Materials engineers have created a new type of coating that attracts water yet beads oils - traits that are usually mutually exclusive - promising potential applications such as "self-cleaning" eyeglasses and antifogging car windshields and ski goggles. The material prevents fogging by not allowing water to form beads on surfaces.

Bayer MaterialScience LLC recently redesigned its Fantasia® Color and Special Effect Technologies website. The site features extensive coverage of frequently asked questions, access to visuals such as the AURA® color infusion technology video, and a Hot Topics segment.

Clariant will launch several new protective coating products at JEC 2007 (Journées Européennes des Composites), which will be held April 3-5 in Paris, France. Among the products showcased will be tutoProm®, an anti-graffiti system for railway interiors and exteriors.

The Dyne-A-Mite IT™ from Enercon is a blown-ion air plasma system that is designed to provide a safe and effective means of cleaning surfaces and raising surface energy to promote adhesion and bonding with a variety of materials. The system is now available in a new configuration with two treating heads powered by a single power supply.

With over 520 in attendance, uv.eb WEST registration grew to over 25% as interest in the environmental, economic and operational benefits of ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) curing technology continues to grow. The event, held March 6-7 in Los Angeles, CA, featured UV and EB processes that offer manufactures a competitive edge, while meeting pollution regulation requirements.

FANUC Robotics America, Inc. has received SsangYong Motor Company’s Supplier Appreciation Award for the development of an automated paint system installed in 2006. FANUC Robotics had turnkey responsibility for the flexible system that includes paint robots and automated door/hood openers for interior and exterior vehicle painting.

Linetec, based in Wausau, WI, recently won the 2006 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Grand Award for overall outstanding achievement in the category of “large company.” Linetec is one of the nation’s largest paint and anodize finishers and one of just four companies in the state, and the only in its size classification, to receive this annual award.

Tests performed around the perimeter of a “painted” sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) yielded successful results for the protection of wireless devices and other electronic equipment within the structure. The tests confirmed that wireless transmission of information can be protected from unauthorized access by the use of a new coating from EM-SEC Technologies, LLC.

Non-chromate pigments typically are specific to the resin system and are affected by factors such as pretreatments and substrate and environmental conditions. This limitation has delayed technological improvements in chromate-free coatings. Recently, a new technology based on magnesium has been developed that offers a promising solution.