisation properties of modified copolymers with titanium dioxide. In the experiments reported here, kaolin with very fine particles, also known as china clay, was used. The shape of the kaolin particles was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Clay minerals are characterised by occurring in two-dimensional sheets. In Figure 1 a broad distribution of large and small kaolin plates can be seen.

Figure 1: SEM picture of china clay reveals plates of widely varying size

The significance of clay and its suspension stability

Figure 2: Zeta potential and surface charge density (q) of kaolin as a function of pH

Most naturally occurring particles in water are clay minerals, which have a negative surface charge over a broad pH range. Clay minerals of the kaolin type have a wide

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* Corresponding author: Dr. Simona Schwarz Leibniz Institut für Polymerforschung [email protected]

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Figure 3: Effect of ultrasonication time on the particle size distribution of kaolin dispersion

How zeta potential and charge affect stability Particles in aqueous solution become charged. The charge, measurable by the zeta potential, is an important parameter in determining the stability of a dispersion. The magnitude of the zeta potential gives an indication of the potential stability of a colloidal system. If the particles have a large zeta potential they will repel each other, and the dispersion is stable. If they have low zeta potential values, then there is no force to prevent

Results at a glance For many coatings applications, it is important to maintain the stability of fine particles in aqueous suspension. Tests were carried out to evaluate the theoretical effects of variations in pH on the suspension stability of china clay in water, and practical tests were used to determine the effects of adding the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) at constant pH. The zeta potential and surface charge (q) of kaolin suspensions both move to larger (negative) values as the pH increases from the isoelectric point at about pH 2, indicating that stability will be greater at high pH than at acid pH.

“Clay Swelling and Colloid Stability” Martin V. Smalley www.crcpress.com

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Tests with PVP showed that increasing either the addition rate or the molecular mass of the polymer increased stability. This was confirmed by sedimentation tests in a centrifuge equipped with optical detection.

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the particles from coming together. The dispersion is unstable and particles aggregate. It is well known that kaolin has positively charged edge faces and negatively charged basal faces.With increasing pH the dissociation of the silanol groups presented on the basa plane of kaolin particles increases and so they are effecitve in the aqueous dispersion. The net charge is negative, as shown in Figure 2. This figure shows the zeta potential as a function of the pH of kaolin, measured as the electrophoretic mobility of the dispersion using a “ZetaSizer 3000”. The black curve shows a negative zeta potential in the pH range from 2 to 10. The isoelectric point (the point where the value of the zeta potential is zero) is about pH 2. Dispersions with a pH near the isoelectric point are unstable. If the charge is high enough, the particles will remain separate, dispersed and in suspension. The charge and the stability should also be highest in the basic range because the zeta potential in this range is also high. All measurements in the tests below were carried out at pH 6 with a negative zeta potential of -37 mV and at room temperature. The surface charge density q in relation to pH was measured by polyelectrolyte titration with a Particle Charge Detector (PCD, Mütek GmbH, Germany). These results are also shown in Figure 2. The charge density at certain pH values gives an initial indication of the stability. The best dispersion stability, independent of the sign of the charge, is to be expected for samples with high values of charge density. In the basic range the kaolin dispersion has a higher stability than at lower pH values. At pH 6 the surface charge density is -1.9 C/g.

How ultrasonication affects particle size distribution Dispersions of particles in “Millipore” high-purity water (of pH approximately 6) were prepared by dispersing 10 g of powder into 1 l of water or PVP (ie, 1 % solids content) with a “UP200s” high intensity ultrasonic processor, operating at 24 kHz and up to 200 W. The particle characterisation methods are used to determine specific properties of a dispersion quantitatively as well as to measure, control or optimise changes in dispersion states. The volume particle size distribution of the particles in aqueous dispersion was determined by laser diffraction using a Malvern “MasterSizer”. The samples were stirred at 2000 rpm during measurements. Figure 3 shows how the particle size distribution for aqueous kaolin dispersions is affected by ultrasonication. A constant specific energy dispersion with ultrasound is more effective than homogenisation with a magnetic stirrer (red curve). All curves show a bimodal distribution. The average sizes for the kaolin dispersion prepared with the magnetic stirrer are 3.5 µm and 7.5 µm. Dispersion times greater than five minutes have a minor influence on the particle size. However, small particles were obtained almost independently of time for 10, 20 and 30 min. They are in the range of 300 nm, and in addition a fraction of around 2 µm was observed. Since the effect of particle size distribution is largely independent of ultrasonication time, a time of 10 minutes was selected for further studies.

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Figure 4: Zeta potential-pH profiles, effect of polymer type and concentrations

PVP modifies electrophoretic mobility of kaolin The charge on the particles can be controlled by modifying the suspending liquid, changing the pH or the ionic strength in solution. Another, more effective, technique is to use polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) which are directly adsorbed on the surface of the particle and change its surface properties. The adsorption of polymers onto different surfaces can be investigated by zeta potential measurements [9]. PVP was obtained as “Luvitec” brand material from BASF with different molar masses and used as a stabiliser for the kaolin dispersions. The results are related to molar masses (Mw) in the range from 45 000 up to 2 million g/mol. According to the producer, the relative viscosity for 1 % solutions in water ranges from 1.2 up to 6.2. mPas. A stock solution of 10 % PVP was prepared in “Millipore” water. In Figure 4 the zeta potential versus pH profiles for kaolin dispersions in the presence of PVP grades “K30” (PVP with

low molecular mass) and “K90” (PVP with high molecular mass) are shown. As the concentration of PVP increases, the value of the zeta potential decreases. The effect is stronger for polymers with higher molar mass (mw), with approximately 1-2 M g/mol. The influence of the polymer concentration was investigated in a broad range from 0.1 up to 9 %. The results presented in the following figures show the large influence of polymer concentration on stability. The stability increases with polymer concentration as well as with increasing molecular weight. Therfore the polymer content is calculated as a percentage of the water and the clay concentraion in the later experiments is 1 %.

Steric stabilisation and the effects of molar mass Some polymers are known to reduce the zeta potential in dispersion because loops and tails are formed which extend into the solution. This leads to a shift of the shear plane. If the loops or tails are longer because of the higher molar mass of the polymers, the zeta potential

Figure 5: Streaming potential (U)-pH profiles of kaolin dispersions in the presence of PVP at different polymer concentrations; the solids content is 1 %.

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“Colloidal Dispersions: Suspensions, Emulsions and Foams” Ian D. Morrison, Sydney Ross www.wiley.com

is further decreased. These loops and tails prevent particles from aggregating. Surfaces covered with polymer show a decrease of the zeta potential and charge. In spite of this, their dispersions are stable because of these loops and tails. This mechanism, known as steric stabilisation, can explain the ability of certain polymers to inhibit aggregation of dispersions. Those polymers with long chains are believed to cover the system in such a way that long loops and tails extend out into the solution. Systems that are sterically stabilised tend to remain well dispersed even at high salt concentrations or under conditions where the zeta potentials of the surfaces are reduced to near zero. The effectiveness of steric stabilisers has been attributed to the thermodynamic penalty when one tries to confine polymeric chains to smaller volumes. Another explanation is that such chains are water-loving (hydrophilic), and they will preferentially associate with water, rather than interact with any other surface (apart from the fact that they are attached at one end to a surface). The curve shapes and implications of Figure 5 are similar to those of Figure 4. Zeta potential, measured by electrophoresis, and streaming potential, measured by PCD and shown in Figure 5 give essentially the same results. Loops and tails extend into the solution and reduce the potential, especially in the case of the polymer with the highest molecular weight. So the dispersions are then stabilised by a mechanical barrier.

Effects of PVP on stability studied in more detail Suspension stability typically increases with the polymer concentration. The dispersion stability has been analysed in relation to the addition of different stabilisers very precisely and rapidly using the “Lumisizer” analytical centrifuge, which permits analysis by centrifugal separation. This centrifugal sedimentation method allows stability parameters such as sedimentation velocity and shelf life

prediction to be directly calculated. This microprocessorcontrolled centrifuge is adapted for rapid classification of stability and separation of even concentrated dispersions of up to 40 % solids content [10]. It records the kinetics of transmission changes for 12 samples simultaneously, like a time lapse motion picture, up to 25 000 times faster than tests under gravity assessed by the naked eye. It characterises any demixing phenomena and calculates the particle size distribution. The principle of this device is based on the following steps: the light source sends out parallel NIR-light with l = 880 nm which is passed through the sample cells lying on the rotor. The distribution of local transmission is recorded over the entire sample length by the CCD-line detector. Finally, space and time resolved transmission profiles are obtained, and the integrated value of this indicates the progress of sedimentation over time. Figure 6 shows different transmission profiles of clay dispersions obtained by this technique. The first line in each of the figures is the initial transmission profile, followed by the second (10 s later) and so on. For example, the transmission for the pure clay dispersion, without polymer (Figure 6a) is 87 % at position 112 after the measuring time. With increasing PVP concentration the stability increases. At the same position (112) the transmission is only 29 % in the presence of 9 % PVP with low mw (Figure 6b). A high transmission of 100 % indicates air or clear supernatant. Figure 7 shows the integrated transmission curves from the same experiment as Figure 6. The slope of the integrated transmission curves, which represent the stability of dispersion, is lower in the presence of PVP than in water. The transmission profiles recorded during sample centrifugation (1000 rpm) show that the lower the integral transmission, the less sedimentation can be observed. Thus, the slope of the curves in Figure 7 indicates that the sedimentation velocity has its maximum for the pure kaolin dispersion (without polymer). The highest stability is achieved by the highest polymer concentration (9 %

Figure 6: Transmission profiles of a) pure kaolin dispersion and b) in the presence of 9 % PVP with low mw; solids content is 1 %

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Technical Paper Additives

Figure 7: Integrated transmission of kaolin dispersions in presence of PVP with low and high mw PVP). The stabilising effect is significantly higher with increasing molar mass. The most stable dispersion is thus the dispersion with 9 % PVP with high mw. But increasing the PVP concentration as well as increasing the molecular weight also leads to an increase of the viscosity, which has not yet been investigated in these studies. The study of dependence on viscosity is important for industrial applications.

[6] Ghimici L., Morariu S., Nichifor M., Separ. Purif. Technol., 2009, Vol. 68, No. 2, pp 165 ff. [7] Sang Y. Z., Jnl. Coll. Interface Sci., 2008, Vol. 326, pp 420 ff. [8] Schaller C. et al., Macromol. Symp., 2002, Vol. 179, pp 173 ff. [9] Petzold G., Schwarz S., Interactions between polyelectrolytes and inorganic particles, in: Encyclopedia of Surface and Colloid Science, Second Edition, Taylor & Francis, 2006, Vol. 6, pp 4735 ff. [10] Lerche D., Jnl. Disp. Sci. and Technol., 2002, Vol. 23, pp 699 ff.

Effectiveness of stabilisation is broadly predictable In the work reported here, suspended clay particles have been characterised by different methods in the presence of PVP of different molar masses. The characterisation of particle systems in terms of charge, size, shape and polymer content is fundamental for the improvement of such processes as stabilisation. All systems investigated showed increased stability in the presence of PVP. These results showed that polymers such as PVP, especially in forms with high molar mass, can be very effective for stabilising aqueous kaolin dispersions

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This research project has been supported by budgetary funds of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (under the International Research Initiative Programme). The authors wish to thank Ms Sandra Schütze for her skilful work and Professor Musa Kaleelm Balock for helpful discussions.

REFERENCES [1] Gill R. I. S., Herrington T. M, Coll. Surf. A, 1988, Vol. 32, pp 331 ff. [2] Gill R. I. S., Coll. Surf. A, 1986, Vol. 22, pp 51 ff. [3] Gill R. I. S., Coll. Surf. A, 1987, Vol. 25, pp 297 ff. [4] Petzold G., "Dual Addition schemes" in: Colloid-Polymer Interactions: From Fundamentals to Practice, ed. Farinato R. S., Dubin P., John Wiley & Sons, New York,1999, pp 83 ff. [5] Petzold G., Schwarz S., Geißler U., Smolka N., Coll. and Pol. Sci., 2004, Vol. 282, pp 670 ff.

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Technical Paper Waterborne polyurethanes

The solventless solution Solvent-free polyol creates high-performance aqueous 2K woodfinishes

* Corresponding author: Dr. Maria Almató Bayer MaterialScience Spain T +34 93 22 84 274 maria.almato@ bayerbms.com

Dr. Maria Almató* Dr. Martin Melchiors Dr. Eva Tejada The quality of waterborne polyurethane systems has been continuously improved, but it has proved difficult to match the high standards of appearance and performance of solventborne types. A new solvent-free PU polyols offers an improved combination of gloss, appearance and physical properties combined with rapid drying.

A

bout 45 % of the world market for industrial coatings consists of solventborne polyurethane systems. The polyurethane coatings used for furniture

application are mainly 2K systems based on polyols and aromatic or aliphatic polyisocyanates, as these create coatings with the highest final performance in terms of mechanical and chemical resistance. This is combined with robustness in production and application. The wide range of polyols and polyisocyanates now available allows the formulator to design almost any kind of desired coating. Polyurethane chemistry also provides a unique balance between flexibility and hardness, due to the combination of soft and hard segments in the polymer chain. The soft segments principally consist of the polyols’ polymer chains, while the hard segments are formed from the polyurethane groups (NHCO) obtained from the crosslinking of polyisocyanates groups (-NCO) and the hydroxyl groups from the polyol (Figure 1). The overall density of the polyurethane groups in the polymer plays an important role, not only in mechanical terms but also in relation to the chemical resistance of the final films. The success of solventborne polyurethane systems in furniture coatings together with the need for solvent reduction in coatings have been the drivers for developing aqueous polyurethane systems in recent years.

Progressive improvements in 2K waterborne systems Figure 1: Simplified schematic of polyurethane polymer structure

Figure 2: The performance of WB polyurethanes is now adequate for use in the kitchen cabinet sector

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Polyisocyanates have been used for many years now to crosslink waterborne resins, creating 2K waterborne (WB) polyurethane systems. However, the property profiles of these 2K waterbased coatings have been constantly improved, due to the constantly increasing performance demands of the furniture industry and also due to legislative and regulatory restrictions. Issues such as resistance properties, film appearance on wood, robustness of application, reactivity, mixing process, pot-life and solvent content are the key factors driving the development of new polyisocyanates and polyols. Generally speaking, 2K waterborne polyurethane systems are based on OH-functional dispersions and hydrophilic aliphatic polyisocyanates. On the one hand, the development of new hydrophilic polyisocyanates has significantly improved the mixing process of the hardener solution and the chemical resistance of the coating. On the other hand, tailored design dispersions have contributed to higher reactivity, high gloss and transparency as well as excellent appearance on wood. One of the first successful industrial applications of 2K waterborne polyurethane coatings has been in the highly demanding kitchen cabinet sector (see, for example, Figure 2), where the highest levels of chemical resistance in pigmented coatings are required (meeting DIN 68861 1b). The key to success here is the combination of a primary acrylic dispersion and aminosulfonate modified polyisocyanates. Though these are hydrophilic, they have been shown to give the best chemical resistance when com-

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Technical Paper Waterborne polyurethanes pared to isocyanates with other hydrophilisation mechanisms or even to hydrophobic polyisocyanates (Figure 3).

Two types of dispersion, two performance profiles The polyol dispersion has a significant influence on the performance of the film. The primary acrylic dispersions used for highly resistant coatings do not provide the desired transparency, gloss and grain warmth on wood in the same way as the well-established solventborne systems do. Secondary acrylic dispersions have shown this ability in relation to film appearance. In addition, secondary dispersions facilitate the emulsification of the polyisocyanate in the water phase, even enabling mixing by hand to be carried out when the right dispersion and polyisocyanate are chosen. Secondary acrylic dispersions are obtained in two steps. First, the polymer is produced in an organic solvent and then it is dispersed into water after neutralisation of any internal surfactant groups. Compared to primary dispersions obtained by the emulsion polymerisation process, secondary dispersions have a significantly lower molecular weight, contributing to improved gloss and “wood warmth”. Due to the production process, however, secondary dispersions contain a certain amount of solvent (Figure 4).

Optimising the performance of secondary dispersions A secondary polyacrylic dispersion designed specifically for wood coatings application has proven to be the product that wood coatings industry was requesting, as shown by its successful introduction in recent years. The main reason for its success is the faster drying speed

Results at a glance The performance of waterborne polyurethane systems has been continuously improved, but it has proved difficult to match the full property profile of solventborne coatings, and in particular their high standard of both appearance and performance.

Figure 3: Idealised structure of anionic aliphatic polyisocyanate when compared to other secondary dispersions, high film performance and the outstanding “solventborne appearance” when applied on wood. This higher reactivity was achieved by increasing the molecular weight of the polymer. However, there is a natural limit in the production process, since a higher molecular weight of polymer usually means higher solvent content in the dispersion. Efforts were made to minimise the solvent content while retaining the molecular weight and good performance of the dispersions [1]. Another approach to increase productivity is the use of a catalyst, which has been shown to be efficient in accelerating the chemical curing reaction. Since most catalysts may produce a shortening in pot-life as well as some discoloration when applied directly on wood, this is not an all-round solution for furniture coatings. Although these two approaches to increasing reactivity (higher molecular weight and the use of catalysts) have brought very significant improvements, there remained a demand for further advances.

New polyols produced with no solvent A new generation of solvent-free OH-functional polyurethane dispersions has been designed to create 2K-WB systems ranging from very hard to very flexible, providing a toolbox for the formulation of almost any specific coating. The final coating may have from zero to a low VOC content depending on specific formulation requirements. Polyurethane dispersions developed for 1K application usually have a higher molecular weight and therefore the production process requires the use of solvent. This results in solvent-

European Coatings Conference “Polyurethanes for high-performing coatings VI” 7 & 8 December 2010 Berlin, Germany Your key contact: Sandra.Luze@ vincentz.net T +49 511 9910-271

A new generation of solvent-free PU polyols now offers a new level in performance in 2K waterborne systems. These polyols are designed to create systems ranging from very hard to very flexible, allowing for the formulation of almost any specific coating. High productivity can be obtained in terms of fast drying and hardness development even at ambient temperature by choosing the right PU polyol and a suitable hydrophilic polyisocyanate. With an appropriate type and level of isocyanate it is also possible to achieve a very high gloss, good chemical and mechanical resistance properties, and a pleasant film appearance. Figure 4: Polymerisation processes used to create primary and secondary dispersions

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Technical Paper Waterborne polyurethanes

“Polyurethanes” Hans Ulrich Meier-Westhues www.europeancoatings.com/books

Figure 5: Polymerisation process used to produce the new hydroxy functional solvent-free PU dispersion

This paper was presented at the European Coatings Conference “Furniture Coatings” 2-3 March, 2010 Berlin Germany

containing products, when N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) or N-ethyl pyrrolidone (NEP) are used, or a solvent-free product when the acetone process is followed, where the solvent is distilled off at the end of the polymerisation [2]. However, even if products of this type are solvent-free in their supply form, they require solvent addition during coating formulation and film building. The synthesis process of the new solvent-free PUD for wood coatings is via acetone distillation, with initial optimisation of the design of the soft segment so that the final polymer requires less cosolvent to achieve proper film formation (Figure 5). The patented core-shell technology provides polymer particles with a polymeric core and a functional shell where hydrophilic surface groups are located. As a result of this polymer morphology, these dispersions combine excellent drying speed and hardness with low minimum film forming temperature (MFFT), a low solvent demand during film formation – resulting in low VOC coatings - and easy mixing with suitable polyisocyanate crosslinkers.

Table 1: Ease of mixing of the new dispersion with different hardener solutions (Dilution with MPA (methoxy propyl acetate) at NCO/OH ratio = 1.5) “Bayhydur” solution

VOC in coating* (g/l)

Shear energy

Gloss (20 º/60 º/haze)

70 % in MPA

55

Low (manual)

83/89/18

80 % in MPA

35

Medium (1' 1800 rpm)

86/90/4

100 %

0

High (2' 2000 rpm)

85/90/10

* Calculated according to the definition in Directive 2004/42/EC

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Solvent-free dispersion offers good property profile A new solvent-free fast drying and hard polyester polyurethane dispersion has thus been designed on these principles specifically for wood and furniture coatings. This new OH-functional PUD, marketed as “Bayhydrol U XP 2755” has the following features: » Fast drying and curing; » High film hardness; » Low or zero VOC coatings are possible; » Long pot-life; » Chemical and mechanical resistance properties; » Easy mixing of the hardener solution; » Good appearance on wood; » High gloss as well as gloss reduction for matt coatings; » Clear appearance of the dispersion. In its supply form, the new solventfree PU dispersion has 38 % solids content and 3 % of hydroxyl groups calculated on weight of solids. DMEA is used as a neutralising agent. As the particle size is about 30 nm, the appearance of the dispersion is clear.

Low MFFT combined with high Tg Due to its low MFFT (15 ºC) the new dispersion allows 1K films to be obtained when it is applied in supply form, without the need to add any cosolvent. Despite this capacity to form films at room temperature, the ultimate hardness achieved is notably high, due to its high Tg (59 ºC). In addition, the drying time is extremely low, having a T4 of 1 h 20 min and reaching its final hardness of around 180 sec. König in less than 6 hours.

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Technical Paper Waterborne polyurethanes The chemical resistance of this polyurethane dispersion as a 1K product is limited due to the free hydroxyl groups, which are, however, required to achieve optimum performance in 2K PU waterborne formulations.

Crosslinking ratio modifies drying and properties In order to achieve the best results with this product, the recommended crosslinking partner is the hydrophilic anionic aliphatic polyisocyanate “Bayhydur XP 2655”. A zeroVOC formulation with good film properties can be obtained whenever the hardener solution is properly dispersed in the water phase by means of mechanical stirring. If manual or low shear mixing is desired, the polyisocyanate should be diluted with a suitable cosolvent. In all cases the VOC content of the end coating is low (see Table 1) and film appearance is perfect, yielding smooth high gloss films. The crosslinking ratio (NCO/OH) must be adjusted to the desired value according to the coating requirements. By increasing the crosslinking ratio, coatings with higher chemical and mechanical resistance are achieved, though conversely the drying time is increased. A drying time (T4) of about 140 min is obtained at room temperature when working at an NCO/OH ratio of 1.3, whereas approximately 200 min are required when the NCO/OH ratio is 1.5. The crosslinking ratio should therefore be kept as low as the performance demands on the coating permit, to obtain the fastest drying. The final properties of the film depend mainly on the crosslinking ratio but also on the curing conditions during application. If drying takes place at room temperature, the crosslinking ratio should be somewhat higher in order to compensate for the higher consumption of NCO groups from reactions with water. When curing under forced drying conditions, the NCO/OH ratio can be reduced while still attaining the same high resistance levels. With an optimised crosslinking ratio, the chemical resistance meets the demanding 1b DIN 68861 norm [3] in both clear and pigmented glossy systems.

High final hardness and fast hardness development The new dispersion crosslinked with the anionic hydrophilic polyisocyanate shows a final hardness close to 200 sec König, which is reached only after few hours of drying (Figure 6). This hardness is much higher compared to using primary and secondary acrylic dispersions. The pencil hardness is also very high for this new system, at up to 3H. Although the system has a high reactivity, its pot-life is long, providing a wide working frame for application. Viscosity of the coatings after hardener addition does not increase during the following six hours at RT. Only slight changes in coffee and red wine resistance have been observed, whereas the other properties remain stable. Despite the high hardness, clear and pigmented coatings have passed cold-check tests of 40 cycles (1h -20 ºC, 1 h +50 ºC) on solid pine wood. This interesting combination of extremely high hardness and elasticity is achieved

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European Coatings J OURNAL

CEPE

Annual Conference & General Assembly 2010 22 – 24 September 2010, Istanbul/Turkey

All pictures Fotolia: Doc RaBe,Adam, alx, Gradt, ox17

Sustainability – with high performance into a green future Focus Sessions on  Sustainability in Decorative Coatings Sector  Sustainability in Industrial Coatings Sector Your Key Contact Vincentz Network Nicole Steinbach Plathnerstr. 4c 30175 Hannover T +49 511 9910-274 F +49 511 9910-279 [email protected] www.european-coatings.com/cepe

Technical Paper Waterborne polyurethanes dark wood types. In these dark wood species, solventborne coatings have a pleasant wetting effect which is usually missing when working with conventional waterborne systems. Transparency and gloss level of the coatings are high, and it allows the formulation of real high gloss systems with a specular gloss effect. The use of the right polyisocyanate component is crucial in high gloss coating formulations. Low mixing ability of the polyisocyanate may lead to reduced transparency and gloss in films. These formulations provide high gloss coatings with good results in appearance and performance. With the coating formulation optimised for high gloss applications it is possible to apply up to 150 g/m2 wet films, leading to coatings with good optical appearance and gloss values (86 % gloss at 20 º and 90 % at 60 º) and minimal haze.

Product profile is optimised for wood coatings

Figure 6: Hardness development of 2K coatings based on the new PU dispersion, standard primary and secondary polyacrylic dispersion (200 µm wet on glass, RT drying) thanks to the inherent behaviour of the polyurethane dispersion, balancing hard and soft segments in the same molecule.

High mechanical resistance plus good appearance

Video interviews on polyurethanes: www.europeancoatings.com/videos

A further advantage of the hard-soft combination is the high mechanical resistance, including high abrasion, scratch and mar resistance. Abrasion resistance even attains the level required for parquet coatings (Figure 7). Owing to its good mechanical properties (high elasticity and high hardness) the product also shows very good results in terms of mar and scratch resistance, performing in general terms better than standard secondary acrylic dispersions. Being a secondary dispersion, the new PUD has agood appearance on wood with a grain warmth effect, which is especially valuable for coatings that will be applied on

This new solvent-free OH functional PUD designed for wood coatings application allows the formulation of low or even zero VOC content coatings with high performance in terms of reactivity, film resistance and optical properties for industrial furniture application. Fulfilling the high demands for clear and pigmented, matt and glossy coatings, the new solvent-free PU dispersion helps to increase productivity as well as final film performance. Fast drying, fast hardness development as well as high final hardness, together with a long pot-life and high resistance are the main benefits of the this new product concept. From the new solvent-free OH functional PUD toolbox that has been developed, further products are attractive for the wood coatings sector, as for instance the use of a new soft PUD for natural effect coatings on wood. Such coatings protect the wood, providing high chemical and mechanical resistance, but at the same time maintain the visual appearance as well as the natural feeling of the original wood surface. New application opportunities may arise from this new technology in the near future.

REFERENCES [1]

Irle C., Speeding up production, Europ. Coat. Jnl. No. 6, 2008.

[2] Almató M., Gertzmann R., Irle C., Process improvements: New PUD and acrylic dispersions for high performance wood floorings, Europ. Coat. Jnl. No. 4, 2007. [3] DIN 68861-1:2001-04.

Acknowledgement The authors express their appreciation to the Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain for cofinancing this project through the Programm Torres Quevedo (PTQ-0902-02069).

Figure 7: “Taber” abrasion loss and hardness compared with a standard PAC in 2K wood coatings

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The authors would also like to thank Dr. Münzmay () and Mr. Gewiss for their crucial work in the development of the product, Mr. D. Trubia and Mr. X. Fernandez for performing the application tests as well as Dr. C. Irle, Ms. N. Ferrer and Mr. J.M. García for their early work in the project.

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Technical Paper Biocides

REACH and BPD: compliant tools for the future How can products with increasing biodegradability be dealt with? Elina Kähkönen* The coatings industry is heading towards stricter criteria on composition. Thus appropriate development work is needed in a situation where there is a reduced range of approved raw materials. This situation creates challenges for research and development in paint and its related raw material in the coming years. It is important to be aware of the regulatory factors guiding towards susceptibility. Furthermore, the opinions of the biocide industry and the industries using them on future needs and prospects and potential bottlenecks on new biocide AI (Active Ingredient) development are important.

I

n an environment of more control on composition in the coatings industry, tighter restrictions on the VOC content are being implemented across the world, from California to EU and as far away as Hong Kong. At the same time, REACH and BPD (Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC) are forcing almost the complete range of raw materials to be reevaluated for related chemical risks. Here, one concern that is emerging is the increase in the microbial susceptibility of the raw materials and products. At the same time, the selection of AI is apparently reducing with BPD implementation.

label (“dead fish and tree”) attached to the R-50/R-53 and R-51/R-53 does not give a product a positive image in general. Under this eco-toxicity-assessment method, the substances recognized as biodegradable are in a better position. Thus, some of the raw materials currently in use may end up being replaced by substances which do not have these classifications, as they are more easily biodegradable and thus more susceptible for the microbial contamination. The test of the ready biodegradability is critical for defining further eco-toxicity testing needs. Many of the tests can be omitted if the substance is found readily biodegradable [2]. This will reduce the testing costs and thus, in some cases, possibly impact favourably on the decisions on further testing and registering of the substances found to be biodegradable.

* Corresponding Author: Elina Kähkönen Aalto University, School of Science and Technology [email protected]

VOC restrictions The paints and coatings industry is responsible for approx. 10-15 % of all the VOC emissions; it is a target of restrictions globally. Between 2007 and 2011, Hong Kong, California and the EU are implementing new VOC limits for the paint products applied on-site [3, 4, 5]. The other restrictions, which are voluntary, are defined in the eco-

Risk phrases show toxicity REACH is an instrument which fills the gaps present in earlier regulations on the chemical substances risk assessment (Figure 1). As it progresses, the extensive testing programme will produce information on the toxicity and eco-toxicity of substances. This data will be represented as risk-phrases (R-phrases) and will have an impact on the positioning of the substance in the marketplace. Basic eco-toxicity tests such as acute algal toxicity (25 %) and biodegradation (30 %) are the properties for which there is the least available data. The biodegradation test is carried out by different methods depending on the properties of the substance on test. In all the methods, the principle is the same: The substance is exposed to the microbial flora (soil, sludge) and the microbial growth and/or metabolite formation is observed. If the test shows at least 60/70 % degradation (this depends on the method used), the substance is classified as readily biodegradable [1]. These tests are required for all the substances that come within the REACH scope (> 1 ton/a) and the results obtained come under R-phrases R-5053. These R-phrases are important for the substances’ eco-label compliance. However, the eco-toxicity warning

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Figure 1: Data availability on the substances (Source: ECHA).

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Technical Paper Biocides

Figure 2: The total risk is never zero in the biocide applications [16]. label criteria (EU Eco-label, Blue Angel, Nordic Swan) and also by retail chains environmental programmes (e.g. B&Q, Home Depot) (Table 1) [6-10]. Altogether these restrictions will, (i) drive part of the solvent borne technologies to move to the waterbased products and, (ii) further reduce the VOC in the waterborne paints. Both changes increase the susceptibility to microbial contamination: (i) Raw materials for water based paints as such are more susceptible than those for solventbased ones and, (ii) the reduction of VOC means a reduction of the co-solvents and coalescing agents, part of which (e.g. propylene glycol) has antimicrobial properties [11].

Results at a glance Intense focus is needed on the preservation of the raw materials, products for coatings and their pro­ cesses against contamination. The regulations apparently strive towards increasing usage of raw materials products and production pro­­ cesses, which are sensitive for the biodegradation. There is an awareness of the need for new AI development, but under current conditions, its development is not considered feasible enough. Hence the range of AI on offer will remain as it is at the moment. “Ecotoxicology of Antifouling Biocides” T. Arai et al www.springer.com

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The regulations behind the push towards the increased susceptibility aim, in fact, to increased sustainability and reduced risks associated with the chemical substances usage.

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Biocides in the focus of regulations Together, the VOC restrictions and REACH will create a challenge to maintain the quality of paints and hence also the sustainability. One emerging criteria will be microbial susceptibility. The basic tools to tackle this are biocides which also come under a regulatory implementation process – the BPD. This implementation started in 2000 by the listing of the approx. 960 AI in use at the time and continued by introducing a notification process (in 2002), which reduced the AI count to below 400. Today, it has produced a list of 13 AI approved on the Annex 1 of the directive [12, 13]. In the current situation, it seems unlikely that it will be possible to introduce the new AI needed to meet growing demands onto the market and to fill the gaps created by the products that currently have been phased out. Hence, an interview (2008 as part of the Ph.D thesis) was made among the biocide producers and users. See the summary of the study: Is there a need for a new AI development? – Yes, at least some need. Important AI that have been phased out due to BPD? – Formaldehyde releasers – formaldehyde. Is it technically possible to develop a new AI? – Yes. What are the major properties required for the new AI? – Safety, compliancy. How important is the role of the non–chemical tools now and in the future? – No coherent view exists; in any case, no such tools could totally replace chemicals.

Vertebrate tests need further development The vertebrate tests are still the major economic bottleneck in the development of new AI. No immediate

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Technical Paper Biocides developments exist, which could change the situation. Nevertheless, pressure to develop alternative methods and to apply them when ever applicable is growing. The recent amendment to the Cosmetics Directive set the year 2009 as the deadline for ending the use of animal tests in raw material testing for cosmetics [14]. This ban complements the previous restriction for the cosmeticproduct testing on animals dating back from 2004. Also REACH strongly encourages the development of the new methods, where the development and application of alternative test methods is emphasized in the very first targets (1st point) [2]. Furthermore, in addition to ethical and economic constrains, animal tests are not reliable enough for the definition of the R-phrases, which in turn strongly impact the market positioning of the substances. In conclusion, the major factor in investment in R&D for the new AI, namely the vertebrate tests, is under a heavy pressure. This might facilitate the new development of alternative AI, or other products, in the future.

No quick change At the present time, vertebrate tests must still be taken as one factor of the total development costs. Based on the R&D costs evaluated by the biocide industry experts and the biocide market studies, the conditions needed for a new AI to be feasible have been studied. [15]. The findings show that a payback time of under 10 years require a market share of at least 0.4 %. This is approximately the average market share of the AI left after BPD review process (± 350). It seems unlikely that there will be much activity in the development of new AI. Hence the main tools will be the current selection of AI. Thus, as there are no quick changes to be expected, it appears that in the future we must learn to use the current selection of the biocide AI even more efficiently.

Regulation

VOC limit (g/l)

2004/42/EC

30

US/EPA

250

US/SCAQMD

50

Hong Kong

50

APAS

60

EU Eco label/Nordic Swan

30

Blue Angel

~0,1 (700 ppm)

Home Depot

50

B&Q

~3 g/l (0,29 %)

Table 1: Examples of the VOC restrictions on paints globally

»»Interactions between the microbes and the materials (antimicrobial /substrate concentrations). »»Diagnosis of the key contaminants, their sources and their contaminating mechanisms. »»Resistance development mechanisms and the risks related to the resistant species. »»Biocide efficacy test methods, especially in niche/new applications. ECJ.qxp

15/02/2010

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Additives Designers

Regulations lead to improvements The regulations behind the push towards the increased susceptibility aim, in fact, to increased sustainability and reduced risks associated with the chemical substances usage. Here, arguments of chemical risks being understated or exaggerated depend too often more on the opinions than facts. This could be translated as a need for improvement of the chemical risk and product sustainability assessment methods: »»Improved (more ethical, more economic, more accurate) methods for the chemical risk assessment of the substances »»Unambiguous and transparent life cycle analysis models for the products The first direction is motivated also by the regulations (REACH and Cosmetics Directive), which strongly guide towards the development of the alternative methods for the vertebrate tests. The second direction of the holistic life cycle perspective is taken in the scope of the eco-label criteria and, hence the organisations granting the labels could take a leading role in the improvement and harmonisation of the models. In the current situation, improvements can only be achieved by optimising the way present biocide AI are used. Accordingly, the basic research in biodegradation has growth potential. The research directions comprise

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Low VOC ! Discover our rheology modifiers on specialchem4coatings.com

Let’s design water-based systems together ! www.coatex.com

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Technical Paper Biocides veloping the resistance. In addition, a holistic approach on the real life risk scenarios is needed.

The effect on environment and health

Figure 3: Conditions for the right concentration of the preservatives

Balancing risks In the definition of the optimal usage of a biocide, there are no zero-risk situations – only the minimum value of the sum of the chemical and the microbial risks (Figure 2). BPD accepts this and states that “(...)when properly used for the purpose intended, they are sufficiently effective and have no unacceptable effect (...) such as resistance (...) no unacceptable effect on the environment and, (...) health.” This simple looking statement comprises some quite challenging definitions. (Figure 3)

The toxicity and eco-toxicity methods discussed above define the risks of the chemicals to the environment and health in cases where pathogenic microbes are in question (e.g. water chlorination). However, there are also environmental risks related to inadequately protected applications, as they produce more waste and require the use of more raw materials and energy e.g. due to the increased frequency of repainting or due to recalls of damaged products. Thus, focussing solely on the minimization of the chemical risks related to substances does not lead necessarily to increased sustainability of the whole product. To achieve real improvements in the product sustainability, more unambiguous life cycle models must be developed. Here, the organisations that grant an eco- label could play a consulting role. They would be less rigid than the authorities and focus on the total product rather than single substances.

í

REFERENCES [1] Anon., 2001. Annex VI to 67/358/EEC. General classification and labelling requirements for dangerous substances and preparations. [2] Anon., 2006. Regulation (EC) no 1907/2006 of the European parliament and of the council (REACH).

Defining sufficient efficacy Sufficient efficacy is defined for each biocide application and new methods are developed for new applications when ever needed. However, the need for more precise and repeatable methods is well acknowledged. Furthermore, this area might well grow in importance when more sensitive raw materials and products need preservation. In this case, the design of the preservation might take more dominant role in development of a product (e.g. a paint) from raw material choices to pro­ cess design. The hygiene specifications for raw materials potentially containing contaminants exist and may well increase in the future. Also hygiene monitoring and maintenance pro­cesses in factories are established and will most probably increase in the future. In the both cases (raw material specification and factory hygiene maintenance) the key is to define the acceptable level of contaminants, as, in paint application, as it is never zero. Thus, the determination of the critical contaminants and their sources and the determination of the susceptibility of the raw materials and products to them, could direct the basic research in the field of biodegradation and consequently in the field of biocide efficacy requirements.

[3] Anon., 2007. Air Pollution Control (Volatile Organic Compounds) Regulation, L.N 258 of 2006. Gazette Number 20 of 2007. 1.4.2007 [4] Anon., 2007. South Coast Air Quality Management District, Rule 1113. Architectural coatings. [5] Anon., 2004. Directive 2004/42/CE. [6] Anon. 2008. Commission decision of 13.8.2008 establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community eco-label to indoor paints and varnishes. [7] Anon. 2006. Basic Criteria for Award of the Environmental Label LowEmission Wall Paints, RAL-UZ 102, Der Blauer Engel Award, RAL german institute for quality assurance and certification, Sankt Augustin. www. blauer-engel.de/_downloads/vergabegrundlagen_en/e-UZ-102.zip [8] Anon., 2009. Nordic eco-labelling- Our criteria. www.svanen.nu/ Default.aspx?tabName=CriteriaEng&menuItemID=7056 [9] Home Depot eco option product options and descritption. www6. homedepot.com/ecooptions/index.html [10] B&Q Paint buying standards, August 2006. www.diy.com/diy/jsp/ aboutbandq/social_responsibility_2007/pdfs/paint_policy.pdf [11] Paulus W., Part two – microbicide data – organisation of microbicide data in Directory of microbicides for the protection of materials, Ed. W. Paulus, Springer, p.457. [12] Anon., 2003. Commission regulation (EC) No 2032/2003 [13] Anon., 2009. CIRCA, ENV: Biocides Public- Directive 98/8/EC on the placing of biocidal products on the market. http://circa.europa.eu/ Public/irc/env/bio_reports/library

Video expert interview on requirements for biocides: www.europeancoatings.com/ videos

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Different working fields for the same biocides Resistance development is much discussed whenever antimicrobials are the topic. However, research mainly focuses in the pharmaceutical application of the antibiotics. There is growing interest also in allocating the real risks related to process environments in which the same biocides are constantly used. Here, a focused research approach is needed on the microbial mechanisms of de-

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[14] Anon., 2004. COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Timetables for the phasing-out of animal testing in the framework of the 7th Amendment to the Cosmetics Directive (Council Directive 76/768/EEC) [15] Soirinsuo K., Kähkönen E., Karjalainen J., and Nordström K., 2009, Feasibility of Active Ingredient (AI) Development for New Biocides in the EU, Journal of Business Chemistry. [16] Kähkönen E. and Nordström K., 2008, Toward a Nontoxic Poison: Current Trends in (European Union) Biocides Regulation, Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management 4 (4) pp. 471–477.

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Events European Coatings Conference

Burning issues Safety and environmental protection at the forefront of research in fire protection coatings

Sonja Specks Experts from 17 nations assembled in Berlin in June to discuss various approaches to fire protection and prevention. Protection for textiles featured as promi­ nently as protection for household paints additives This was the sixth gathering of experts from the different areas of fire protection coatings. The presentations at the conference covered all the latest developments, while the networking opportunities – group discussions and one-onone talks with the speakers – proved extremely popular. The whole conference was geared towards presenting the approaches, ideas and expectations of the various industries engaged in fire protection coatings and allied areas.

Smoke inhalation as the biggest threat Prof. Richard Hull lectures in polymer and fire chemistry in the forensic sciences department at the University of

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Central Lancashire, UK. He reported that, overall, fewer people are succumbing to house fires in the UK. However, since the 1980s, there has been a surge in the number of deaths from smoke inhalation, not from the fire itself. One reason is the chemicals used in houses, including those in wall paints, and in coatings applied to furniture fabrics. Hull made it plain that flame retardants can delay ignition or reduce heat development, but, once a fire gets bigger, these can be rendered ineffective and thereby substantially increase the levels of smoke and toxic gases.

Carbon nanotubes – A solution A new approach to flame retardants was presented by Daniel Bonduel of Nanocyl SA, Belgium. He has developed a flame retardant from carbon nanotubes that prevents a metal plate at 1000 °C from catching fire for one hour. His thin-layer carbon nanotube product also enhanced the flame protection properties of to PU foam, wood and epoxy-coated test panels.

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“Fire Toxicity” A. A. Stec, T. R. Hull www.crcpress.com

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Events European Coatings Conference Cationic-soluble polymers – A futuristic idea

For more information about pinfa www.pinfa.eu

Jamie Grunlan, assistant professor at the Texas A & M University, USA, also presented an approach for imparting flame-retardant behaviour. Cotton fabric and opencelled polyurethane (PU) foam were treated with flameretardant coatings composed of cationic water-soluble polymers (polyethylenimine [PEI] and or copolymer polyacrylamide [PAM] and anionic sodium montmorillonite [MMT] clay, prepared via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly). The thickness and composition of the coatings were studied by ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance. Twenty clay-polymer bilayers, with PEI at pH 10, produced a transparent coating of 100 nm around each individual cotton fibre or within every internal wall of an open-celled polyurethane foam. Each coating recipe was evaluated at 5 and 20 bilayers. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that coated fabrics left 13 % char after heating at 500 °C – over one order of magnitude more than char from uncoated fabric – with less than 4 % coming from the coating itself. Coating reduced afterglow time by nine seconds in vertical flame tests. Post-burn chars of coated fabrics were examined by scanning electron microscopy, revealing that weave structure and shape in all fibre-coated fabrics

were preserved throughout burning. In the case of PU foam, these coatings eliminated melt dripping and the peak heat release rate was cut in half.

Invaluable cross-industry networking PINFA (Phosphorus, Nitrogen and Inorganic Flame Retardants Association) is basing its approach on information exchange. Founded in 2009, this sub-group of CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council) was represented by Dr. Thomas Futterer, who introduced the association’s 17 manufacturers of halogen flame retardants. Its website lists 33 flame retardants along with information on their application and on government regulations. The workshop “Science today - coatings tomorrow”, too, found that the kind of networking facilitated by the conference is a great way to look beyond the end of one’s own nose. Solutions employed in textile coating, for example, might be transferable to metal protection. This could eventually lead to a way to bestow an additional property on flame retardants. A survey conducted during the conference revealed that 41 % of participants wanted to improve the weatherability of flame retardants, 33 % wanted to improve their mechanical properties and 21 % would welcome adding aesthetic appeal. Only 4 % of participants expressed an interest in their electrical conductivity.

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Innovations in Rail Vehicle Coating 14 – 15 October 2010, Mulhouse | France www.ecolromat.com In cooperation with Jean Chrétien Grüninger EUROCOL-Editions

Join in Europe‘s premier meeting place for the rail vehicle coating industry and catch up on latest developments and future trends in railway coating. Railway operators, engineering and coating specialists together with paint and raw material manufacturers inform you about the latest trends and developments in surface coating:  The latest innovative developments and their fitness for purpose  Innovative plant engineering for lasting optimization of coating processes  Lasting surface quality

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Contact: Mareike Baeumlein · Vincentz Network · T +49 511 9910-378 · [email protected] · www.ecolromat.com

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Market Place Novel products Coalescing agent is virtually odourless Oxea has launched “Oxfilm 351”, a virtually odourless and VOC-free coalescing agent. With a boiling point of 351 °C, it makes a negligible contribution to the VOC content of coatings. The manufacturer reports that the product is also 10-20 % more efficient in reducing minimum film forming temperature (MFFT). It has been tested in various commercial formulations and has been shown to be an efficient coalescing agent for a broad range of latex and coating types. Oxea GmbH DE-Oberhausen [email protected] www.oxea-chemicals.com

Constant temperature inside the container In many production processes, different media and products have to be kept securely at the right temperature. Schäfer Container Systems has now developed a new round stainlesssteel container which improves the transport and storage of coatings, adhesives and foodstuffs. Its special feature is that it keeps the temperature of the container constantly at a desired level, thanks to an integrated heating device. The construction and materials used in the system’s design have been chosen for their long service life and reliability. For example, the outer cladding is sealed by welding and

provides long-lasting protection of the perlite insulation against the penetration of moisture. Good insulation in turn means high energy efficiency over the long term. At the heart of the container is an intelligent temperature control system which allows the various parameters and heat development inside the container to be adjusted simply and reliably. This means that the temperature is constantly kept at that required for the media inside. Schäfer Werke GmbH DE-Neunkirchen [email protected] www.schaefer-container-systems.de

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Safe disposal with collection bins Both during production and in the laboratory, it is common for waste such as cleaning cloths that are impregnated with environmentally hazardous, combustible or highly flammable liquids to be produced. It is dangerous to put these in ordinary waste bins, and in the case of insurance claims may be expensive for the company concerned. The new safe collection bins from Denios are fitted with sophisticated technical equipment that can eliminate such risk from the daily routine at work. They prevent the contents from igniting spontaneously but are also suitable for extinguishing material that is already alight. For this reason, the containers are very rugged in their construction and are fitted with a lid that closes automatically. To prevent hazardous liquids from leaking out, they are also welded to be liquid-tight. Ventilation slots ensure that the base is ventilated, which also has a fireprevention effect.

Denios AG DE-Bad Oeynhausen [email protected] www.denios.com

Energy-saving powder coatings

Low-viscosity plasticiser

Jotun Powder Coatings has launched the “Cool Shades Collection”, a new collection of energy-saving and environmentally friendly powder coatings formulated to reduce the temperature of aluminium building components that are exposed to the sun, thereby effectively contributing to lowering buildings’ energy consumption and cooling costs. The range is based on heat management pigment technology that reflects the infrared energy from sunlight and keeps coated surfaces much cooler, while still absorbing visible light energy to allow colours to maintain their vibrancy. The collection offers a wide range of colours to match both modern and traditional architecture, and is suited for window frames, curtain walls, shutters, louvers, and wall panels.

With the polyurethane polyol component “Albodur 110 VP”, Alberdingk Boley brings a new generation of low-viscosity plasticisers and reactive thinners to the market. These can replace the plasticisers currently used in PU systems, which might pose health hazards. Areas of application include any type of polyurethane-based adhesive or sealant, which frequently still have the traditional migrating plasticisers incorporated in them. Another use for the product is the long-term elasticisation of elastomer and foam systems. As a result of the monofunctional nature of the polyol, the whole system undergoes chemical bonding to the polymer matrix, so the possibility of migration is eliminated; so unlike commercially available phthalates or their substitutes, their softening effect remains stable over time, making it possible to produce adhesive and sealing compounds which are completely VOCfree and can continue to be used in future.

Jotun Powder Coatings AE-Dubai www.jotun.com

Alberdingk Boley GmbH DE-Krefeld [email protected] www.alberdingk-boley.de

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Market Place Novel products Non-contact film thickness measurement TQC is launching the next generation of its gauge for measuring the film thickness of powder coatings, which operates without contact and directly after application and before stoving. The “PosiTector PC Powder Checker” uses ultrasound to test uncured powder coats, automatically calculating and displaying the predicted dry film thickness. Measuring the powder layer before stoving brings about an improvement in the powder line setup, shortens production times and reduces waste. Because adjustments can be carried out directly, complicated additional operations such as coating removal, disposal and re-coating are dispensed with. The new gauge has been designed specially for use on the production line. The memory allows over 1 000 measurements to be stored in up to 100 separate batches.

The new “LumiCheck” demixing tester completes the range of instruments for dispersion analysis and particle characterisation in the Lum portfolio. This unit is designed for use in the quality assurance laboratory, and provides an uncomplicated comparative stability analysis and particle characterisations of dispersions in their original condition (with no need for sample preparation or dilution). The fast quantitative comparison between different samples, and the qualitative characterisation of demixing behaviour, flocculation, sedimentation and stability make the instrument a good choice for measuring beverages and foodstuffs, building materials, fuels and lubricants and a wide range of emulsions and suspensions. The possibility of determining the hydrodynamic density of nanoparticles and microparticles suspended in liquids opens up further fields of application.

TQC GmbH DE-Hilden [email protected] www.tqc.eu

Lum GmbH DE-Berlin [email protected] www.lum-gmbh.com

Performance additives for waterborne coatings ISP introduced “Jaypol” performance additives based on acrylates chemistry for waterborne coatings. A series of dispersants, co-binders and rheology modifiers offer manufacturers new options to produce waterbased coatings with good quality, efficiency and economics. Most additives of this series are engineered to advance the processing and performance attributes of coatings at low use levels. The new performance additives will be offered in sodium and ammonium formulations for manufacturers that require flexibility in tailoring the moisture resistance attributes of dry film, the water sensitivity of produced coatings, and other requirements, such as electrolyte tolerance. ISP Inc. USA-Wayne [email protected] www.ispcorp.com

Looking for more novel products? Browse the EC Market Navigator, your supply network: www.european-coatings.com/ marketnavigator

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Demixing tester for dispersions in their original condition

DSC system for precise sample analysis Mettler Toledo has launched a new system for DSC analysis. Using a microscope attachment and software, image information on the measured sample is obtained at the same time as the DSC curves, and the two are correlated. The company also offers the possibility of fitting the microscope option to its older instruments in the “DSC82x” ranges and the high-pressure DSC measuring modules “HP-DSCx”. This combined analytical method has a number of advantages: the additional optical information means that effects seen in the DSC curve can be interpreted more easily; artefacts caused for example by movement of the sample can now be assigned clearly and unambiguously; changes in the colour of the sample as a result of thermal degradation, for instance, are visible; and clear evidence of sample behaviour – melting, crystallisation, and so on – and of solid-solid reactions can also be obtained. Mettler Toledo DE-Gießen [email protected] www.mt.com

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Market Place Novel products Gloss meter for immediate and precise measurements Phynix has broadened its range of products with the gloss meter “GlossFix 60”. This new development gives immediate and precise measurements of surfaces ranging from matt to mirror-finish. The compact format of 83 mm x 46 mm x 30 mm allows measurements to be taken even on surfaces that are very small or hard to reach. No cable is required to take readings: the instrument is supplied with power by a battery which, according to the manufacturer, will suffice for approximately 10 000 readings. The unit is also suitable for outdoor use, and the receptacle, featuring integrated measurement standard for fully automatic calibration, is included in delivery. The instrument is easy to operate and can save the readings that it takes and analyse the resulting statistical data. This data can be transferred to a computer via a USB or RS-232 connection

Pick up the tiniest particles non-destructively Working with very small particles often leads to the problem that, using tweezers or similar tools, they are difficult to pick up and are then difficult to release again and put in position. The “Micro TouchPick Pen” allows users to pick up the tiniest particles securely, without damaging them, and to position them precisely. Pressing the button on the side of the pen extends the pen tip, which comprises a specially developed adhesive. This tip can then be used to pick up the desired particles easily and without damaging them. The particles remain on the tip of the pen until the button is released, whereupon the tip retracts back into the pen housing and the samples are dropped securely and precisely at the desired position. No residue of adhesive is left on the microsamples, so they can be picked up and positioned again for the purposes of further analysis. S.T. Japan-Europe DE-Frechen [email protected] www.stjapan.de

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using the cable supplied. The data transfer software is also included. Phynix GmbH & Co. KG DE-Cologne [email protected] www.phynix.com

Degassing gives optimised material quality When working with viscous or highly viscous media, it is of critical importance to degas the material to ensure optimum quality. ViscoTec developed its degassing system “ViscoTreat-Inline” as long ago as 2008, but this has now been upgraded to give greater and broader functionality. The system is placed between the removal and dosing stations and provides a number of important features besides the actual degassing. Solids can be prevented from sedimentation by an optimised stirrer geometry and by recirculation. The system’s tank also serves as a buffer reservoir, so there is no longer any need to interrupt production when switching pails. For the upgrade, the control has been optimised and the tank volume increased from 15 litres to 25 litres. When the plant is at a standstill, the volume can be reduced for the purpose of product storage. At the same time, it is still possible to remove deaerated material from the vacuum even though the system has stopped. ViscoTec Pumpen- und Dosiertechnik GmbH DE-Töging a. Inn [email protected] www.viscotec.de

Instrument analyses reflective qualities According to Rhopoint Instruments, the new “Novo-Gloss IQ“ instrument looks in more detail at reflective qualities than any other hand held instrument as it defines how light is reflected from a surface. Textures, ripples and nano-structures on the surface of a coating or polished metal affect reflected image quality (IQ) and reduce the visual impact of a manufactured product. For painted and coated products these effects are often formed by reticulation, orange peel, raw material incompatibilities, weathering and cure issues. Highly reflective aluminium can similarly be affected by polishing and machining marks. The instrument works by measuring an angular profile which describes exactly how the reflected

light is distributed. This information is used to calculate gloss, haze and distinctness (DOI) for any surface at both 20 and 60 degrees.

Rhopoint Instruments Ltd GB-Bexhill-on-Sea [email protected] www.rhopointinstruments.com

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Calendar of Events 2010 Conferences 8 – 9 September 2010 Marine Coatings Conference Hamburg/Germany www.marinecoatings conference.com

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16 - 17 September 2010 Feica European Adhesives & Sealants Conference 2010 Helsinki/Finland www.feica-conferences.com/ invitation/welcome 22 - 24 September 2010 CEPE Annual Conference & General Assembly Istanbul/Turkey www.cepe.org 23 - 26 September 2010 Paint Istanbul 2010 Istanbul/Turkey www.paintistanbul.com New events in our list  

5 - 6 October 2010 Coatings Trends & Technologies (CTT) Conference Lombard, IL/USA www.coatingsconference.com 12 - 13 October 2010 Wood Coatings Congress Amsterdam/The Netherlands www.pra-world.com 12 - 14 October 2010 5th World Congress on Emulsions Lyon/France www.cme-emulsion.com 13 – 14 October 2010 North African Coatings Congress 2010 Casablanca/Morocco www.coatingsgroup.com

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More coatings events at www.european-coatings.com events/coatings_calendar

or events with changes.

Exhibitions 23 - 26 September 2010 Paint Istanbul 2010 Istanbul/Turkey www.paintistanbul.com 27 - 29 September 2010 Chinacoat 2010 Guangzhou/China www.chinacoat.net 12 - 14 October 2010 COROSAVE Stuttgart/Germany www.corosave.de 9 - 11 November 2010 Eurocoat 2010 Genoa/Italy www.eurocoat-expo.com

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Seminars 2 - 6 August 2010 33rd Annual Short Course: Advances in Emulsion Poly­merization and Latex Technology Davos/Switzerland www.davoscourse.com

Would you like to include your company event in our Events section? For more information please contact our advertising sales team: Sabine Wilkens Tel. +49 511 9910-255, [email protected]

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Car Body Painting 2010

27 th Workshop of the 1st German Automotive Circle

Transforming existing paint shops sustainably 3 – 4 November 2010 | Bad Nauheim, Germany The best solutions how to integrate modern technologies and processes into existing paint shops while at the same time taking into account changes in the legislation. The newest strategies and concepts of international OEM and their suppliers. Your interface to innovation.

www.automotive-circle.com

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Contact: Vincentz Network · Automotive Circle International · T +49 511 9910-380 · F +49 511 9910-379 · [email protected]