Formulating with
Bioengineered Additives
Enhancing the
Performance and
Functionality of
Paints and Coatings
In the second of a three-part series discussing the
potential for bio-functional coatings to serve as
catalysts for revitalizing the coatings industry, the
characteristics, mode of action and formulation
issues associated with several novel bioengineered
additives are reviewed.
By Steve McDaniel
CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER, REACTIVE SURFACES
Melinda Wales
CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER, REACTIVE SURFACES
James Rawlins
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF POLYMER SCIENCE,
SCHOOL OF POLYMERS AND HIGH PERFORMANCE MATERIALS,
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Eric Williams
BIOMATERIAL PROJECT SPECIALIST/RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, SCHOOL OF
POLYMERS AND HIGH PERFORMANCE MATERIALS,
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
To maintain innovation, create value and stem the tide of increasing commoditization where only price differential distinguishes competitive product offerings in the paint and coatings industry, formulators must
find innovative methods to add measurable value to their
products (see, “Functional Additives: A Platform for
Revitalizing the Paint and Coatings Industry,” Coatings
World, February 2010). Any new technology that may
reverse commoditization must be easily implemented by
manufacturers and customers in order for its impact to be
swift and significant. Incorporation of novel functional
additives enables the development of paints and coatings
that possess unique performance characteristics in addi-
tion to their ability to protect and beautify. Not only will
functional coatings find widespread use in traditional
applications, but demand from yet unexplored end-use
markets will create additional growth opportunities.
The term “functional coating” encompasses numerous
formulation types that serve a specific purpose not expected from traditional materials. In some cases, the resin itself
imparts the added functionality. In most instances though,
specialty additives with the capability to initiate targeted
environmental, chemical or biological processes provide the
desired activity. Regardless of the means of functionaliza-tion, coatings that destroy microbes, sense and report internal damage, self-repair, self-clean, catalyze chemical reac-
