safety issues. For example, as a direct result of the new VOC
regulations in Europe since January 2007, a marked shift to
radiation curable, powder and waterborne coatings can be
noticed in all regions. The market demand for new generation
wood coatings will also be boosted by the greater ease of use,
more functionality and easier cleanup.
Additional topics covered at this bilingual event included
novel driers, additives and biocides, in-situ application of
hybrid thin films, problems and their elimination in waterborne systems, the concept of microcapsules, the role of pigments to prolong durability and new generation formulations.
EXHIBITIORS DISPLAY NEW TECHNOLOGY
With further growth in the coatings industry uncertain due to
the global economic climate there is an increasing emphasis on
quality and environmental solutions to help keep sales buoyant. Raw materials suppliers are offering new solutions and
these were prominently on display at CHINACOAT 2008.
Waterborne technologies have taken big steps in recent
months in China and it is anticipated to take even greater
strides in months ahead, according to Cytec’s John Strickland,
business director. “The performance and ease of application of
waterborne products are established and will be greatly welcomed in China and across all Asian countries over the next
five years,” he said. “In order to bring the benefits of local supply to our customers, Cytec’s radcure UV/EB curable resins
product line had established their oligomer facility in Fengxian.
This facility had commenced operation in 2008 in line with our
long-term strategic growth plans in Asia.”
During CHINACOAT, Cytec’s Surface Specialties business
unit presented their latest developments in liquid coating
resins and additives, radcure UV/EB curable resins and additives, and powder coating resins and additives. The newest liquid coating resins and additives included waterborne and high
solid resins for protective coatings under the Beckopox,
Resydrol, Macrynal and Additol brand names. New radcure
UV/EB curable resins and additives were launched under the
Ebercryl and Ucecoat portfolios. For powder coating resins the
latest Crylcoat new generation resins were also introduced.
The two most important trends for the Chinese coating
industry—as they are in other regions of the world—are environmental friendliness and performance of paints, according to
Kevin Wu, commercial director for Celanese Emulsion
Polymers, Asia. “The Chinese coatings industry has recently
faced tighter VOC regulations. In addition, consumers are
becoming more ecologically aware,” he said.
Celanese Emulsion Polymers was on hand at CHINACOAT
2008 to launch its EcoVAE emulsions for low odor, low VOC
interior decorative paints to the Asian region. Emulsions
designed for the interior decorative paint segment include
EcoVAE 1603, a universal binder for matt to satin paints;
EcoVAE 1608 to formulate freeze/thaw stable coatings; and
EcoVAE 1630 for semi-gloss coatings. All EcoVAE emulsions
are synthesized to be APEO-free and offer specific advances for
interior paints in wet scrub resistance.
“With increased environmental awareness by Chinese
consumers, paint manufacturers are looking for ways to
remove solvents that cause odor and VOCs from formulations and making their products ‘greener,’” he said. “EcoVAE
and Celanese can help paint manufacturers meet strict new
VOC regulations and capitalize on this important consumer
marketing trend.” CW
6th CHINACOAT Conference
The 6th CHINACOAT Conference, “Wood Coatings: Formulating for a Sustainable Future,” was well attended with 125 delegates
on hand. During a ceremony held by DSM and Sinostar to award the best paper presented in waterborne coatings throughout
the conference, conference chair Dip Dasgupta selected University of Leeds Professor Long Lin and Jianqing Hu of South China
University of Technology. Shown in the center picture from left to right are Robert Peels, strategy and communications directory, DSM NeoResins, Lin, Hu and Fred Buckmann, program manager of UV diversifiation, DSM NeoResins. Pictured at right during the 2008 CCJ Best Paper Award Ceremony, Sinostar selected the best paper published in CCJ in 2008. Raymond Ho, director of Sinostar International presented the award to Teng Su for his paper, “Novel Waterborne Polyurethaneurea Containing
Fluorinated Siloxane Units in Hard or Soft Segments.”
