New Advances in Powder Coating Technology

By Kevin Biller

These architectural specifications represent the most demanding coating requirements for commercial buildings such as skyscrapers and stadiums. In addition, sustainable technologies are emerging based on either recycled plastic feedstocks or biobased raw materials. Moreover, binders exhibiting enhanced corrosion resistance and edge coverage have been recently debuted.

Corresponding new developments have occurred in testing and application technology. A number of strides have been made in sustainable raw materials developed specifically for powder coatings. Defining sustainability can be elusive and concrete examples are sometimes difficult to pinpoint. Investopedia offers this succinct definition: “Sustainability focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

The concept of sustainability is composed of three pillars: economic, environmental, and social—also known informally as profits, planet, and people.”² Sustainability can be represented in different ways. Renewable resources such as plant-based feedstocks are obvious, but other less obvious materials and processes can be found under the sustainability umbrella. For example, low-temperature cure products use less energy and therefore create a smaller carbon footprint.