The coatings industry will play a major role in our near future’s sustainable way of life. Accordingly, new generations of pigments for coatings must provide more than color for surfaces. Not only must they enable the aesthetic visual appearance through colors and effects, they are also required to contribute to a comfortable, safe, and sustainable future. This article reviews a new generation of coatings and color materials supporting the “Cool City” initiative showcased across the United States.
This article highlights the challenges of lead replacement and shows how modern pigment developments provide an alternative to lead chromate in coatings applications, and how the performance of lead-free formulations can be improved.