Conference Program

This work presents a new oxygenated solvent, of a renewable source and low surface tension that has the capacity to improve spreading and the appearance of the coating film. The case studied, focused on nitrocellulose solvent-borne coatings and varnishes for wood market. It was carried out dilution of the above nitrocellulose based coatings and varnishes in order to compare the performance  with i) a standard diluent and ii) a diluent composed of the proposed new solvent. Among the observed advantages, it is possible to cite lesser waviness, resulting a better appearance of the film. In addition to the application, the proposed solvent has low density, high evaporation rate and from the environmental point of view, in accordance with the twelve principles of green chemistry, it has the use of renewable raw materials in its production process and the lower MIR and lower toxicity when compared to hydrocarbon solvents, especially aromatics.

With the increasing regulatory and environmental requirements and the growing expectations of end users, the development of a high-performance water-borne coating system has become a challenge. Silicones have long been used to improve weatherability, water resistance and mar resistance, but the incorporation of silicone materials into water-borne organic resin compositions is often difficult due to incompatibility and immiscibility. This presentation will describe an innovative product based on our water-borne hydrophobic silicone resin and additive technology platform. The innovative structure enables this product to overcome the difficulties of combining silicone materials with organic waterborne resins. This new water-borne silicone resin can help reduce water uptake and improve UV resistance in latex systems. It has also been shown to offer stain resistance and flexibility/elongation, when used in coating or sealant formulations. The applications of this resin in various coating formulations, such as architectural paints, wood coatings and concrete coatings, will be discussed.

Amphiphilic siloxane-glycidyl carbamate coatings (AmpSiGC) coatings with surface properties of interest were prepared via combinations of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The designed experiment considered several factors: molecular weight of surface-modifying polymers and amounts of PDMS and PEG in a system. Although amphiphilic coatings have demonstrated promising results as marine technologies, investigations on their icephobic applications has been limited. This talk will discuss three aspects of the developed AmpSiGC systems: 1) Preparation of incorporated ingredients and their characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and epoxy titration; 2) Surface characterization of coatings via ATR (attenuated total reflectance)-FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM); and 3) Ice-adhesion, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and mechanical property evaluation. Overall, the surface analyses indicated presence of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains and most of the coatings demonstrated promising performance for anti-icing applications with desirable barrier and mechanical properties in comparison to controls.

Currently, the commercial fire-retardant clear coatings for use on wood substrates tend to increase the smoke developed, as compared to the base wood, when exposed to fire. They also require a solventborne or UV-Curable topcoat and tend to provide a visual that looks plastic-like. These coatings are unable to achieve a Class A rating on return air plenums that require a Flame Spread Index (FSI) of equal to or less than 25 and a Smoke Developed Index (SDI) of equal to or less than 50 in the ASTM E84 Steiner Tunnel Test. To overcome these deficiencies, a novel, clear, waterborne, fire-retardant coating (NWC) system was developed that used a novel waterborne, water-resistant topcoat that allows for a true wood visual. This new, patent-pending technology introduces a novel development in the fire retardant industry for wood as it provides Class A fire protection, reduced smoke generation, and a true wood visual.

This unique polymer/wax hybrid enables coatings for wood decks, furniture, siding and fencing to retain their initial color and appearance while maintaining the structural integrity of the wood substrate, even after prolonged exposure to UV irradiation, rain, snow, or foot traffic, as well as normal wear and tear. Through exterior exposure and accelerated weathering testing, we’ve been able to verify that this unique material significantly improves the water repellency of wood coatings.This ability to keep moisture from penetrating coated surfaces greatly enhances the durability of the wood finish, which means - homeowners and property managers will have to recoat previously painted surfaces less frequently.

Are water-based coatings always more environmentally-friendly than the equivalent solvent-based coatings?  The answer is more complex than some might think.  TBF Environmental will present case study of a wood coatings applicator that moved from water-based back to a solvent-based coating to go greener, to improve operational efficiencies, and to improve their end product.

The estimated markets for self-healing and self-cleaning coatings are $2.7 billion and $ 3.4 billion, respectively. In this lecture, I will discuss novel coatings that combine both self-cleaning and self-healing properties into a single formulation. The obtained coatings are prepared under ambient conditions and have excellent clarity and mechanically durability. These coatings are fluorine-free. Self-healing studies confirmed that these coatings heal only in few minutes at mild-temperatures of 40-70 °C. These coatings are readily applicable to metal, glass, wood and plastics. Also, nanofillers such as such as graphene oxide, nanoclay and silica particles can also be added. These self-cleaning, self-healing coatings will find application in water-proof, anti-rust fabrications, solar cells, microfluidics, marine antifouling, and the fuel transportation, energy efficient distillation, and food industries. 

Acrylic emulsion polymerization offers the ability to engineer polymers with unique molecular architecture and morphology. Such polymers can be developed with varying glass transition temperature and very high molecular weights.Typically, high polymer molecular weight translates to increased film physical properties.  Further, polymers with higher glass transition temperatures typically result in harder films.  However, in water-based coatings based on such polymers, resultant physical properties are especially dependent upon the quality of the film formed.  In many cases, coalescent solvent is added to coating compositions to improve film formation and resultant film properties.  In this study, we investigate the impact of coalescent chemistry and concentration on drying, energy of film formation, and glass transition evolution of water based coatings utilizing the Evaporative Dynamic Oscillation Technique (EDOT).

A new functional additive based on crosslinked siloxane polyacrylate technology was developed to provide an outstanding ‘easy to clean’ surface or ‘anti-graffiti’ effect in solvent based coatings. The additive was designed to significantly lower the surface energy of the coating, thus making it more hydrophobic and oleophobic. This allows surface contaminates such as dirt, fingerprints, and spray paints to be easily removed. The anchor groups introduced in the molecule can interact with suitable binders to ensure long-lasting functional attributes. Additionally, the additive lowers the COF and does not negatively impact the optical properties of the coating. The application features are demonstrated along with surface energy / contact angle measurements using variety of test systems.

Coatings capable of adhering to surfaces routinely exposed to light can exploit a biomimetic system similar to surfaces covered with photosynthetic lichen in order to capture, fix, and sequester atmospheric gases. When applied over sufficiently large amounts of surface area, such coatings are capable of rivalling natural carbon sinks in their ability to remove excess atmospheric carbon. The coatings industry stands in a unique position to co-operatively and profitably address climate change caused by excess carbon dioxide in a timely manner geared to preventing the most damaging of predicted environmental harm. By capturing large quantities of such greenhouse gases and sequestering the captured carbon into carbohydrates, such as cellulose, or amines such as ammonia, these paints are capable of manufacturing useful and high-value byproducts, including some of the raw materials from which they themselves are formulated. Genetically-engineered algae placed in these coatings are capable of over-producing high-purity microcrystalline cellulose.

Coatings capable of adhering to surfaces routinely exposed to light can exploit a biomimetic system similar to surfaces covered with photosynthetic lichen in order to capture, fix, and sequester atmospheric gases. When applied over sufficiently large amounts of surface area, such coatings are capable of rivalling natural carbon sinks in their ability to remove excess atmospheric carbon. The coatings industry stands in a unique position to co-operatively and profitably address climate change caused by excess carbon dioxide in a timely manner geared to preventing the most damaging of predicted environmental harm. By capturing large quantities of such greenhouse gases and sequestering the captured carbon into carbohydrates, such as cellulose, or amines such as ammonia, these paints are capable of manufacturing useful and high-value byproducts, including some of the raw materials from which they themselves are formulated. Genetically-engineered algae placed in these coatings are capable of over-producing high-purity microcrystalline cellulose.

A 1K and 2K polyurethane made from polyester polyols based on recycled PET (rPET) were recently developed to provide superior hardness, flexibility, chemical resistance and toughness.  As an additional benefit, exposure to slightly elevated temperatures after surface scratching produces a healing effect, eliminating the original defect.  It has been challenging to balance the high-performance properties of a cured film with solubility while maintaining the ability to heal, but the proper choice of components, derived mainly from recycled and biorenewable feedstocks has enabled this technology to become a reality.  We will share the findings of these two systems along with a variety of performance data and possible application areas for this exciting new material for sustainable coatings.  We primarily focus on industrial applications for metal, wood, and some plastic substrates, where maintaining “new” looking appearance over extended usage times can be enabled through simple damage repair of this “green” technology.

Carbon black is one of the most widely used but challenging pigments in the coating industry.  While effective dispersion is a necessary condition to achieve maximum Jetness and shelf stability, the resulting colorant must also be compatible with different paint systems in order to ensure consistent color development. In addition, the additives used are expected to have a minimal impact on final film properties and on the environment. To achieve such goals with a simple, cost-effective dispersant system is not a trivial task.  In this talk, we will introduce a patent-pending dispersant technology that relies on sophisticated architectures and functionalities to effectively wet and stabilize multiple carbon black grades/classes without the need for auxiliary additives that can cause subsequent complications. Experimental results will be presented to demonstrate superior performance in every aspect described above and in multiple application scenarios.

Polyaspartic resins have become an increasingly popular choice for various industrial floor and coating applications. Resins based on polyaspartics are often used for these applications due to their good chemical resistance, weatherability and low VOC potential. However, the short pot life and moisture sensitivity of these resins presents a number of challenges for the formulator and coating applicator. Limited formulation latitude due to incompatibility with other resins and the need for specialized processing equipment often restricts use and applicability of these materials. Furthermore, polyaspartic resins tend to be less economical than other chemistries commonly used in industrial coatings. To address these issues, a new class of polyester polyols have been developed with improved aspartic resin compatibility and low viscosity to balance performance, VOC and cost. This study investigates the use of these polyesters in combination with aspartic resins at various loading levels for industrial maintenance and floor coatings.

Environmental pressure continues to drive development of resin technology to achieve both high performance as well as compliance with regulatory guidelines for food contact. Binders offering heat stability, gloss and color retention, adhesion to aluminum and steel, with excellent alkali resistance, offer formulators new options in meeting stringent performance standards while maintaining high visual aesthetic requirements.
This paper will introduce two new resin technologies based on silicone polyester chemistry; one water based, and one formulated to be HAPS free, with both complying to food contact monograph FDA 21 CFR 175.300. Performance data will demonstrate their broad compatibility and easy to formulate potential.

Anti-microbial coatings are used to prevent growth and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria. General approaches include incorporation of free biocides and function by releasing biocides into the surroundings, so the antimicrobial property diminishes in time and leaching of biocides may cause environmental concern and trigger antibiotic resistance. We have synthesized a series of reactive, hydrophobic quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), and developed various non-leaching antimicrobial coatings. Water-borne coatings are environmentally friendlier than their solvent-borne counterparts. We thus prepared aqueous polyurethane dispersions (PUDs), with hydroxylated soybean oil (HSO) and a reactive, hydrophobic QAC as the primary starting materials. The stable PUDs had a typical particle size of ~160 nm and zeta-potential of -56 mV. Clear coatings were obtained upon film formation of HSO-based PUDs at room temperature, and demonstrated good antimicrobial properties against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (>99% killing). The HSO-based PUD antimicrobial coatings may find wide applications in high-touch, high-risk areas.

With a price of 0.013 USD per kg (PRB-coal, 2019), subbituminous coal is an economic raw material. If coal-derived products could be prepared using significantly less energy than it takes to produce comparable crude-oil derived products, the coal-derived products would not only be economically attractive, but also be more sustainable compared to crude-oil derived materials. Herein, we present a novel approach to extract solid resins bearing phenolic groups from coal at low temperatures. We exploit structures already present in the coal, which are derived from lignin and have undergone only limited chemical transformations. We will report on attempts to prepare solvent- and water-based polyurethane and epoxy coatings or adhesives, where the coal extracts are directly applied and react through the phenolic groups with an isocyanate or an epoxy resin, respectively. We will present results to apply these coatings as primers to metals.

Dubbed “Forever Chemicals”, Poly and Perfluorinated alkyl substances -  commonly known as PFAS -  are under ever-increasing regulatory pressure, with legislation or regulations under consideration in serveral states.  Historically, PFAS chemicals have been widely used in the production of fluorinated compounds, which have been used in a variety of commonly-used substances, including Polyvinylidene Difluoride (PVDF) Coatings.
This paper will explore coatings made using PFAS-free PVDF resins which have displayed excellent retention of color and gloss, resistance to dirt pick-up, and resistance to mildew, among other properties.  This technology is suitable for both solvent-based and water-based products.  Testing has demonstrated a longer service life than competitive coating technologies, resulting in a lower lifetime cost for building owners.  This presentation will explain some of the benefits of this PFAS-free technology and will share some case studies of current use.

Polysilazanes are pre-ceramic polymers with a silicon-nitrogen backbone. In recent years they have emerged as an unparalleled binder in protective coatings for automotive, architectural, and industrial applications. The unique Si-N backbone and side-chain chemistry enables a dynamic structure-performance relationship that yields robust and durable clear or pigmented coatings. This article will use examples of formulations and applications to show the recent development of this technology and highlight their performance in corrosion and weathering protection, surface hardness, heat resistance, and anti-graffiti applications.
 

Today, performance and productivity are of significant value to many asset-owners who are looking for ways to minimize downtime and optimize savings. Accelerators or fast amine curing agents are used for this purpose in the formulation to shorten the epoxy coating drying time to enable fast return to service properties. However, the addition of this agent may impact the coating performance, such as shorter pot life. We have introduced a unique fast amine curing agent that can increase the curing speed with a small addition without compromising pot life. It can be used as an accelerator and/or co-hardener, in combination with other amines.This paper describes how to achieve a good balance in both solvent-based and 100% solids epoxy coating systems. Performance comparison with other current commercially available products will also be discussed, including adhesion, dry time, hardness, impact resistance and pot life under various curing conditions.

The Chinese government has implemented environmental regulations that limit the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in coatings applications.  This has resulted in increased use of water-borne epoxy coatings. Industrial coating formulators are looking for new water-borne solutions with a balance of cost and stringent performance requirements to meet these regulations.  
We will introduce new water-borne epoxy solutions for anti-corrosive coatings. The new epoxy dispersion has the features of low VOC, low viscosity, high solids, and excellent storage stability. When formulated with waterborne hardeners, the system demonstrates outstanding performance in water resistance, flexibility, mechanical performance, and anti-corrosion protection. The new water-borne epoxy solutions are suited for processing water-sensitive pigments like zinc and aluminum powders resulting in excellent long-term performance for zinc-rich primer. Starting formulations, formulation properties, and performance data based on these new innovative waterborne epoxy resins and hardeners will be presented.

A polyvinylidene chloride acrylate copolymer has been developed to provide an advanced water-borne coating that demonstrates excellent corrosion resistance and adhesion on metals. It can be applied as a primer and barrier protection coating, with VOC capability below 100 g/l. The improvement of corrosion performance was confirmed using tandardized test methods including salt fog, dry/wet adhesion, and humidity etc. And the structure properties related to corrosion mechanisms were understood using electrochemical techniques including open circuit potential, linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show this copolymer exhibits longer shelf stability with improved performance compared to traditional vinylidene polymers based on new structure property understanding. Results also indicate exceptional moisture permeability, excellent corrosion resistance and adhesion on metals even under thin thickness ~50um. These properties are verified by its surprisingly stable impedance for couple weeks. Also, the increasing impedance of a defect coating illustrates its good adhesion at coating scribe.

Water-borne technologies are gaining ground, although solvent-borne or 100% solids technologies remain dominant, for corrosion protection due to increased regulations around VOC emissions. Our latest development emphasizes our commitment and expertise in this field. 
This study demonstrates a high-performance, APEO- and zinc-free binder with improved corrosion protection compared to other 1-component water-borne binders of equivalent dry film thickness. This new resin helps to save formulation cost and complexity by decreasing or eliminating the use of active inhibitors. The versatility of this technology will be showcased by results in a high-gloss direct-to-metal (DTM) coating and primer. By balancing the hydrophobicity and chemical functionality,we have developed a resin with low water uptake, good early water and humidity resistance, and excellent corrosion resistance while still allowing for ease of formulation and pigment dispersion. This functionality also allows for superior adhesion to multiple substrates, including plastics.

Achieving lower volatile organic compound (VOC) content in protective coatings requiring high exterior durability and chemical resistance has been a challenge for paint manufacturers who often find themselves having to sacrifice performance in order to meet environmental standards. Low molecular weight and low VOC resins are unable to meet the demanding requirements of a protective topcoat, conventional acrylic polyols cannot be formulated to meet VOC regulations, and the use of exempt solvents remains problematic for the paint formulator. Balancing crosslink density development for achieving durability with airless spray ability remains a very high hurdle for the industry. This paper will demonstrate the performance of a new polyurethane technology for use in two component topcoats as well as direct-to-metal (DTM) coatings. This technology, when benchmarked against conventional acrylic polyols meets or exceeds the performance properties needed to withstand challenging conditions.

Low surface energy substrates such as thermoplastic olefin (TPO) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, in particular un-weathered TPO and EPDM membranes, are notoriously difficult to adhere to due to the low chemical functionality of the substrate. Typically, solvent-borne technologies (i.e., high VOC) or surface treatment of the substrate before coating has been necessary to achieve acceptable adhesion. Currently available low-VOC water-borne acrylic resins typically struggle in adhering to these new, un-weathered membranes. A newly developed water-borne acrylic resin has overcome this challenge, exceeding existing solvent-borne and water-borne options, achieving a 180° wet peel adhesion in excess of 2 pounds per linear inch (pli) with cohesive failure when formulated into a primer or basecoat.  Additional formulation strategies can now be employed to optimize adhesion with the new acrylic resin, including pigment volume concentration, surfactant/dispersant level, and extender choice.

Pinholes are a problem for formulators developing fast drying, water-based coatings, especially in coatings cured at high temperature and applied at high wet film thickness. Pinholes are often caused by air or solvent vapor release from the film when the coating is too viscous to flow back and repair the holes. Pinholes also occur in bake coatings as the trapped vapor regains mobility when the coating softens under heating, before cross-linking hardens the film preventing flow back into the voids. Hydrocarbon defoamers help eliminate the foam and pinholes in these formulations, but their limited compatibility results in lower gloss, poor leveling and surface appearance. This paper describes a new additive that combines both deaeration of micro foam and modified surface drying for pinhole elimination. This new additive shows comparable pinhole elimination compared with hydrocarbon-based defoamers, but without compromising formulation compatibility or final coating appearance.

We have been developing our hyperdispersant anchoring technologies to encompass pigment surfaces ranging from organic to inorganic and polar to non-polar. More recently we have focused our efforts on our novel anchor and chain technologies for both 100% solids and water-borne systems. Our developments have led to dispersants that deliver rapid dispersion, excellent stabilisation and superior final coating properties. These new dispersants are produced to be 100% active content with excellent pourability at room temperature. Supplying dispersants in 100% active form enables a reduced carbon footprint of the product from production to market as well as increasing their versatility in different coatings systems. In water-borne systems these biocide-free dispersants improve pigment raw material efficiency though higher pigmentation levels and colour development. They also demonstrate greater tolerance to challenging coalescing solvents. In UV curable systems, the 100% active form is a necessity and provides ease-of-use for ink formulators.

Water-borne epoxy systems have many advantages over traditional solvent-borne epoxy coatings. Their low volatile organic content (VOC) is beneficial to both the environment and the people that work with these water-borne epoxy products.They also have excellent adhesion, long pot life, easy clean-up, and can be used in closed spaces. New industry and regulatory trends are leading to increased use of water-borne epoxy systems in coatings applications.  One of challenges of the water-borne epoxy systems is the temperature operating window, where many water-borne systems will not effectively cure at low temperatures. This paper describes new formulations of water-borne epoxy coatings that cure well below room temperature without sacrificing cure time or performance of the coating.  Wate-rborne formulations in the paper also allow for faster return to service when being cured at normal room temperature. Starting formulations, comparison of current formulations, formulation properties, and performance data will be discussed. 

We produce graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and their subsequent dispersions, enabling enhancement of properties such as barrier, mechanical or electrical and thermal conductivity. It has been demonstrated that GNPs, when incorporated into an organic coating, provide a highly tortuous pathway which acts to impede the movement of corrosive species towards the metal surface, rendering them highly beneficial in barrier coatings. We have previously demonstrated significant uplifts in anticorrosive performance in solvent-based coatings. However, water-based coating development remains a focus for industry formulators. The increasing demand for viable waterborne alternatives is primarily driven by increasing legislative pressure to reduce the release of volatile organic content. To date dispersion of graphene in waterbased systems has been problematic, causing instability of the host system or requiring large amounts of surfactant. We have developed breakthrough technology enabling dispersion in water-based coatings while delivering improved corrosion performance.

Intumescent coatings provide passive fire protection, most notably to steel structures. The application of water-based intumescent coatings on construction steel can take several days due to the number of coats and total dry film build needed to provide adequate fire protection. Industry standard water-based intumescent coatings can also suffer from poor water resistance. This limits their application to indoor spaces or in many instances require a water-resistant topcoat; further increasing the time required to apply. We have developed unique technology for intumescent coatings that can dramatically decrease application times and in many cases  preclude the need for a topcoat. This unique technology consists of a dispersion and our proprietary Instant Set Technology which when used together allow for full film build in one application.
 

Bisphenol-A based materials are getting phased-out in various applications including in metal packaging coatings. Responding to increasing regulatory and customer demands, food brands, coatings formulators, and can makers are looking for alternative BPA-non intent (BPA-NI) technology that can replace BPA-based coatings while simultaneously meeting or exceeding their rigorous performance requirements. We are participating in the development of polyester BPA-NI resins technology that can deliver improved resistance to food sterilization, long-term shelf stability, while balancing flexibility and toughness critical to withstanding aggressive canning process. We explore several fundamental techniques to demonstrate improved resistance to corrosion and chemical attack, while balancing flexibility and adhesion through innovative resin and formulation design.  Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cathodic disbonding, coupled with fitness-for-use testing were used to understand barrier properties of BPA-NI solutions in formulated coatings. These studies and techniques help build solid structure-property relationships enabling better resin design for food contact metal packaging coatings.

Both natural and artificial accelerated weathering testing can produce inconsistent results when different tests are compared, even if all parameters of the test method is strictly met. Deviations can be expected in cases where different types of devices are used, or the methods allow for variability in the test parameters. However, deviations can also occur with similar types of devices. The root cause can often be attributed to surface temperature of the exposed specimen, normally an uncontrolled parameter.
This presentation provides an overview and data of surface temperatures when employing various test methods, as well as equipment operated under different test conditions. In addition to the control sensors specified in the standards, additional sensors were used to determine further comparison parameters. If the comparability between different devices is the focus, it may be necessary to adapt the control parameters, including modification of the standard cycles, to produce reproducible results.

We have been developing our hyperdispersant anchoring technologies to encompass pigment surfaces ranging from organic to inorganic and polar to non-polar. More recently we have focused our efforts on our novel anchor and chain technologies for both 100% solids and water-borne systems. Our developments have led to dispersants that deliver rapid dispersion, excellent stabilisation and superior final coating properties. These new dispersants are produced to be 100% active content with excellent pourability at room temperature. Supplying dispersants in 100% active form enables a reduced carbon footprint of the product from production to market as well as increasing their versatility in different coatings systems. In water-borne systems these biocide-free dispersants improve pigment raw material efficiency though higher pigmentation levels and colour development. They also demonstrate greater tolerance to challenging coalescing solvents. In UV curable systems, the 100% active form is a necessity and provides ease-of-use for ink formulators.

Colloidal Unimolecular Polymer (CUP) particles have found many uses in coatings.The surface of these particles per gram is extremely large and poses an opportunity to study surface water which has different properties than bulk water. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) can determine the free versus surface water based upon the heat of fusion since only free water freezes at zero.The DSC analysis was performed on 77K and 123K molecular weight cup particles which are 5.84nm and 6.82nm diameter at concentration of 5% to 20 % . This work gives an estimation of the thickness of surface water by measuring the heat of fusion; calculation of the specific heat of surface water; determination of the average surface area of functional groups on the CUP surface by knowing the freezing point depression of CUP suspensions; establish a relationship between CUP surface water, the molecular weight and ions per nm of surface area.

Natural language processing tools are data workflows created using software and machine learning models. These tools are used to extract structured, semantic information from English text, and have been used to create online chatbots and to quickly assess sentiment about a product or brand on social media platforms. Natural language processing and text mining tools have not been fully leveraged in the chemical sciences, and certainly not in the domain of coatings science and engineering. Here, we propose a rules-based and template-assisted framework for the semantic recording and delivery of coatings formulation information. This framework may be combined with text mining and natural language processing tools in order to extract chemical entity information, as well as formulation relationships between those entities. The resulting information is automatically ‘tidy’ and ready for data mining and modeling activities, without the need for arduous spreadsheet data entry and manipulation. The proposed framework allows for easy dissemination of formulation information, be it in trade journals, technical data sheets, peer-reviewed publications, or within or between industrial organizations and laboratories. The objective is to transform the ubiquitous formulation sheet—the format of which varies from organization to organization—into a simple, prose-based format which is simultaneously information dense as well as reader friendly, to both human and robot readers. The proposed framework has the capability to turn ‘information archeology’ into an automated process, eventually leading to automated and machine-led analysis and interpretation of scientific results related to coating formulation and performance. Adopting a standard and widespread approach to formulation information fosters scientific reproducibility, open innovation, and standardization of reporting, as well as easy, reliable, and long-lasting access to data.

Accelerated weathering testing has been used for over a century to evaluate the outdoor performance of durable materials such as coatings. Light and heat delivered to specimens in accelerated weathering test are carefully defined in standards; however, the amount, pressure, and droplet size of water spray typically is not. As a result, physical and chemical degradation phenomena caused by outdoor condensation and various types of rain may not be reproduced in laboratory testing. This presentation examines some modern xenon arc and fluorescent UV standards for coatings that do attempt to better quantify and accelerate water delivery for improved correlation to weathering failures in service environment. Results are also presented from specimens that illustrate the effects that varying water delivery can have on specimen color change and gloss loss.

The purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate application time interval (ATI) for different layers of a multi-layer industrial coating. FTIR-spectroscopy and different physical/mechanical performance tests were used to investigate the conversion rate and curing kinetics of each layer at various time intervals and at 25 and 50 °C. The adhesion strength of the layers at different ATI was determined by means of pull-off adhesion measurements.The results showed that curing process of the coatings at 25 °C did not complete even after two weeks of application, while the layers were completely cured at 50 °C in less than 48-h. The adhesion of the intermediate-layer on the primer-layer was independent of ATI (due to the presence of hydroxyl groups in the cured epoxy coating), while the adhesion of the topcoat on the intermediate layer was strong enough over a specific period of time (gel time of intermediate layer).

Marine biofouling is estimated to cost >$15 billion world wide for vessel operation. Additionally, the environmental cost from increased CO2 emissions due to reduced speed, and the use of biocide further exacerbates the impact of biofouling. Adaptive Surface Technologies has recently developed and commercialized a unique copper free marine paint for biofouling control. The patent pending technology combines the features of SLIPS (Slippery Liquid Infused Porous Surfaces) and self-stratifying surface active polymers (SAP) for biofouling control without the use of biocide; which performs better than commercial anti-fouling standards. The presentation will focus on the scientific prospective on the development of SLIPS® Foul-Protect™ N1x, surface characterization, and demonstrate the field/ on-boat performance. The results suggest that the performance benefit can lead to about 8% reduction in drag which will help address the concerns with fuel cost and emissions. 

Pearlescent pigments are important for high end decoration. They are based on substrates and interference layers. Transparent substrates like mica lack hiding power. Aluminum as substrate delivers some hiding power but must be used as a solvent based paste, a dangerous good.
New pigments have been developed which provide an even better hiding power and are classified as non-dangerous good. The thickness of the aluminum substrate was reduced from 400nm to 20nm by using PVD, resulting in an ultra-thin pigment with smooth surface and uniform thickness. The new pigment even comes as powder.
For the first time, dust explosion free aluminum based pearlescent pigments can be applied by powder coating and deliver the benefit of extreme hiding power. Further they can be used in 100%-waterborne coatings and simplify the formulation of ultra-high solids.
Advantages especially for automotive coatings include unmatched flop, higher gloss and the possibility to reduce coatings thickness.

Microbicidal paints making public health claims are regulated by the United States EPA that mandates demonstration of efficacy under conditions that simulate realistic contamination.  The OECD nations are similarly moving away from proof-of-principle tests such as industry-standard JISZ 2801.  Besides efficacy, other considerations such as longevity, and environmental/human-health impact of the additive are key. Copper-glass ceramic is a biocide that stabilizes and releases Cu+1 ions, imparting microbicidal properties to materials and surfaces.  While the technology has been described previously, this paper presents unpublished research on efficacy of microbicidal paints containing silver and QAC's contrasted against those with copper-glass ceramic.  Our research aided by confocal fluorescence microscopy demonstrates that silver-paints are ineffective, leaving behind residual bacteria that can spread infections.  The copper–glass ceramic is advantaged over organic and nanosilver additives owing to its safer toxicology and broad-spectrum efficacy.  Our work showcases a broadly deployable solution for safe and potent microbicidal coatings.

Vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays are world renowned for their excellent optical absorption properties. However, at low angles, they suffer from higher reflection coefficients, due to the aligned structure. We have researched the potential for carbon nanotube loaded paints, to create a more randomized structure with high optical and infrared absorption that will have better grazing angle performance. Other drivers for the development of a paint version include the desire to apply these coatings in large areas, on lower temperature substrates, and at lower cost. This paper describes the structures necessary for highly absorbing black coatings, and reviews the approach and data collected for two products.

Vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays are world renowned for their excellent optical absorption properties. However, at low angles, they suffer from higher reflection coefficients, due to the aligned structure. We have researched the potential for carbon nanotube loaded paints, to create a more randomized structure with high optical and infrared absorption that will have better grazing angle performance. Other drivers for the development of a paint version include the desire to apply these coatings in large areas, on lower temperature substrates, and at lower cost. This paper describes the structures necessary for highly absorbing black coatings, and reviews the approach and data collected for two products.

Gloss reduction is an important property for many coatings applications. Low gloss coatings are generally desirable for aesthetics and hiding surface defects, however their durability is typically reduced relative to their high gloss counterparts. This reduced durability can result in changing appearance over time, in some cases requiring recoating to maintain performance. Micronised precipitated silicas are ubiquitous as matting agents in the coatings industry due to their economical, chemically inert, and tailorable nature. Generally, the silanol surface of these silicas is left untreated or waxes are physisorbed. Silanes offer an opportunity to introduce functionality into these silica additives, with the potential to chemically combine into the resin matrix. This paper will highlight a new class of functionalized silica additives and outline improvements over standard grade untreated or wax-treated silicas. It will also give guidance on appropriate systems and how best to introduce functionalized silicas to avoid incompatibilities. 

A statistical design-of-experiments (DOE) approach is frequently used when optimizing formulations and troubleshooting material performance shortcomings. When performed properly, a DOE methodology allows for the study of highly dimensional design spaces typical of coatings formulations. These approaches, however, still rely on the concept of empirical enumeration to produce and test formulations in order to populate the chosen design space. This physical enumeration—making and testing coatings one by one—is costly in terms of time and resources, even if combinatorial and high-throughput experimentation is used. This work presents a new approach, one that still relies on statistics, but also combines aspects of data workflows, materials informatics, machine learning, and multiple-objective genetic algorithms to enhance the coating formulation process. Computational-theoretical and empirical frameworks for discovering formulation-property relationships will be presented, along with examples of how evolutionary optimization can be used to evolve the practice of DOE in the coatings R&D process. 

Most formulators are aware of some variables within a paint formulation that can easily affect the overall washability of a paint film.  However, with a large list of potential ingredients available to select from for a formula, most evaluations these days for new raw materials involve using the “drop in” method for a quick assessment, which has the potential of not performing as expected.
We have developed an improved binder for good overall washability and great scrub resistance. We are interested in developing an optimized formulation to feature with this binder, while attempting to understand the effect other raw materials have on the overall performance of the paint.  At the same time, we wanted to investigate the correlation (if any) between the various washability methods in use. This presentation will cover the development of a DoE to gain a better perspective of these influences, method correlations, and results.

Circular economy is a growing topic worldwide as industries try to move away from single use plastics. Currently, one of the biggest challenges is the effective recycling of plastics. Limiting factors include multi-layered composites as well as any remaining residue on the surface, both of which impact the purity and cleanliness. Adaptive Surface Technologies, Inc. has developed a novel method to improve the overall quality of packaging by enhancing the water vapor transmission properties and decreasing residual waste. This is achieved by creating a semi-permanent repellent skin layer over the plastic of interest. This research focuses on the design principles used to create such a coating, including the physical properties of the skin layer and the underlying plastic as well as the interfacial interactions. Likewise, these design principles can be applied to other binder systems such as polyolefin dispersions to create the same, which allows application to substrates beyond plastics.

Over 75% of coating formulations require multiple reformulations, accelerated laboratory and outdoor durability testing. Rational Coating Formulation differs from conventional approaches in that it relies on the established material properties of coating ingredients-entropy and enthalpy- and assesses the interactions among ingredients prior to formulation. The approach is similar to material and product reliability, practiced in aeronautic and electronics industries to develop and produce reliable and high-performance products. This paper will discuss and demonstrate methodologies used in Rational Formulation approaches. Intrinsic and extrinsic properties of raw materials in most common coating technologies will be demonstrated and the clear justification of materials choice will be presented. In addition, the effects of materials' attributes on coating performance, durability and overall cost are presented.

A shift to waterborne and more environmentally friendly coating formulations has been an ongoing trend and will continue to accelerate due to an increasing demand for low VOC and emissions free systems.  Recent advances in the development of new amine curing agents for two component waterborne epoxy formulation has led to systems that have high performance as protective coatings.  A new cementitious system based on two-component water-borne epoxy technology can provide durability, strength, and barrier properties for long lasting protection.  When formulated as a high build cementitious self-leveler, this coating offers physical strength up to 3 times more compared to a standard concrete. In this paper, we will discuss novel approaches that allows for flexibility in tailoring the performance properties in terms of cure speed, thermal properties, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength.  The paper will also highlight the benefits of epoxy modified cementitious self-levelers versus other polymer modified cementitious systems.

One of the design principles and goals of Industry 4.0 is to provide technical assistance to humans by comprehensively aggregating and visualizing information, enabling informed decisions and problem solving on short notice. This paper looks at how modeling can address this topic. Two examples will be shared. The first involves paint formulation modeling. The model collects basic information about a paint formula and then predicts final end-use paint properties. The second involves modeling of an architectural paint manufacturing plant. Volumes, rates, plant staffing and other inputs are collected. The output is used to look at both capital and non-capital solutions to improve plant operations.

DuPont BioMaterials has developed a novel family of engineered polysaccharides using enzymatic polymerization which allows for the direct control of polymer morphology to enable unique performance in various coating systems. The presentation will describe this new class of biomaterials and will provide an update on the application development in various coating systems and end uses with the ability to modify the rheological, mechanical and optical properties of these systems. Typical application examples will be described in this presentation especially with relevance to commerical programs. 

Low or zero VOC products have an increasing market share in the paint industry. The demand for lower VOC products has forced paint manufacturers to increase the amount of water and water-based raw materials while decreasing VOC contenting solvent levels. This has a severe impact on microbial susceptibility of the end-products since it provides an optimal environment for microorganisms. The microbial growth leads to the degradation of the paint. Some typical characteristics of a spoiled paint are: loss of viscosity, discoloration, odor and change in physical properties. This shift to more water based formulations makes it critical to incorporate the appropriate biocide system into the formulation to control the microbial growth.

Historically, isothiazolines, bronopol, and formaldehyde releasers have been the biocides of choice for preventing microbial growth in the container. Besides these commonly used active ingredients, Dibromodicyanobutane (DBDCB) has been used successfully in detergents and adhesives, these excellent results could be easily transfered to emulsion systems like paints and coatings. This paper will address the challenges for formulators when selecting the correct biocide system in water based paint as well as the benefits of different types of biocides.

The possibility that bacteria and or other micro-organisms such as fungi, moulds and algae accumulate on surfaces is a threat to the durability of materials as well as to human and animal health. This problem is evident on many materials and in many situations, such as medical devices, ship hulls and any moist environments in house- holds, e.g., showers, bathrooms, and kitchens. Over the years many ways of tackling this problem have been developed and have become well known in the art. Most available antimicrobial coatings are active by a slow release of toxic biocides like silver-ions to its environment. The slow release and accumulation of these biocides is of growing concern. The Regulation of Antimicrobials in paint and coatings are getting stricter and are driving the industry towards the development of more environmentally safe antimicrobials. The environmental impact of the leachable antimicrobials from façade coatings is one of the examples which have attracted increased attention in recent years, while the microbial resistance to these antimicrobials is another major challenge.

In order to achieve long-active antimicrobial solutions Croda develops non-toxic, surface- active antimicrobial resins for paint applications. By using a special polymerization process, an antimicrobial resin is fabricated. This resin develops a cationic/ hydrophobic surface during the curing (hardening) process. A polymer with different charges and polarity ranges on its surface can induce electrostatic attraction to the different parts of bacterial cell mem- branes, making it a hostile environment and thus reducing their proliferation. Like using a mouse trap instead of a poison, the novel technology works like a kind of microbe trap on a nano scale. Apart from being completely safe for man and environment, this physical action has another big advantage: microbes will not become resistant to this kind of control. The antimicrobial technology, its working mechanism and test results will be discussed.

Copper oxide based anti-fouling coatings are increasingly under regulatory scrutiny. Typically, very high loadings of copper oxide biocide are needed to achieve required high performance, sometimes higher than 50 weight-%. The amount of copper oxide can be reduced dramatically by incorporating a novel structure modified, nanostructured synthetic silica, while the coating still offers full anti-fouling performance.

Formulating with structure-modified silica in marine coatings improves the stability of the surface. Thus, the coating is more durable and robust against abrasion that may occur for example during underwater cleaning.

This paper addresses the effect of structure-modified, nanostructured silica in marine anti-fouling coatings. It will elaborate on the synergistic effect between silica and cuprous oxide and give results on the anti-fouling performance from field tests. Special focus will highlight the improved abrasion resistance and mechanical stability of marine coatings supported by applications data.

Antifouling coatings prevent the attachment and growth of marine organisms on surfaces in seawater. Fouling increases surface resistance movement, thereby increasing fuel consumption of the vessels to maintain speed.

After the ban on tin-based antifouling (more than two decades ago), most suppliers start to use copper-based coatings. However, dissolved copper from these coatings systems has increased in certain poorly flushed basins and in crowded marinas exceeding the Clean Water Act standard for copper. Scientific studies have shown high concentrations of dissolved copper in ocean water can affect the growth, development, and reproduction of mussels, oysters, scallops, sea urchins, and crustaceans.

Since 2012, significant R&D resources have been allocated for the development of copper-free antifouling coatings in anticipation of increasing restrictions.

Biomimetx SA a Portuguese biotechnology company developed a mixture of compounds – BMX-11 - produced by a proprietary bacterium, that are biodegradable, cost effective and broad spectrum. We are presenting for the first time this biological biocide, capable of being incorporated in marine paints to replace current toxic biocides, namely copper and that is enviromently friendly.

BMX-11 proved in the laboratory to be active against a wide range of organisms and in raft tests after incorporated in paint showed that is still active against soft and hard fouling (namely algae and tube worms). Raft test took place in several locations, in the presence of different fouling organisms and water temperature.

BMX-11 production is done by bacterial fermentation with very simple downstream processing and it reached industrial scale, showing that can be deliver to industrial customers cost effectively. Toxicological studies showed that BMX-11 is not harmful to mammals. These data allowed BMX-11 to be considered a Biochemical pesticide by US EPA, shortening the registration process that is underway and should be concluded next year.

In today’s globalized architectural coatings market there is free movement of raw materials and technology across international borders. This globalization has provided benefits, however as global supply chains become interconnected and interdependent there is greater potential for disruption from regional regulatory changes. While any raw material can potentially be impacted, the antimicrobials (biocides) used in coatings pose a unique challenge to formulators, as they are often subject to obscure regulatory provisions.

Regulatory trends for preservatives have severely limited the options for in-can protection of paints and coatings. More recently there have been proposed changes in the hazard communication requirements for a commonly used preservative active agent. These changes will cause the presence of many commonly used preservative systems to trigger consumer unfriendly hazard labeling on the associated paint containers. These hazard phrases can alarm consumers, and alter their buying behaviors.

Past approaches to developing preservative blends which avoid triggering hazard phrases have focused on using a combination of active agents selected such that each active is present below its trigger concentration. This approach assumes a future regulatory environment where the active agents will always be considered independently, and the individual preservative concentrations will never be summed together and considered as an aggregate total preservative load. Under this label driven approach, switching preservative systems to avoid hazard phrases can have the odd result that the total amount of preservative active agent present in the coating formulation actually increases. Therefore any subsequent regulatory change in the trigger concentration of any of the actives in the blend, or any movement towards consideration of preservative loading as an aggregate, requires a time consuming re-qualification of a readjusted preservative system.

This paper describes how a novel formulation approach was used to create a more efficient preservative system. This innovative approach makes it possible to lower the total amount of preservative active agent present in the preserved coating formulation, and therefore it provides a protection system that is more robust against future regulatory changes. Supporting data and examples are provided from regions where this new technology has already been commercialized.