Soliant LLC has been awarded the Global Plastics Environmental Conference (GPEC®) 2008 Achievement Award for "Enabling Technologies in Processes and Procedures" for developing Fluorex® bright film. The film is currently used on a variety of plastic substrates to provide a chrome finish comparable to chrome plating.

Using Dynasylan® technology, Evonik Degussa Corporation (EDC) has developed two new solvent-free, water-based systems for metal protection. Dynasylan Hydrosil™ and SIVO®-SOL technologies are designed to save time and money while protecting the environment. They reportedly provide maximum corrosion protection for valuable metal products and simplify the manufacturing process.

Heatbath Corp. has expanded its line of rust preventative products with the introduction of Durawax, a multi-purpose synthetic wax emulsion that is designed to provide excellent coverage over bare steel or conversion coatings such as black oxide and phosphates. The silicone-free product forms a hard, shiny dry film that reportedly enhances surface appearance and durability.

Metalfab, Inc., a manufacturer of dry solids processing equipment and integrated systems, has published a new brochure showcasing its ability to custom design, engineer, and manufacture integrated systems that meet specific production processes for single or multiple operations.

ELECTROCOAT 2008 will host a Big Prize Giveaway on the final day of the conference to reward attendees for their support of the event. Electrocoat Association member companies will sponsor prizes awarded in their name.

Wagner Systems, Inc. has hired Mark Zimmerman as liquid equipment specialist. Zimmerman brings many years of experience to Wagner in the paint and powder coatings industry.

Polyurea Development Association (PDA) honored two companies with Platinum Poster Awards during its Ninth Annual Conference February 12-15, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, GA. The Platinum Poster Awards for both the best project and best new product development were presented at the Annual Conference awards banquet.

BASF Coatings Spa is now a supplier for Arçelik A.S., Europe’s third largest producer of household appliances. The agreement calls for an initial delivery of liquid e-coat paints for coating dryers produced on the new production line at the plant in Çerkezköy, Turkey.

Dow Corning Corp., a developer of fluorosilicone technology for coatings and other industries, will present research findings in "New Anti-Fingerprint Coatings," a presentation at the 11th annual International Coatings for Plastics Symposium™ this April. The presentation, based on work by Dow Corning and Daikin Industries, Ltd., will focus on recent advances in polymers modified with organofunctional silanes.

Researchers at Swansea University in Wales, led by Dr. Dave Worsley in the Materials Research Centre at the University's School of Engineering, are investigating ways of painting solar cells onto the flexible steel surfaces commonly used for cladding buildings. Unlike conventional solar cells, the materials being developed at Swansea are more efficient at capturing low light radiation. The researchers’ aim is to produce cells that can be painted onto a flexible steel surface at a rate of 30-40 sq m/min.