In current practical applications, the classification of attapulgite clay is mainly based on its functions and uses. Colloidal attapulgite clay, combined with other soft clays and suitable additives, can be used in thin-layer coatings such as EPC coatings for casting, anti-corrosion coatings at certain high temperatures, insulation coatings, and anti-oxidation coatings.
Waterborne latexes are produced via emulsion polymerization, in which surfactants or emulsifiers are the key components to control latex properties. Much effort has been made to reduce the impact of surfactants on the performance of waterborne formulations. One of the promising approaches is to use polymerizable or reactive surfactants to prepare latex polymers.
As the coatings industry continues to prioritize waterborne systems, further research to provide coatings with comparable properties to those based on solvent-based systems is required. This paper, winner of the PCI Award for Technical Excellence at the 2023 Waterborne Symposium, presents a surfactant-free encapsulation process that enables the enclosure of polysiloxanes of arbitrary molecular weight in capsules of nanometer size in a simple, scalable process.
A more sustainable industry requires the discovery and utilization of new raw materials and technologies, presenting an opportunity to develop products with unique properties not previously explored in the additives sector.
Research has shown that a thin cellulose film can inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus within minutes, inhibit the growth of bacteria including E.coli, and mitigate contact transfer of pathogens. The coating is invisible to the naked eye, and is abrasion resistant under dry conditions, making it suitable for use on high-traffic objects such as door handles and handrails.
Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), a bio-based and multi-functional product made of cellulose, is a new alternative to traditional thickeners. Learn how MFC increases the tensile strength of elastomeric acrylic roof coatings without sacrificing the elongation, and how it reduces the water absorption, as well as increases the adhesion of coatings.