Latest Technologies in the Paints and Coatings Industry

Today, the concepts of "sustainability", "innovation", "efficiency" and "quality" are shaping the paints and coatings sector as they do all sectors, with new technologies emerging constantly in both the selection of raw materials and production processes. In a broad classification: (I) "construction paints" including interior and exterior facade paints, (II) "furniture and wood paints", (III) "automotive paints", (IV) "industrial paints and protective coatings" encompassing aerospace, marine, military and general industrial applications, and (V) "printing inks" constitute the five main segments of the paint industry. The fundamental approach in recent years for all these segments focuses on the production of paint systems that exhibit higher performance, are environmentally friendly and economical, with all new technological developments encompassing the manufacture of new resin types, additives and pigments. The systems that have become particularly popular in recent years when technological developments occur frequently are summarized under headings below. Systems that can be classified under the main class of "smart paints and coatings" include: self-cleaning, photocatalytic; photovoltaic; water-repellent and breathable due to high water vapor permeability; capable of stain removal due to high oil-repellent properties; air-purifying; anti-bacterial preventing mold and fungal formation; color-changing in response to temperature, light or pressure changes; and self-healing systems upon damage occurrence.

Systems that can be classified under the main class of "hybrid paints and coatings" are hybrid paint/coating systems where the superior properties of two or more different organic and inorganic-based systems are combined to achieve higher performance; polyurethane-based, polysiloxane-based and fluoropolymer-based hybrid coatings.

Systems that can be classified under the main class of "high-performance paints and coatings" include: 100% solids elastomeric polyurethane systems; high-solids epoxy systems, epoxy and polyurethane-based powder coatings; silicone resin-based high-temperature and fire-resistant paints and fire-retardant (including intumescent) paints; UV-absorbing paint systems particularly used in military applications; and protective coatings exhibiting high corrosion resistance. The "Green Chemistry" approach, encompassing all alternatives that cause less harm to living organisms, the atmosphere, the environment and systems, is also very popular in the paint industry. Among "green paints and coatings" produced in accordance with international environmental regulations are "low carbon footprint systems"; "low VOC (volatile organic compound) systems" and "high-solids systems". Assoc. Prof. Serkan Emik Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Engineering Chemical Engineering Department           Prof. Işıl Acar Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Engineering Chemical Engineering Department