BASF to increase prices for neopentylglycol in North America

F O C U S aqueous solutions. The inhibition effect is provided by the insoluble Ce-oxide/ hydroxide film precipitated at cathodic sites by the cerium salts, which hinders the redox reactions. A paper by Serbian researchers describes their work with CeCCs applied to AA6060 aluminium alloy panels prior to the application of a polyester powder topcoat. There is interest in AA6xxx aluminium alloys because the various quantities of magnesium and silicon added to the alloy are important to the strength, formability and weldability of the alloy. These are qualities that make them an attractive alternative to the more expensive AA2xxx and AA7xxx alloys. The chemical composition of AA6060 alloy is recorded in the paper. In this project the panels were to be coated with the CeCC pretreatment by a dipping process involving two cerium compounds, cerium chloride and cerium nitrate to examine their suitability as an alternative to chromate conversion pretreatment. Cleaning prior to treatment involved abrading with two grades of SiC papers, followed by ultrasonic cleaning in acetone and rinsing. Subsequently, the panels were degreased and etched in an alkaline solution. Two sets of panels were pretreated with the two cerium compounds, and one of these sets was given a posttreatment in acidified phosphate solution. It was noted that the two cerium treatments exhibited a marked difference in their surface appearance, prior to and again after post-treatment. The dried panels were then coated with a commercial polyester powder coating and stoved at 190°C for 20 minutes to give coating thicknesses of 60 ± 2μm. Tests on the coated panels included electrochemical impedance and adhesion measurements. In conclusion it was reported that the chloride anion gave better results when the CeCC 2

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was used as the only coating on AA6060. However this treatment in combination with the polyester coating showed lower corrosion resistance in aggressive salt solution than the nitrate based treatment. The adhesion tests for the chloride-based CeCC showed some delamination and blister formation beneath the coating. The nitrate-based CeCC gave much less delamination and fewer blisters. Overall, the chromatebased system gave the best adhesion. Article entitled “The Influence of Ce-based Coatings as Pretreatments on Corrosion Stability of Top Powder Polyester Coating on AA6060” by Lj S Zivkovic et al. Original Source: Progress in Organic Coatings, Oct 2013, 76 (10), 1387-1395 (website: http://www.sciencedirect.com) © Elsevier BV 2013

INDUSTRY NEWS Anti-corrosion coating wins innovation award AnCatt’s anti-corrosion coating platform has received the 2013 TechConnect National Innovation award. This anti-corrosion coating uses a conductive polymer nanodispersion replacing heavy-metal pigments like chromate, lead, and zinc. It is a cost effective and self-healing coating that can provide corrosion protection for all kinds of metal and offers a range of potential coating applications like powder, waterborne, high temperature, and high solids. Original Source: Paint & Coatings Industry (PCI), Jul 2013, 29 (7), 14 (Website: http://www.pcimag.com) © BNP Media 2013

Bayer sells polyester resins businesses Bayer MaterialScience LLC sold it global powder polyester resins business and its liquid polyester resins merchant business in the US to Stepan Co. The company will continue selling its product portfolio, including coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers,

C O AT I N G S and liquid polyester resins around the world, retaining its trade name, Desmophen. Original Source: Paint & Coatings Industry (PCI), Jul 2013, 29 (7), 16 (Website: http://www.pcimag.com) © BNP Media 2013

Arkema Coating Resins announces price increase for acrylic and styrene acrylic resins in North America Effective 20 Sep 2013, or as contracts allow, Arkema Coating Resins will increase the price of acrylic and styrene acrylic latex products sold in North America. The price of ENCOR and SNAP acrylic and styrene-acrylic, and NEOCAR acrylic latexes will increase by 5%/wet pound to 15%/wet pound. The price of Celocor opaque polymer will increase by 5%/wet pound to 10%/wet pound. ENCOR styreneacrylic hard resins will increase by 5%/wet pound to 10%/wet pound. This action is necessary due to escalation in the cost of raw materials and transportation for these products. Original Source: Arkema, 420, rue d’Estienne d’Orves, F-92705 Colombes, France, tel: +33 1 4900 8080, fax: +33 1 4900 8396, website: http://www.arkema.com (6 Sep 2013) © Arkema 2013

BASF to increase prices for neopentylglycol in North America Effective 1 Oct 2013 or as contracts allow, BASF is increasing its list and off-list prices in North America for all grades of neopentylglycol (Neol) by $0.05/lb. Neopentylglycol is mainly used as a building block in polyester resins for coatings, unsaturated polyesters, lubricants and plasticizers. Original Source: BASF, website: http://www.basf.com/ (3 Sep 2013) © BASF 2013

Nubiola increases Yellow Iron Oxide Nubifer Y-7050’s production capacity for coatings & more Nubiola have recently made a significant investment to triple the production capacity of its Yellow NOVEMBER 2013