Many of today’s products must withstand near-constant use or exposure to the weather. Self-healing paints and coatings are still a relatively niche area of study, but it’s easy to see the widespread appeal. This article highlights the abundant practical applications for formulators and companies to explore. 

From hockey pucks and beer to life-saving medical devices, thermochromic dye, ink, pigments, and coatings spot conditions that are too hot or cold.

Silane-modified polyurethane (SPUR) systems find increasingly extensive utilization in adhesive, sealant, and coating products. This study reports on a novel tin-free catalyst that is shown to be significantly more active than industry-standard catalysts in SPUR applications, while providing similar system stability and other end-use properties.

Tech Etch has designed and developed a robotic spray-coating process used to apply conductive carbon and graphite coatings to battery current collectors, fuel cells, thin-metal cathode grids used in implantable pacemaker batteries, and other energy storage devices that require low-resistance coatings.

There are many commercial applications where both floors and walls must be sealed and protected from moisture. Many of those are in restaurants and food processing plants where walls are scrubbed down every day. The right coating can ensure these spaces last longer. 

Nanotechnology is an emerging field that is enabling breakthroughs of new and effective tools in the coatings industry. The trends and developments mentioned in this article are a few hot bets expected to impact the coatings industry in the coming years.

With the continued interest in energy and resource conservation, glass bubbles may provide formulators with another “toolbox” option as they develop the next generation of coatings for the industry. 

Specialized PVD coatings can increase surface hardness and durability of precision components such as bearings, gears, and rollers to significantly increase lifespan under high-load conditions.

Veteran personnel at American Safety Technologies are integral to the company's work in marine safety technologies, ensuring every challenge is met with expertise, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

The surface finishing industry is no stranger to change. Many companies are looking to reduce costs and improve efficiency throughout 2024, while also placing a heavy focus on technology enhancements and sustainable practices.