Car Refinish Paint Mixer

Collomix has introduced ROTOGEN 2, a mixer designed for small‑batch automotive refinish coatings intended for use in auto body and collision repair shops. The unit uses a radial mixing process that eliminates air bubbles, which, according to the company, is especially useful for waterborne systems. Its four adjustable speed settings allow operators to match the mixing rate to the material, helping to reduce rework.

For more information, visit collomix.com.

Wetting and Dispersing Agent

Borchers, a Milliken brand, has launched Borchi® Gen 0311, a high-molecular-weight��wetting��and��dispersing agent. The APEO-free, tin-free dispersant is engineered to enable efficient co-grinding of both��organic��and��inorganic pigments��in 2K solventborne polyurethane��industrial coatings. According to the company, Borchi Gen 0311 supports precise, consistent dosing in both lab and production environments, and is effective with multiple pigment types, including difficult organic and inorganic pigments and carbon black.

To learn more, visit borchers.com.

Headlamp Magnifier

Paul N. Gardner Company has introduced the new Headlamp Magnifier Pro. The hands-free magnifier features a detachable LED light with two brightness levels and four interchangeable, detachable optical glass magnification lenses (1.5x, 2.0x, 2.5x, and 3.5x). According to the company, the Headlamp Magnifier Pro is engineered for performance in any environment and adapts to a wide range of applications, from inspection and repair to painting, soldering, and fine craftwork.

For more information, visit gardco.com.

xServices to Boost Powder Coatings Sustainability

AkzoNobel Powder Coatings��has introduced Eco+ Services,��a suite of technical, digital, and data-driven services designed to help manufacturers measure and boost the sustainability of their powder coating operations. According to the company, Eco+ Services��combines digital tools, technical expertise, and verified environmental data to give customers a clearer understanding of their coating processes and environmental footprint. The Eco+ Services suite spans three areas: application optimization, energy savings, and access to verified environmental data.

To learn more, visit akzonobel.com.

Headlamp Magnifier

Paul N. Gardner Company has introduced the new Headlamp Magnifier Pro. The hands-free magnifier features a detachable LED light with two brightness levels and four interchangeable, detachable optical glass magnification lenses (1.5x, 2.0x, 2.5x, and 3.5x). According to the company, the Headlamp Magnifier Pro is engineered for performance in any environment and adapts to a wide range of applications, from inspection and repair to painting, soldering, and fine craftwork.

For more information, visit gardco.com.

Polymer Additive

Nouryon has introduced Alcosperse® OTA 100, a polymer additive intended for use in water‑based architectural coatings. The additive is designed to offer easier application and to meet the growing demand for low‑odor, lower‑VOC paint formulations. According to the company, it can help reduce or replace glycol, which many manufacturers aim to limit. Customer trials indicate that Alcosperse OTA 100 performs across a variety of water‑based paints and has minimal impact on durability, scrub resistance, stain resistance, and water resistance.

To learn more, visit nouryon.com.

��Recycled Functional Additive

Omya has expanded its portfolio of pre-consumer recycled products with the introduction of Omyaloop FC. The certified 100% recycled functional additive is intended for polymer and construction applications. According to the company, Omyaloop FC offers a sustainable, mineral solution with grades that have been validated by UL as containing 100% pre-consumer recycled content (mass averaging).

For more information, visit omya.com.

Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited��has appointed Mohsin Habib Chowdhury as CEO and managing director, effective Aug. 1. Since April 2023, he has served as COO and a director. Chowdhury joined the company in 1995 and has served in key leadership positions, including chief sales and marketing officer, senior general manager–sales and marketing, and general manager–sales and marketing.

���ʱʳ�’s Board of Directors has elected Jamie A. Beggs to serve as senior vice president and CFO, effective July 6. Beggs succeeds Vincent J. Morales, who will retire from PPG after 41 years with the company. Beggs will report to PPG chairman and CEO Tim Knavish, and will join �ʱʳ�’s executive and operating committees. She will also have executive leadership responsibilities for corporate development and information technology. Beggs joins PPG with more than 25 years of experience in financial leadership positions in public and private organizations, most recently as CFO of Avient Corporation since 2020.

Covestro has announced that Klaus Fröhlich will become CFO and a member of Covestro AG’s board of management, effective Oct. 1. He succeeds Christian Baier, who will leave the company on Sept. 30.

Fröhlich currently serves as group chief investment officer at energy and chemical company ADNOC, and has more than 25 years’ experience in finance and investment banking.

Valtris��Specialty Chemicals has appointed Clint Shephard as chief human resources officer. Shephard will play a key role in leading the company’s global talent strategy and will be based in the company’s new office in Midland, Mich. His previous experience includes serving as senior director of human resources at Myers Industries Inc. and as a global HR leader at The Dow Chemical Company.

IMCD Group announced the appointment of��Behnosh Yaghobi as managing director, Middle East.

Yaghobi joined the company in 2020, starting as a regional finance manager Middle East and has taken on broader responsibilities, most recently as Finance & Operations director, Middle East and Egypt.

Prior to joining IMCD, Yaghobi held senior finance and leadership roles, including Vitol Group’s upstream business in Dubai, Air Sweden Aviation and Deloitte in Stockholm. She holds an MSc in Business and Economics from the University of Stockholm.

Palmer Holland, Inc., announced that Tim Skufca has been appointed CEO. Vincent S. Misiti, who has served as CEO since 2023, will transition to executive chairman of the Board, focusing on Board leadership, governance, and long-term strategic stewardship. Current executive chairman Bryn Irvine will move to a permanent position as senior director on the Palmer Holland Board.

Skufca joined Palmer Holland in 2025 as chief strategy officer and has been leading the company’s strategic planning, and mergers and acquisitions initiatives. Before Palmer Holland, he was vice president and general manager of the U.S. Wholesale business at Moen, Inc. Prior to his tenure at Moen, Skufca spent a decade with The Sherwin-Williams Company, where he held a series of leadership roles in sales and commercial strategy.

BASF Coatings��has announced that��Jens Lühring��will be appointed CEO once the transaction between BASF and the Carlyle Group has been completed and a stand-alone coatings company established. He succeeds��Uta Holzenkamp,��who has led BASF Coatings since 2022, and will continue in that role until the closing expected to take place in the second quarter of 2026.

Dow has announced that current chair and CEO Jim Fitterling will become executive chair of the Board, effective July 1. He will continue to serve as chair of the Board and focus on long-term strategy, governance, and key external relationships, while supporting continuity in leadership and execution.

Karen S. Carter will become CEO, effective July 1. Carter, who has been with the company more than 30 years, previously served as COO, overseeing business and operational performance company-wide, with responsibility for Dow’s operating segments and key functional organizations, while strengthening customer engagement and accelerating innovation. Carter will also join Dow’s Board of Directors.

Evonik has announced that Christian Kullmann will remain CEO of the company until 2030. The company also appointed Michael Rauch as CFO.

Kullmann has been with Evonik since 2003 and was appointed chief strategy officer in 2014. He has headed the Management Board since May 2017.

Rauch has 16 years’ experience in the chemical industry, beginning at Henkel where he held various strategy and finance positions in Germany, Sweden, and China. He also has extensive experience serving the capital markets. Most recently, Rauch, who holds an MBA, ��served as interim CEO of Swiss vending machine operator Selecta AG.

Keyland Polymer Material Sciences has announced a series of leadership transitions.

Andrew Walton, formerly vice president, has been promoted to president. In this role, Walton will assume responsibility for the company’s operations, strategy, and performance across business units. Walton will lead day-to-day operations and long-term growth initiatives, and continue to strengthen Keyland’s innovation efforts and customer relationships.

Michael Knoblauch transitioned from president of Keyland Polymer Material Sciences to an executive leadership position as secretary and treasurer. Knoblauch will also continue to support the company as a strategic advisor.

Kevin Otto has been promoted from operations manager to general manager of Keyland Polymer UV Powder. In this new role, Otto will be responsible for the overall performance and strategic direction of the UV Powder business, including operations, production, technical development, staff development, and commercial support.

Jimmy Cooperider has joined the Keyland Polymer UV Powder team as a technical sales representative, focusing on North America. With more than 13 years’ coatings industry experience, he will work to attract new customers while continuing to support and strengthen relationships with existing partners.

IMCD Group (IMCD) has announced the appointment of Reanne Rust as managing director for Canada.

Since joining IMCD in August 2024, Rust has worked closely with CEO Marcus Jordan and senior leadership on a number of strategic projects. Most recently, she played a key leadership role in launching a supplier expansion in Europe.

Prior to joining IMCD, Rust spent five years at McKinsey as a strategy consultant. She holds a master’s degree in chemical and biomedical engineering from Eindhoven University of Technology and an MBA from INSEAD.

Wacker has announced that Maximilian Peter has assumed responsibility for the company’s Polymers division. Peter Summo, who headed the Polymers division for 10 years, will now lead Sales & Distribution.

Peter, who holds a doctorate in chemical engineering, has been with WACKER since 2012. After working in process development, he headed Corporate Development and was most recently responsible for Human Resources.

Glass Coatings

NxLite™ announced that its air-stable low-emissivity (low-E) coatings are now available on thin float glass from 0.5 mm and up to 1.3 mm in addition to standard float glass thicknesses. This coated thin glass can be used by window manufacturers in advanced insulated glass unit configurations for better efficiency in a double-pane profile.

According to the company, a coated thin center pane that fits within the space and weight limitations of existing double-pane frame systems, eliminating the need for redesign. The coatings are air-stable in open-air environments, providing manufacturers with greater handling flexibility and extended life on the production floor.

To learn more, visit .

Cabinet Coating System

Axalta Coating Systems announced the launch of Zencore™, a cabinet coating system designed for manufacturers with fast moving production and large inventories in North America.

According to the company, Zencore combines primer and enamel functionality into one optimized system, reducing coating steps from three to two without compromising finish quality or durability. Key benefits include improved efficiency due to fewer products and steps; higher yield and less waste due to its simplified application; easy defect correction; and a durable finish.

For more information, visit .

Acrylic Interior Paint

The Sherwin-Williams Company announced the launch of Emerald® Symmetry™ Interior Acrylic. The zero-VOC formula, enhanced with plant-based technology, is formulated to contain no volatile organic compounds and meets certification and testing standards including GREENGUARD® Gold, USDA Certified Biobased Product, and LEED® v5 qualification.

According to the company, the paint effectively conceals previous colors and minor imperfections while reducing the need for multiple coats, helping save time without compromising results. The paint is formulated to ensure a seamless application and lasting finish, designed to perform in even the most high-traffic spaces.

For more information, visit .

Charcoal Powder

Sun Chemical announced the launch of its new ACI-5000 SunPURO® Natural V. Charcoal Powder, a 100% natural-origin charcoal powder derived from upcycled paper and pulp by‑products.

According to the company, the powder is designed for natural personal care and skincare formulations and offers natural opacifying properties for cosmetics, cleansers, masks, and rinse-off formulations; is 100% natural origin content; has detoxifying and oil‑control benefits, ideal for skin balancing and cleansing products; and provides formulators with an alternative to conventional opacifying materials without compromising on performance or aesthetics.

To learn more, visit

Dispersing Agent for UV Coatings

BASF’s Performance and Formulation Additives announced the launch of Efka^®��PX 4720, a high‑performance dispersing agent designed for ultra‑matte, solvent‑free UV coating formulations. Developed using controlled, free-radical polymerization (CFRP) technology ��that enables precisely defined acrylic block copolymers, Efka PX-4720 is designed to deliver strong viscosity reduction, high matting efficiency, and formulation stability, even at very high silica matting agent concentrations. Typical applications include industrial coatings, furniture and flooring finishes, as well as 3C coatings.

For more information, visit .

Bio-Based Food Packaging

Michelman has introduced two new bio-based, plastic-free coatings, designed to deliver high barrier performance while supporting recyclability and compostability for fiber-based retail food packaging applications.

Nuvita® Life 4002 is a heat seal coating that imparts oil and grease resistance (OGR) and mineral oil barrier. It provides strong seals over a wide sealing window and is overcoatable. Nuvita® Life 4605 is a topcoat that imparts OGR, water resistance, and moisture barrier performance, providing protection for a range of retail food packaging applications.

According to the company, both coatings are microplastic-free, SUPD compliant, and 100% bio-based in dry film. They are designed to enable dual end-of-life outcomes, supporting compatibility with existing recycling streams and options for compostability.

To learn more, visit .

Understanding the forces shaping the paints and coatings industry requires looking beyond short-term market fluctuations to the larger societal and technological trends that influence innovation and demand. While economic cycles, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical shifts affect the industry in the near term, long-term megatrends continue to guide the direction of coatings technology, investment priorities, and strategic decision making.

In a two-part series published in CoatingsTech in 2025, ChemQuest explored the megatrends influencing the coatings industry in North America and globally.1 Those trends remain highly relevant today. However, the economic and market environment in which coatings companies operate has become more complex. Slower growth across several chemical value chains, increasing global competition, and margin pressure are forcing companies to carefully balance cost discipline with continued investment in innovation.

Despite these challenges, the longterm megatrends shaping the coatings industry, including environmental sustainability, health awareness, mobility transformation, digitalization, and demographic change, continue to drive technological progress and market opportunities worldwide.

Environmental Sustainability and the Circular Economy

Environmental sustainability remains the most powerful driver of innovation in the paints and coatings industry. Governments, corporations, and consumers are increasingly demanding products that reduce environmental impact while maintaining or improving performance. A key concept shaping sustainability initiatives is the circular economy, which emphasizes designing products and materials to minimize waste, extend product lifecycles, and enable recycling or reuse of materials at the end of life.

Bio-Based Raw Materials

One of the most visible sustainability trends in coatings is the increasing use of renewable raw materials. Biobased materials can reduce reliance on fossil resources while lowering the carbon footprint associated with coatings production.

Bio-based coatings can be derived from a wide range of renewable resources, including soybean oil, corn, sugarcane, and algae. Soybean oil has long been used in alkyd resins and remains one of the most widely used renewable feedstocks in coatings formulations.

Advances in bio-based acrylic chemistry and polyurethane precursors are expanding the range of coatings applications that can incorporate renewable materials while maintaining high-performance properties.

Advanced Recycling Technologies

Another emerging area of sustainability innovation is molecular recycling, sometimes referred to as chemical recycling. Unlike mechanical recycling, which can degrade polymer properties over time, molecular recycling breaks down complex materials into their fundamental building blocks, allowing them to be reused as high-quality raw materials.

For coatings manufacturers, these technologies are particularly valuable because they enable recycled materials to meet the stringent purity and performance requirements necessary for specialty applications.

Low-Carbon Coatings Technologies

Coatings manufacturers are investing heavily in technologies that reduce emissions during both manufacturing and application. Powder coatings, waterborne formulations, and high-solids systems continue to gain traction as companies seek to minimize volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and reduce energy consumption.

Recent product launches illustrate the continued innovation in this area. PPG introduced its ENVIROCRON® Extreme Protection Edge Plus powder coating system, designed to provide enhanced corrosion protection and improved edge coverage for metal substrates while supporting lower-VOC finishing processes.

As regulatory pressure and corporate sustainability commitments intensify worldwide, demand for lower-carbon coatings technologies is expected to accelerate.

Health Awareness and Safer Chemistry

Growing awareness of the potential health and environmental impacts of chemicals is another megatrend shaping coatings innovation. Increased regulatory scrutiny, improved scientific understanding of chemical exposure, and greater consumer transparency are driving demand for safer materials and formulations.

One of the most widely discussed examples of this trend is the growing concern surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These materials have historically been used in coatings formulations to provide properties such as stain resistance, water repellency, and durability. However, their environmental persistence and potential health impacts have led to increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Several major chemical companies have announced plans to eliminate PFAS-containing materials from their product portfolios. Companies including 3M, Clariant, and Micro Powders committed to phasing out PFAS from their products by the end of 2025, signaling a broader industry shift toward safer alternatives.

Increasing health and environmental issues are accelerating the development of new additives and formulation strategies designed to deliver similar performance characteristics without the environmental concerns associated with PFAS.

Antimicrobial Coatings

Health awareness has also contributed to growing interest in antimicrobial coatings. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the development and adoption of coatings designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms on treated surfaces.

While antimicrobial coatings were initially focused on healthcare environments, their use is expanding into public infrastructure, transportation systems, and consumer products. For example, PPG has introduced antimicrobial powder coatings designed for use in mass-transit vehicles and infrastructure to reduce microbial growth on high-touch surfaces. These coatings are designed to help improve hygiene in environments where large numbers of people interact with shared surfaces.

Industry forecasts suggest that antimicrobial coatings could experience strong growth over the coming years, as demand for hygienic surfaces increases.

Continue reading in the May-June issue of CoatingsTech

Introduction

Polycaprolactone polyols have emerged as a pivotal component in the arsenal of coating formulators, offering a multitude of enhancements to coating systems. These benefits range from improved abrasion and scratch resistance to notable scratch recovery capabilities.¹��Three-functional polycaprolactone polyols, or triols, can provide an optimal balance between hardness and flexibility, thereby positioning them as a material of choice for achieving desired performance characteristics in coatings.

In light of escalating environmental and regulatory concerns, it is imperative to maintain vigilance regarding the raw materials employed in polymers. The health and safety impacts of these materials are of paramount importance. Trimethylolpropane (TMP), a material traditionally utilized in a broad spectrum of industrial applications that includes the manufacture of polyols, has come under scrutiny due to potential reprotoxic effects.²

The scientific community has developed alternative triols to replace the use of TMP, characterized by their low viscosity and absence of hazardous labeling requirements. They not only offer a safer handling experience but also demonstrate film-forming capabilities comparable to traditional TMP-containing triols, along with improved processing attributes. The low viscosity nature of these alternatives contributes to a reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within coating systems, which will aid in supporting the industry’s environmental goals. This versatility is invaluable across a variety of applications, including two-component (2K) automotive coatings, flooring, aerospace, industrial, and furniture coatings. These materials will play a crucial role in the development of coatings that are not only effective but also safe for both applicators and the environment.

This work focuses on the development and use of TMP-free polycaprolactone triols and demonstrates their benefits within solventborne 2K polyurethane coatings applications to achieve label-free products with improved handling characteristics.

Experimental

In this study, a commercially available acrylic resin was selected as the main resin in the solventborne 2K polyurethane formulation. Newly developed label-free polycaprolactone triol grades that include a 300 molecular weight polycaprolactone triol, referred to as LFPCL-1, and a 500 molecular weight polycaprolactone triol, referred to as LFPCL-2, were screened for use in a 2K polyurethane clearcoat system. A selection of other polyols were chosen as benchmarks to evaluate against novel TMP-free polycaprolactone triols. These included current TMP-containing polycaprolactone triols at both 300 molecular weight (TMPPCL-1) and 500 molecular weight (TMPPCL-2), a commercially available 300 molecular weight TMP-containing polycaprolactone triol (CTMPPCL-1), a commercially available 400 molecular weight polyether diol (400MW PE), and a commercially available 500 molecular weight polyester adipate diol (500MW PS). The physical properties of these materials are shown in��Table 1.

Formulation

Two solventborne 2K polyurethane coating formulations were prepared per polyol evaluated. These were based on a 90:10 ratio of the acrylic resin to the polyol (Mod 1), and an 80:20 ratio of the acrylic resin to the polyol (Mod 2). A formulation without any additional polyol was prepared and used as the control formulation (control). The solventborne 2K polyurethane formulations are shown in��Table 2.

The formulations were modified according to the amount of acrylic resin, polyol, and isocyanate present to maintain a ratio of NCO:OH in the formulation at 1.05:1. The amount of solvent added to the formulation was adjusted to ensure all formulations had a mixed solids content of 70% by weight.

Application and Testing Procedures

Testing was conducted on the wet coatings and on drawndown panels. The panels were applied using a Baker bar and an automatic film applicator (both from TQC Sheen) with a wet film thickness of 150 microns, giving a nominal dry film thickness of 70 to 80 microns. The panels were left to cure at ambient conditions of 23 °C and 50% relative humidity (RH) for 7 days and conditioned accordingly, prior to testing.

Viscosity was measured using a TA Instruments Discovery HR-10 Rheometer with a standard aluminum Peltier plate at 25 °C and up to 85 °C.

Pot life determination was conducted using a TA Instruments Discovery HR-10 Rheometer with a standard aluminum Peltier plate at 25 °C, indicating pot life to be when viscosity doubled the initial viscosity.

Dry time testing was conducted by drawdown application and panels were placed immediately onto a TQC Sheen drying time recorder, following ISO 9117-4.

Gloss measurements were conducted via ISO 2813, using a TQC Sheen Glossmeter.

Flexibility of the coatings was measured according to ISO 6860, using a TQC Sheen Conical bend test.

Impact resistance was conducted according to ISO 6272-1, following the classification test procedure, using a TQC Sheen Impact Test.

Scratch resistance was conducted according to ISO 1518, following the procedure for determination of the minimum load to cause penetration, using an Erichsen 249 Linear Tester.

Adhesion of the coatings to the various substrates was measured according to ISO 2409. Each testing panel was cut with a knife using a crosshatch cutter. Tape was then applied onto the test area and pulled off rapidly. The test area was then inspected visually, using the following rating system:

Chemical and stain resistance were evaluated by the covered spot test method, according to ASTM D1308. The test area was evaluated visually, using the following rating system:

König pendulum hardness was measured using a TQC Sheen Pendulum Hardness Tester, according to ISO 1522, and results were reported in oscillations.

Abrasion resistance was measured according to ASTM D4060, using CS-17 wheels and a 1 kg load per wheel for 500 cycles, and results were reported as a Taber Wear Index (I) using the following calculation:

where:

A = weight of test specimen before abrasion, mg

B = weight of test specimen after abrasion, mg

C = number of cycles of abrasion recorded

Abrasion and self-healing of the coatings was performed with an in-house test method using the following procedure: Coatings were applied onto glass panels and were left to cure at ambient conditions of 23 °C and 50% RH for 7 days, prior to testing. The specular gloss, at a 60° angle, was measured of each test area in three areas, using a TQC Sheen Glossmeter. Each test area was subjected to 10 double rubs of an abrasive media using an Erichsen linear tester 249. A 10N load weight was used to add force, at a speed of 45 mm/s. Gloss was measured in the same three areas after 10 double rubs and then each panel was placed into an oven set at 50 °C for a total of 5 min. Gloss was measured after the panel had been removed from the oven in the same three areas and reported. The test areas were subjected to this process in triplicate.

Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was performed on the coating film using a TA Instruments DMA 850 in tension mode, with a dual screw film clamp, a temperature range of -30 °C to 130 °C at a ramp rate of 3 °C/min, and a strain of 0.1%, at 1Hz. A preload force of 0.05N was used and a force track of 150%. The coating films were subjected to this process in triplicate.

Continue reading in the March-April��issue of CoatingsTech

Introduction

Ice accretion and its strong adhesion to a variety of surfaces impact a wide range of applications, from essential infrastructure like power grids and buildings to transportation vehicles such as aircraft and ships. Hundreds of articles on innovative ice-shedding surfaces and coatings have been published in the last few years. However, the absence of standardized methods for forming and detaching ice from different substrates has made it difficult to accurately test new coatings and compare their performance against the prior state of the art.^1-3��Push-off tests on static ice frozen from bulk water are the most commonly used methodology to quantify ice adhesion. However, differences in applied freezing conditions can significantly alter the measured adhesion to surfaces.³��In particular, the effects of freezing under isotropic and anisotropic temperature environments have not been adequately studied.

In an anisotropic temperature environment, produced by Peltier plates or other cooling surfaces, the latent heat is dispelled unidirectionally into the cooling surface. In an isotropic temperature environment, such as inside a freezer, the water is surrounded by cold air, and the latent heat can be dispelled outwards in all directions.³��In both cases, when water freezes, it undergoes a volume expansion of approximately 9% as it solidifies into ice. If this volume expansion is constrained by ice, the substrate, or the walls of a mold used to form ice, residual stresses can develop in the ice and at the ice-substrate interface. Residual stresses induced from this phase change and from thermal contraction have been shown to reduce the adhesion of ice to different surfaces.^4-6��The magnitude and distribution of these stresses, and thereby the measured ice adhesion, likely depend heavily on the freezing process.

In this article, the effects of anisotropic and isotropic ice freezing methods on ice adhesion are examined. Ice push-off tests are conducted across a range of coated and uncoated surfaces. Videos and finite element analysis (FEA) of the freezing process provide further insight into differences between the two modes of freezing. By accounting for the effects of freezing mode on adhesion, the relative ice shedding ability of coatings can be more accurately evaluated.

Methods and Materials

Bulk ice adhesion to surfaces was tested using a push-off setup, similar to those described in prior literature.⁷��A digital force gauge mounted to a motorized stage pushed the adhered ice at a constant displacement rate of 73.5 μms^-1��until detachment. Ice was formed by pipetting room temperature DI water into 3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) cuvette molds with open bases to allow for adhesion to a surface. Ice height and width were constant at h = 0.6 cm and w = 1 cm, while lengths from 1 cm to at least 14 cm were tested on all surfaces. To freeze water under anisotropic temperature conditions, the surface is mounted on top of a Peltier cooling plate set to -10 °C, with the surrounding air at room temperature. To freeze water under isotropic temperature conditions, the surface is mounted to a push-off setup inside a walk-in freezer so that both the surface and the air surrounding the water are initially cooled to -10 °C.

Ice adhesion properties for freezing by both isotropic and anisotropic temperature conditions were evaluated on three common plastic surfaces from McMaster Carr and two ice-shedding coatings previously investigated in prior work. The plastics, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; Catalog No. 8545K22), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA; 8560K171), and polycarbonate (PC; 8574K24) each had a thickness of t = 1.6 mm. Two thin coatings with low-interfacial toughness (LIT) designed to facilitate largescale ice shedding through the propagation of an interfacial crack, LIT PDMS and LIT PVC, were brushed onto aluminum substrates following the methods described in a previous work.⁷��These coatings consist of elastomers of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) further plasticized by uncrosslinked oils.

Time-dependent 3D simulations of the two freezing processes were performed in COMSOL Multiphysics^®. To replicate the experimental setup, a 0.6 cm (h) × 1 cm (w) × 8 cm (l) ice/water slab in a 1 mm-thick ABS cuvette rested on a 1.59 mm (h) × 3 cm (w) × 10 cm (l) plastic substrate. The computational domain was reduced by simulating one-fourth of the model size, leveraging the symmetrical planes along the ice’s length and width.

The heat equation

was used in the Heat Transfer in Solids and Fluids module to simulate temperature��T��over time��t. The densities����, heat capacities��C_p, and thermal conductivities��k��of the materials in the simulation are listed in��Table 1.��Initial temperatures were set at 20 °C for the water and cuvette, and at -10 °C for the substrate. To simulate isotropic freezing, external surfaces exchanged heat with ambient air at -10 °C via Neumann (heat-flux) boundaries. For anisotropic-freezing, the bottom of the substrate was fixed at -12 °C so that the top of the substrate maintained an approximate temperature of -10 °C, while all the other surfaces exchanged heat with ambient air at -10 °C (Neumann). The convective heat transfer coefficient was 8 W/m²K.

Phase-change behaviors were delineated using the Apparent Heat Capacity Method by setting a phase transition fraction���so that pure ice gives���= 1 and pure water gives���= 0. Apparent heat capacity and thermal conductivity during phase transition could then be calculated as

,

and

,

where latent heat is��L��= 333 kJ/kg. To illustrate the freezing process, regions with���< 0.5 were set as blue to represent water, and regions with���> 0.5 were set as red to represent ice.

Continue reading in the March-April��issue of CoatingsTech

By��Michelle Gallagher,��Tyler Weiss,��Paul Doll,��Dan Fonseca, and��Erica Frankel, Dow

The drive towards sustainability and a more circular economy has become a pivotal strategy across the coatings industry. This shift has spurred initiatives to reduce carbon footprint emissions, utilize materials with extended lifespans, source from renewable feedstocks, and create safer products. In response, the first all-acrylic bio-based latex emulsion polymer tailored for the North American interior paint market has been developed. This next-generation commercial polymer offers numerous advantages over traditional fossil feedstock-based emulsions, including a competitive cost structure, bio-based carbon content exceeding 20%, and exceptionally low volatile organic compound (VOC) levels, all while maintaining performance characteristics associated with acrylic paints.

Beyond addressing bulk VOC concerns, the industry has seen increased scrutiny over the past decade regarding paint emissions post-application. This article explores seminal methodologies and volatile emission results of paints formulated with latexes derived from various feedstocks. It highlights the ultra-low emissions achieved with this new bio-acrylic polymer, representing a significant advancement toward more sustainable interior paint.

Introduction

The global coatings industry is undergoing a pivotal transformation, shifting from fossil- derived raw materials to more sustainable, renewable alternatives. This change is driven by the need to foster a more circular economy, minimize environmental impacts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and align with ever-changing health and regulatory standards.¹

However, this movement is not the first paradigm shift the coatings industry has undergone as lowering the total VOC in wet paints has been a continued concern for raw material suppliers and paint manufacturers for several decades. In the 1940s, solventborne paints contained VOCs in concentrations as high as 700 g/L.²��With the emergence of latex paint in the 1950s, VOC was greatly reduced. Since that time, the Clean Air Act and the Clean Air Act Amendment have helped push that total VOC even lower.³��Agencies such as the California Air Resource Board (CARB) and certifications such as Blue Angel have led the paint industry toward near-zero VOC regimes. More recently, there has been growing concern and emphasis on indoor air quality (IAQ) and VOC emissions as paint dries over time. Measuring IAQ accurately is a complex challenge, and it has taken decades to develop the equipment, procedures, and expertise to collect, measure, and identify potential sources that can lead to poor IAQ.⁴��With a growing list of standards such as UL Green Guard⁵��and California Department of Public Health (CHPD) 01350,⁶��new innovations within the paint industry such as the transition away from fossil feedstock-derived materials will need to also uphold the increasingly stringent standards surrounding VOC and VOC emissions.

At its core, adopting bio-based coatings lies in their potential to reduce dependency on fossil resources and lower overall carbon footprints. Traditional coatings rely on fossil-based feedstocks and additives, which are increasingly scrutinized for their environmental and health impacts. Transitioning to renewable feedstocks can directly support greenhouse gas reduction strategies and respond to consumer and regulatory demands for safer, more sustainable materials that can be validated by third-party certifications.

Among the most promising advances is the development of bio-based acrylic polymer dispersions capable of matching, and in some cases surpassing, the dry-film performance of traditional fossil feedstock-based systems while also exhibiting superiority in low emissions. A newly developed bio-based acrylic binder represents a milestone in this journey. Beyond merely substituting fossil fuel inputs, the binder incorporates traceable biocarbon content into polymer emulsions, verified by established methodologies, and it delivers on three key sustainability goals:

• substantially reduced bulk and emitted VOCs compared to fossil feedstock-based control paints
• absence of intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO)
• approximately 27% bio-based carbon that can enable the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) BioPreferred^®��certification of interior latex paints

This article presents a detailed technical evaluation of the new all-acrylic bio-based latex binder. This innovative dispersion not only preserves formulating latitude and dry-film performance but also achieves dramatically reduced levels of VOC emissions, both in bulk and during application, relative to standard fossil-based controls. The findings are grounded in comprehensive data which are provided in this article.

Experimental

Preparation of Bio-Based Paints

Paints with the new bio-based binder were made into both flat and semi-gloss formulations (see��Tables 1��and��2). The starting point flat white formulation comprises 37% volume solids and 48% pigment volume concentration (PVC), while the semi-gloss formulation consists of 37% volume solids and 24% PVC.

Additionally, thickened binders of equivalent weight percent solids were made to determine emitted VOC contributions from just the binder versus those from the total paint formulation. The thickened binders were made by diluting with the appropriate amount of water and then modifying their rheology with an inorganic thickener which enables appropriate coat weights to be achieved without contributing to emitted VOCs.

Continue reading in the March-April��issue of CoatingsTech

Since launching the first state program in Oregon in 2010, PaintCare has expanded to 11 additional states and the District of Columbia, with further legislation under consideration across the country. For coatings manufacturers, the program demonstrates how coordinated industry stewardship can create a scalable, compliant, and measurable framework for managing leftover products.

Going back to its earliest days and through to its expansion across the country, the program has been led by its president, Marjaneh Zarrehparvar, who provides insight into the development of this ground-breaking program and plans for future expansion.

PaintCare has been operating stewardship programs for more than 15 years. How does the program work?

��PaintCare is a nonprofit organization established and led by coatings manufacturers that operates paint recycling programs in states that enact paint stewardship laws. To make that happen ACA works with legislators, state and local government agencies, and stewardship advocacy groups to put forth ACA’s model legislation for the program. Once a bill passes and is signed into law, PaintCare develops a program plan outlining the framework of drop-off sites and services, paint collection and processing, public education, and funding.

Government oversight agencies in each state review and approve the program plans. After approval, our team proceeds with implementing the plan and launching the program to the public. PaintCare recruits paint drop-off sites throughout the state that are conveniently located in communities and open daily. We contract with certified waste haulers to transport paint collected at the sites, sort materials, and manage them appropriately, reusing and recycling as much as possible.

Meanwhile, manufacturers are required to register all products covered by the program that are sold into the state so there is accountability for all producers in the state. To fund all aspects of the program, they add a fee to the cost of these products, called the “PaintCare fee,” which is remitted to PaintCare for that purpose.

��What types of coatings products does PaintCare accept?

PaintCare sites accept architectural coatings such as house paint, primers, stains, sealers, and clear coatings like shellac and varnish. Accepted “PaintCare Products” are the same ones that carry the PaintCare fee when purchased. Sites do not accept aerosol coatings, solvents, and products designed and labeled to be used for industrial or non-architectural use.

How does the PaintCare model differ from the traditional municipal household hazardous waste (HHW) programs that historically managed leftover paint?

In states that have not yet adopted PaintCare, county- and city-run HHW programs and other solid waste facilities may be the only options for managing leftover paint. In some areas, these programs may offer very limited hours and services and may not accept waste from businesses at all. These programs are usually funded by tax revenue, which means all taxpayers shoulder the cost burden.

With PaintCare, the responsibility for managing leftover paint shifts to those who make, sell, and use the product. The PaintCare fee added to a product’s purchase price covers the costs of an extensive and convenient network of drop-off sites, paint transportation and processing, and public education that informs consumers about recycling opportunities. Together these activities help consumers reduce waste, free up storage space, and manage materials responsibly.

��In which states are PaintCare programs active, and what types of drop-off sites participate in the program?

PaintCare is currently active in the 12 states that have enacted paint stewardship laws—California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington, as well as the District of Columbia. In these states PaintCare provides more than 2,900 drop-off sites—that means there’s a paint recycling option within 15 miles of more than 95% of the population in each state.

About 80% of these sites are conveniently located paint and hardware retail stores that volunteer to serve as drop-off sites in their communities. PaintCare also partners with material reuse stores, recycling centers, city and county solid waste facilities, transfer stations, and recycling centers. The program even includes a direct pickup service for large volumes of paint of 100 gallons or more for businesses like painting contractors who accumulate large amounts that are difficult and costly to manage.

Once paint is collected, how is it sorted and managed? What portion of PaintCare collected products is reused, recycled, used for energy recovery, or otherwise processed?

��In general, paint is managed according to a policy of highest, best use. This means that some of the paint in good condition is made available to consumers through reuse programs, and most of the paint is recycled. If it can’t be reused or recycled, processors find the next best use for it.

Latex-based products make up about 80% of what PaintCare accepts at drop-off sites. Most of the paint is sent to processors and used to manufacture recycled-content paint products. A small percentage of dry latex paint is securely disposed of if no other use can be found. Oil-based products make up about 20% of the products collected at PaintCare sites. All these products are sent to processors, and most of it is used as fuel. PaintCare is always working with its partners to determine if any additional uses for leftover paint can be found.

What strategic priorities or program expansions are on the horizon for PaintCare?

Most recently, PaintCare launched operations in Illinois in December 2025 and Maryland in April 2026. With these new additions to our states, we’re now providing paint stewardship opportunities to over one third of the U.S. population! We don’t take that responsibility lightly and are focused on ensuring our organization structured to be successful across all its activities, from engaging with manufacturers, to managing transporter and processor relationships, to training field staff on the ground in each state, and everything in between.

Additionally,, PaintCare is evolving to meet industry needs in light of new laws requiring stewardship of additional coatings products. Legislation enacted in California expanded the PaintCare program to include aerosol coatings, non‑industrial coatings, and a variety of coating‑related products. Vermont followed suit in 2025, mirroring California’s expansion. PaintCare has begun developing guidance defining these expanded categories, consulting with stakeholders, and evaluating collection and fee models. These efforts demonstrate that manufacturers can look to PaintCare, its industry-led stewardship program, for needed support in a constantly shifting landscape.

What role do retailers play in the program’s effectiveness, and how has retailer participation evolved since the launch?

Without the support and participation of retailers, our program simply could not be successful. We are truly grateful to them for supporting the program!

Retailers are required by the law to sell only registered PaintCare products and include the PaintCare fee in the product purchase prices. Many also volunteer to serve as a drop-off site and therefore play a hands-on, customer-facing role in the program as they accept paint from households and businesses in their community. PaintCare provides everything that is needed—collection bins, staff training, as well as transportation and recycling services. They also serve as an important source of education, using PaintCare‑supplied materials to explain the fee, the purpose of the program, and how customers can easily recycle their paint.

Serving as a drop‑off site can boost foot traffic—customers coming in to recycle leftover paint often browse or pick up supplies while they’re there. PaintCare promotes participating locations publicly, giving retailers extra visibility as environmentally responsible businesses. All in all, it’s a low‑effort way for stores to support sustainability, draw in customers, and strengthen goodwill in their communities.

Marjaneh Zarrehparvar has led PaintCare since 2009. Prior to that, she spent more than a decade at the San Francisco Department of the Environment directing hazardous waste and toxics reduction programs, developing collection initiatives, leading public education efforts, and helping shape product stewardship legislation. Earlier in her career, Marjaneh conducted toxicology research for the California EPA. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California, Davis, and lives in the Bay Area, where she enjoys outdoor activities. Email:��mzarrehparvar@paint.org

BASF Coatings has announced that Jens Lühring will be appointed CEO once the transaction between BASF and the Carlyle Group has been completed and a stand-alone coatings company established. He succeeds Uta Holzenkamp, who has led BASF Coatings since 2022, and will continue in that role until the closing, expected to take place in the second quarter of 2026.

Covia announced that Laura Riquelme has been appointed executive vice president and CFO. Riquelme joins Covia from Zep Inc., where she served as CFO since 2022. Prior to Zep, Riquelme served as CFO of Cooper Lighting Solutions. Previously, she held numerous finance leadership roles at General Electric Company in both domestic and international assignments.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México.

NUCOAT North America, a provider of high-performance coatings for windows and doors, has announced two executive appointments. Connor Krings has been named business development manager. In this role, he will focus on expanding the company’s customer base, supporting strategic accounts and strengthening relationships across key markets. Stefanie Dennis has been appointed senior manager of internal administration. Dennis will oversee internal operations, customer support, and administrative systems.

Houston-based chemical specialty product distributor Third Coast Chemicals has named Juan Gayton as president. With many years of experience in petrochemical marketing and sales, Gayton most recently served as vice president, MS Polymers, for Kaneka North America.

RadTech, the nonprofit association for the advancement of ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) technologies,��has promoted Mickey Fortune to chief strategy and operations officer. Fortune, who has been with the organization for over 20 years, most recently served as associate executive director for education and outreach.

In his new role, Fortune will continue to help the group meet the evolving needs and advancement opportunities for the UV+EB community.��His expanded responsibilities include strategic growth, operational excellence, and continued industry collaboration.

Evonik has appointed Jonas Niedballa as global head of Research & Development–Formulation Technology. He most recently served as head of R&D–FPE. Niedballa earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.

Kyocera Hardcoating Technologies Europe has appointed Arunprabhu Sugumaran��as Hardcoating Technologies lead engineer where he will provide operational leadership within the coating department while driving R&D to enhance coating performance across industrial sectors. He joins the business following doctoral research at the Materials and Engineering Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University, where he developed advanced nanostructured physical vapor deposition coatings for orthopedic knee replacement joints using industrial-scale high power impulse magnetron sputtering technology.