Coatings are complex formulations of a number of chemicals. There are a number of generic coating families including:
- Epoxy
- Polyurethane
- Acrylic
- Silicone
Each family has its strengths and limitations, and typically its areas of industrial applicability.
Development of new coatings requires an understanding of the principles of the products available, how these may be modified and how new materials and technologies may be integrated.
In some cases, there are no existing commercial coating solutions available. Radical approaches may then be necessary to design, synthesise and validate unique, bespoke coatings.
Increasing demands on the operational capability of coatings are being driven from two sources; legislation and industry. The removal of solvents (VOCs) from use is reducing the number of coating types available, and their water-borne counterparts are typically of lower performance. In addition, industry is looking for increased longevity, higher performance and increased functional capabilities.
The existing coating families have been in use for at least 50 years and although great strides have been made to improve performance; many coatings are close to their capability limits.
New materials and new approaches are required to overcome these challenges and to develop the multi-functional coatings required by industry.
TWI's multi-disciplinary coatings team has considerable experience in development of advanced high performance coatings for a number of industrial sectors.
We take pride in offering a full and rounded solution to our Members, and take great care to ensure that we recommend the chemistry and methods that best suit your circumstances, paying particular attention to:
- Coating deposition and curing process selection
- Functional performance and long term durability
- Supply chain considerations
- Legislative considerations (e.g. VOC content)
- Judicious use of new technologies and materials to achieve challenging targets
Our advice is always impartial because we are not allied to the suppliers of any particular raw materials or formulation chemistry.
Current research projects include the development of novel anti-fouling coatings, new coatings for lead based battery technologies, superior performance coatings for the protection of wood.
Internal research over the last 15 years has resulted in our innovative and versatile approach to coatings and includes our proprietary new coating building block technology Vitolane®.
Our track record includes researching coating development for applications in the following sectors for:
- Plastic electronics
- High temperature electronics
- Power storage (battery power)
- Solar power
- Automotive glazing
- Medical devices
- Oil and gas