Editor’s note: This column is a roundup of notable product releases from the coatings and allied industries. To submit a product release for consideration, email publications@paint.org. Please note that all submissions are subject to editorial approval and publication is not guaranteed.

Energy Curable Resin Solution

Specially designed for topcoats on artificial leather, allnex has introduced an energy-curable resin, EBECRYL® 8466. The resin is a tin-free aliphatic urethane acrylate that features outstanding performance in durability, flexibility and adhesion.

Traditional coating systems for textiles have relied on thermal curing processes using solvent borne and water borne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs). Instead of thermo-curing, EBECRYL® 8466 uses radiation-curing formulations (UV or EB), which increases energy savings from 70% to 80% and reduces operational costs, reduces the CO2 footprint and eliminates the need for hazardous organic solvents.

To learn more, visit allnex.com

New All-acrylic Polymer

Engineered Polymer Solutions (EPS) has launched EPS® 2746, an all-acrylic, film-forming polymer for high-performance flat through semi-gloss interior and exterior architectural coatings.​ Made without intentionally added APEO or fluorosurfactants​, the polymer’s key features are scrub resistance over a wide formulation space, stain removal, washability, and self-priming properties. According to the company, EPS®2746 can be formulated into near-zero VOC coatings is ideally suited for exterior applications due to its resistance to dirt pickup.

To learn more, visit epscca.com

Biosurfactants for Coating and Ink Formulations

Evonik Coating Additives is launching innovative biosurfactants specifically designed for coating and ink formulations. TEGO® Wet 570 Terra and TEGO® Wet 580 Terra are specifically designed for waterborne coatings and inks and are suitable for waterborne decorative paints as well as industrial and transportation coatings and inks.

Produced by microorganisms in a unique fermentation process, the biosurfactants are 100% derived from natural resources, have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are readily biodegradable and well tolerated by aquatic organisms. Their fast wetting of pigments and fillers leads to reduced grinding time and energy consumption, resulting in energy savings and efficient production processes for customers.

To learn more, visit evonik.com

Water-based Electrode Coating

OQ Chemicals has introduced a new co-solvent for water-based electrode coatings that

enables crack-free surfaces after coating and drying for lithium-ion batteries. Biodegradable and non-toxic, Oxvolt S221 is suitable for high energy graphite anodes and has already been approved by some battery cell manufacturers.

In addition to acting as a solvent, the coating acts as a film-forming agent and ensures a uniform coating of the graphite anodes for better electrode processing and reduction in production failure rates compared to conventional water-based manufacturing processes.

According to the company, the water soluble Oxvolt S221 reduces the viscosity of the slurry and facilitates processing by optimizing the mixing properties of the slurry and the quality of the electrode after coating and the first drying phases.

The company manufactures Oxvolt S221 in the United States and meets the requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

To learn more, visit chemicals.oq.com

Ergonomic Air Spray Guns

Graco Inc. has introduced Stellair ACE and Stellair™, industrial air spray guns that have achieved Ergonomics Performance Certification from United States Ergonomics, a global ergonomic consulting service and product testing company.

According to U.S. Ergonomics, the manual paint sprayers reduce fatigue potential, increasing productivity for industrial painters. During the design process, Graco engineers focused on minimizing hand pressure points, improving overall gun balance, and enhancing hose flexibility, and reducing weight.

The Stellair ACE weighs 7.4 ounces, which the company says is up to 50% lighter than almost any other manual pressure feed spray guns and uses up to 25% less muscle effort than comparable industrial air spray guns. The Stellair, with aluminum metal construction, weighs 14.46 oz, which the company says lessens muscle exertion by up to 18%.

To learn more, visit graco.com/stellair