This month’s Formulating with Mike column continues the discussion on resins, with a focus on epoxy curing agents. When it comes to great adhesion, chemical resistance, and corrosion resistance, an epoxy is hard to beat. There are different epoxy curing agents, and each one provides different properties that can be suited for a wide variety of end-use applications.
In 2019, the coatings industry did not anticipate any problems surrounding raw material supplies and availability. Then COVID and the global supply chain crisis hit. This article offers an analysis of the current and future outlook of the raw materials market, highlighting lingering issues with raw material production, pricing, transportation, and delivery.
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.
When it comes to the packaging industry, sustainable solutions are essential in order to meet governments’ ambitious environmental targets as well as demands from the eco-conscious consumer. Sherwin-Williams discusses innovation in metal packaging technologies and how collaboration is required across the whole supply chain.
We currently use a "midnight black” wrinkle powder coating supplied by a major powder producer. Can a second touchup coat be applied after the first coat has cured? Read the answer to this question and more in this edition of Ask Joe Powder.
Concerning rheological stabilization of coatings, there is a trend to move away from hazardous raw materials, with preference given to the use of bio-based and sustainable chemistries, wherever possible. Testing of new organic additives shows good dispensability and ease of activation.
Sustainability dominated every conversation at the 2023 European Coatings Show. Learn about some of the innovative technologies that were introduced to help the industry formulate, manufacture, and apply the coatings of tomorrow.
Epoxy resins are widely used in coatings thanks to their excellent adhesion to materials and their durability. However, epoxy resins typically contain aromatic groups with strong absorption in the UV range. This makes epoxy structures vulnerable to UV degradation. The performance of one company’s stabilizers in a typical commercial epoxy resin with hardeners are tested and reviewed in this article.