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DuPont to improve profitability
F O C US space and thus reduces water uptake and increases Tg. Since the DMTA data are similar at all curing temperatures, it is concluded that there are no marked differences in polymer structure of the two types of powder samples cured at different temperatures. The degree of cross-linking for these types of hybrid and polyester clear powder coatings, cured at different curing temperatures, are probably similar. Article entitled “Cure Characteristics of Epoxy and Polyester Clear Powder Coatings using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA).” By R Mafi, S M Mirabedini, M M Attar and S Moradian of the Polymer Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran, published in Progress in Organic Coatings, 1 Nov 2005, 54 (3), 164-169
Surface treated aluminium pigments for powder coatings While the ultimate goal of incorporating metallic pigments into powder coatings, is acceptable top coat appearance, the challenge to aluminium flake producers lies in developing a metallic powder coating system that has excellent flake orientation and is safe to use. Dry aluminium flake has the potential for explosion if suspended in air with an ignition source available. Flake orientation governs appearance and, with no solvent present and an application method not really conducive to good orientation, most early powder coating systems had poor appearance. To improve this property, many aluminium pigment manufacturers began work on the development of surface treatment technologies as a potential solution. The theory behind surface treatments was to modify the flake surface in such a way as to make it react in a similar manner to the powder resin – or make it more polymer friendly. Two technologies emerged from this research programme; one organic and one inorganic. 4
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There are a number of organic technologies available in the market. Those manufactured by Silberline are the result of a polymerization reaction of acrylic and other monomers onto the flake surface. This process results in a product with some very unique qualities, especially excellent flake orientation in powder coating systems. The protective layer of polymer around the flake also provides improved acid, alkali and chemical resistance, together with improved adhesion and electrical resistance. The second surface treatment is based on inorganic silica chemistry, similar to the chemistry designed for water based coatings. This product also demonstrates significant improvements in appearance and chemical resistance. However, unlike the organic treated grades, this technology also possesses the unique property of degradation stability. The silica chemistry adds a degree of protection to the malleable flake, thus increasing its resistance to shear forces. Abstract of article entitled “Surface-Treated Aluminium Pigments for Environmental Compliance” by Russell Ferguson of Silberline Manufacturing Co, Tamaqua, PA, USA, published in Paint & Coatings Industry, Oct 2005, 21 (10), 86-88,90-91
INDUSTRY NEWS DuPont to improve profitability Following a big drop in its share prices on the New York stock exchange, DuPont has announced a series of measures to improve profitability. According to the group, the 2 hurricanes cost DuPont $100 M in turnover and $50 M in profit in 3Q 2005. Sales in 3Q 2005 rose 5% to $6.2 bn, for $82 M net loss. A two stage share release plan should raise $3 bn now and a further $2 bn later. The group
C O AT I N G S aims to reduce costs by $1 bn in 2006-2008, with economies in support functions and supply chains, but with no job losses, only natural wastage, fewer temporary jobs, and redeployment. A greater use of custom production should save a further $30-40 M. A $1.1 bn, 13 year contract just signed with the human resources services company Convergys should improve productivity by 20%/y in 2006-2010, and then by 30%/y. This should affect 60,000 employees and 102,000 pensioners, in 70 countries. DuPont aims for a return on capital of 12% and hopes to reach this by the end of 2006. There could be sales of activities. The launch of new products is to be speeded up, according to DuPont’s vice president and scientific director. Likely fields are biomaterials (for fuels, adhesives, cleaning chemicals and personal care products), polymers and coatings. The aim is a 30% increase in research productivity by 2010. New products contributed $630 M to sales in 2004. The number of alliances and partnerships are to be increased by 33%. The group’s pipeline is heavy with projects using renewable raw materials, instead of natural gas. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 21 Nov 2005, (318), 4 (in French)
Consolidation continues in resin market Coating resin producers have continued to consolidate in 2005 and this trend will probably continue. The moves are being driven mainly by high raw material costs and slow growth. Despite companies being firm with regard to price rise measures, margins continue to be squeezed by raw material costs. Recent announcements of increased resin prices have come from Rohm & Haas and Reichhold. Numerous resin DECEMBER 2005
Surface treated aluminium pigments for powder coatings While the ultimate goal of incorporating metallic pigments into powder coatings, is acceptable top coat appearance, the challenge to aluminium flake producers lies in developing a metallic powder coating system that has excellent flake orientation and is safe to use. Dry aluminium flake has the potential for explosion if suspended in air with an ignition source available. Flake orientation governs appearance and, with no solvent present and an application method not really conducive to good orientation, most early powder coating systems had poor appearance. To improve this property, many aluminium pigment manufacturers began work on the development of surface treatment technologies as a potential solution. The theory behind surface treatments was to modify the flake surface in such a way as to make it react in a similar manner to the powder resin – or make it more polymer friendly. Two technologies emerged from this research programme; one organic and one inorganic. 4
O N
POWDER
There are a number of organic technologies available in the market. Those manufactured by Silberline are the result of a polymerization reaction of acrylic and other monomers onto the flake surface. This process results in a product with some very unique qualities, especially excellent flake orientation in powder coating systems. The protective layer of polymer around the flake also provides improved acid, alkali and chemical resistance, together with improved adhesion and electrical resistance. The second surface treatment is based on inorganic silica chemistry, similar to the chemistry designed for water based coatings. This product also demonstrates significant improvements in appearance and chemical resistance. However, unlike the organic treated grades, this technology also possesses the unique property of degradation stability. The silica chemistry adds a degree of protection to the malleable flake, thus increasing its resistance to shear forces. Abstract of article entitled “Surface-Treated Aluminium Pigments for Environmental Compliance” by Russell Ferguson of Silberline Manufacturing Co, Tamaqua, PA, USA, published in Paint & Coatings Industry, Oct 2005, 21 (10), 86-88,90-91
INDUSTRY NEWS DuPont to improve profitability Following a big drop in its share prices on the New York stock exchange, DuPont has announced a series of measures to improve profitability. According to the group, the 2 hurricanes cost DuPont $100 M in turnover and $50 M in profit in 3Q 2005. Sales in 3Q 2005 rose 5% to $6.2 bn, for $82 M net loss. A two stage share release plan should raise $3 bn now and a further $2 bn later. The group
C O AT I N G S aims to reduce costs by $1 bn in 2006-2008, with economies in support functions and supply chains, but with no job losses, only natural wastage, fewer temporary jobs, and redeployment. A greater use of custom production should save a further $30-40 M. A $1.1 bn, 13 year contract just signed with the human resources services company Convergys should improve productivity by 20%/y in 2006-2010, and then by 30%/y. This should affect 60,000 employees and 102,000 pensioners, in 70 countries. DuPont aims for a return on capital of 12% and hopes to reach this by the end of 2006. There could be sales of activities. The launch of new products is to be speeded up, according to DuPont’s vice president and scientific director. Likely fields are biomaterials (for fuels, adhesives, cleaning chemicals and personal care products), polymers and coatings. The aim is a 30% increase in research productivity by 2010. New products contributed $630 M to sales in 2004. The number of alliances and partnerships are to be increased by 33%. The group’s pipeline is heavy with projects using renewable raw materials, instead of natural gas. Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 21 Nov 2005, (318), 4 (in French)
Consolidation continues in resin market Coating resin producers have continued to consolidate in 2005 and this trend will probably continue. The moves are being driven mainly by high raw material costs and slow growth. Despite companies being firm with regard to price rise measures, margins continue to be squeezed by raw material costs. Recent announcements of increased resin prices have come from Rohm & Haas and Reichhold. Numerous resin DECEMBER 2005