performance coating rheology in both interior and exterior latex
paints. Based on patented Acid Suppression Technology, Acrysol
RM-845 enables production of an associative thickener free of
solvents or alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEO), has high Stormer
(KU) efficiency, very low odor and a very low VOC profile.
“Acid Suppression Technology will be incorporated into many
thickener structures, giving coatings developers the capability to
create formulations that comply with VOC and other regulatory
requirements, while maintaining cost and product performance,”
said Justiniano. “Current rheology modifiers from Dow using this
technology include Acrysol RM-895 and RM-845.”
Troy has introduced Troysol ZLAC, a substrate wetting and
flow additive that contributes zero VOCs, zero hazardous air pol-
lutants (HAPs), and zero alkyl-phenol ethoxylates (APE) to aque-
ous systems. The product is the latest addition to Troy’s Z-line of
‘green’ performance additives engineered to help manufacturers
achieve regulatory compliance and still maintain optimum per-
formance. Troysol ZLAC provides the same benefits and attrib-
utes long associated with Troysol LAC wetting additive, but
without the VOCs.
“Troy has answered the needs of paint and coatings manufacturers with Troysol ZLAC, and looks forward to enabling inks,
adhesives and building materials manufacturers to achieve similar
success with the unique multifunctional additive,” said Sheridan.
Troy has also recently introduced Troysol Z370 universal
wetting and mar and slip additive, which is a zero-VOC, APE-free multifunctional product.
Shamrock Technologies’ latest product offerings include MicroFLON, NanoFLON and Fluoro-T fluoropolymer additives.
Part of Shamrock’s premium line of PTFE products, they are
specifically designed for applications where anti-wear and friction modification are essential, according to the company. The
MicroFLON prime PTFE grade offers customers a broader range
of applications including food contact, and the tight process and
particle size control deliver superior dispersion and distribution
benefits. NanoFLON prime PTFE grade offers particle sizes as
small as 200 nanometers, which provides a break-through in slip,
abrasion-resistance and release, according to the company. The
Fluoro-T product line offers outstanding coefficient of friction
and wear resistance in both nylon and acetal (POM) applications.
Shamrock will be unveiling several new products and technologies in 2011. “These include products to improve slip and
abrasion in water-based can coatings, matting agents that offer
excellent burnish resistance, additives for solvent-based wire coatings, as well new FDA compliant fluoropolymers,” said Levitt.
Future Trends
The additives industry must not just develop new products but
must work with both customers and other raw material suppliers to build the optimum products that meet expanding regional
and global regulations, according to Seeber. “This will provide
the most value to customers,” he said.
“As more markets are starting to vie for the same raw mate-
rials traditionally used for years in the paint and coatings indus-
try, it will become imperative that we look for a broader base of
raw materials to improve upon existing and new products,” said
Levitt. “The additives industry needs to constantly strive to im-
prove upon existing products and technologies in line with cus-
tomer needs.”
One trend is the shift to multifunctional additives, which per-
form the jobs of several additives, in one. “VOC limits are the
predominant force causing this shift. Aqueous systems require
more additives than solvent systems in order to achieve good
product performance,” said Sheridan. “However, some of these
additional additives can add VOCs to a system when formulators
are struggling to comply with VOC limits. Multifunctional ad-
ditives answer this challenge, because they reduce the number of
additives required to help the aqueous system perform well and
still remain compliant. In essence, less is more.”
The global coatings industry needs to embrace the sustain-
ability movement, according to Jusiniano. “This is a fantastic op-
portunity for us to apply our scientific knowledge to help create
innovative solutions that are cost effective, high-performance and
sustainable,” he said. “All three of those conditions need to be
met for us to succeed.
www.coatingsworld.com
Coatings World | 37
