News of the Month – January 2008

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PRA Activities/News

PRA Consortia Management Services

As an independent non-profit making corporate association, operating through the value chain in the chemical and coatings arena, PRA is in a prime position to support consortia and assist companies in the exchange of information and independent scientific evaluation of data, in preparation for REACH. PRA has experience of supporting consortia over many years, maintaining confidentiality and a commitment to deliver on time. PRA also has a history of information and data gathering on technical, safety, health and environmental issues. PRA offers established systems, a legal structure, assistance with the administration of consortia, finance and information management and technical consultancy. For further information please contact Jonathan Bourne.

Technical Director Appointed

It is PRA's pleasure to announce that Peter Collins has been appointed Technical Director at PRA, effective 25th February 2008. Peter joins PRA from Sonneborn & Rieck, the specialist industrial coatings manufacturer, where he is currently responsible for all R&D activities and for quality control. Prior to working for S&R, Peter had a distinguished career with ICI Paints with responsibilities covering various roles from decorative paints, exterior wood and masonry coatings, metal pre-treatments and resins. His deep understanding of coatings formulation technology, polymer science and world class manufacturing efficiency will be an asset to the PRA team and enable us to provide an even more valuable consultancy and technical support service to our members.

New PRA Associate Member - Safinah

PRA is pleased to announce that Safinah is now an Associate Member. Safinah is a unique consultancy with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of coatings in the marine, protective and offshore industries. Safinah provides authoritative, expert advice on the whole chain of activities that links ships, structures, coatings and the environment.

Another WSCA landmark

The World Surface Coatings Abstracts (WSCA) has reached another landmark, with the inclusion of the 300 000th abstract in the WSCA database as depicted below. The WSCA database was launched in 1976 and in addition, there are many more items to be found in the print version (which also includes abstracts from the preceding years 1928-1975). The 300 000th abstract, identified using the WSCA CD-ROM, is of a journal article but it could equally have been of a patent (with patents representing 30% of the database). It is worth noting two topics of interest in this environmentally-aware age, these are, waterborne coatings and UV-curable coatings. These two topics are intensely covered in the WSCA database and are also included in the monthly extracts: WSCA Radiation Curing Alert and WSCA Waterborne Coatings Alert. The on-line database is available via Dialog and STN, and the CD-ROM via Dialog. See the Dialog@Site WSCA demo. (Select 'World Surface Coatings Abstracts' from the list, then click 'begin').

Abstract ID: 07/06822
STUCCHI F: Pioneers of the waterborne ultraviolet curable finish for executive furniture for the office. Verniciatura del Legno 2007, No 149, 47 52 (English), 4 11 (Italian).
An Italian company (Mascagni SpA) that has manufactured furniture, chairs and wall systems for the office since 1930, and that each year makes 30 000 chairs and 20 000 work stations, of which 30% have coatings, is discussed. A new coating system that uses waterborne systems is described; it is a product with an opaque waterborne finish, with a 3 gloss shine and with a wax finish, possesses a sensitivity to touch, which is obtained with a special open pore coating that brings out the natural look of the wood. The coating line offers management of various coating cycles and various finishes at the same time. The system is closed and totally controlled by software, starting with polishing, followed by spraying, and then UV polymerisation. Everything is connected to the 'process supervisor'. The coating line enables the operation of numerous changes of finish and thickness within one shift and at the same time optimising production in order to keep standards high.

The 6th Woodcoatings Congress, Amsterdam, 14–15 October 2008

The sixth in the series of the popular PRA Woodcoatings Congress is being held this year at the Mercure Hotel Amsterdam, Aan de Amstel. The Call for Papers has now been issued. The theme of the conference is 'Preserve, Protect, Prolong', which emphasises that the scope includes developments in wood preservatives, and with suitable design, the preservative and coating can work together to give a complete wood protection package. Interior wood applications are also an important part of the congress programme, which in previous years has required the use of parallel sesions to accommodate all interests.

Authors of new work describing developments in coatings and preservatives for interior and exterior wood are invited to submit papers to the congress organisers (speaker details and an abstract are required before 14 April 2008). Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available for suppliers who wish to be associated with this conference, for example, to raise the profile of their company to a targeted audience of key decision makers. For further details, please contact: conferences@pra-world.com.

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Keep up to date with some of the latest developments in the Coatings Industry with Latest News. Recent headlines include:

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Information Services

Click on the links below to see highlights from the latest issues of PRA publications. For information about any of our technical publications please contact Richard Kennedy. For information about publications relating to market information (COMET and EPRN) please contact Glenda Thisdell. For information about our publication relating to regulatory information (SHE Alert) please contact Tina Walton.

MARKET INFORMATION

Coatings COMET - COmpanies, Markets and Economic Trends

COMET is the perfect market intelligence companion for busy coatings executives in such areas as: Marketing, Export Department, Business Planning, Product Development, Corporate Affairs and New Business Opportunities. See recent COMET highlights.

European Paint & Resin News (EPRN)

European Paint & Resin News contains the essential news of the global coatings industry, providing information in a clear and simple format.

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REGULATORY INFORMATION

SHE Alert - (Safety, Health and Environment Alert)

A monthly bulletin on global regulatory safety, health and environmental matters relevant to the coatings industry, also available online as a searchable database. See SHE Alert highlights for January 2008.

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LIBRARY AND DATABASE SERVICES

Paint Titles

Stay informed of all new scientific and technical knowledge with Paint Titles, PRA’s weekly alerting service covering paints, coatings, adhesives and inks. PRA Members can browse Paint Titles online or download the PDF version free of charge using their website password. If you are a PRA Member but don’t know your password, use our  PRA Member website password request form.

For a fee, non-members can also subscribe to Paint Titles by contacting Dr Norman Morgan.

For details of our document delivery service, please contact the PRA library.

World Surface Coatings Abstracts (WSCA)

WSCA is the industry’s premier search tool for coatings related technical information. Produced monthly in print and as a CD-ROM, the electronic version of WSCA contains more than 300 000 coatings-related abstracts collated over the last 30 years. See recent WSCA highlights.

For monthly updates of current literature on specific topics such as inks or anti-microbial coatings then why not enquire about WSCA Alerts. WSCA also offers ‘personalised alerts’ and ‘one-off searches’. For further information contact Dr Norman Morgan.

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SPECIALIST TECHNICAL NEWS

Waterborne and High Solids Coatings

A monthly bulletin covering all aspects of waterborne and high solids technology from the properties of raw materials to the application and performance of the final coatings. See highlights from Waterborne and High Solids Coatings.

Dispersion Polymers: Technology & Applications

Dispersion Polymers: Technology & Applications provides critical reviews of developments in dispersion polymer technology, covering new latex compositions, polymer processes, physical properties and applications of dispersion polymers in paints, adhesives, membranes, non-woven fabrics, textiles and paper.

Polymer Curing Technologies

Polymer Curing Technologies offers a critical overview of journal and patent literature from the following topics: curing types, radiation cure, physical properties and test methods.

RADnews

PRA’s quarterly newsletter for the radiation curing industry, RADnews, provides extensive information on patents relevant to radiation curing, articles appearing in the technical press — from academic research to commercial developments — and new developments in products and equipment.

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Technical Services

Radcure and Ink Services

PRA has specialist knowledge of printing ink formulation and printing processes. PRA also deals with all aspects of radiation curing. The services PRA offers include:-

• Contract research
• Troubleshooting investigations
• Analysis and testing of products before and after curing
• Colour measurement
• Consultancy - advice on:
  • formulation
  • application
  • production selection
  • causes and elimination of defects

Other services provided by PRA for those involved in radiation curing include, Training Courses and the quarterly newsletter RADnews. Contact Richard Holman for consultancy advice.

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Networking and Learning

PRA Training Courses April 2008

• Radiation Curing Technology - 7-9 April
• Market Reseach in the Coatings Industry - 22 April
• Coatings for Wood & Wood-Based Substrates - 24 April

Training courses are held at the PRA Coatings Technology Centre in Hampton, West London and customised courses can often be organised to suit your individual needs based on one of the courses in the training programme or on other topics. These customised courses may be held at your own site or at PRA. This can be an effective way of training a workforce. To find out more contact our Training Manager Elisabeth Brown by email or phone +44 20 8487 0815 (Fax: +44 20 8487 0805).

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PRA events

2nd Waterborne & High Solids Coatings Conference – Hotel Bloom, Brussels, 11–12 March 2008

The programme for the second Waterborne & High Solids conference, including abstracts of all the papers, can be now be viewed online. Over 20 papers will be presented, split into four sessions, covering technology trends, new technology for meeting EU VOC regulations, developments in polymer technology, and characterisation and testing.

With the deadline for implementation of Phase II of the EU Paint Products Directive on 1 January 2010 rapidly approaching, the subject of compliant technologies is very timely. Major new product launches will be required when conventional solids alkyd formulations are no longer permitted, at least in the decorative trim paint product category. Leading suppliers will also present for the first time, new technology for joinery and furniture applications, together with developments in road marking paints, stain blocking primers and concrete coatings. The conference provides an ideal opportunity for paint companies and their suppliers to review the latest technology and establish programmes to meet market needs in a timely fashion.

This Conference is being held at the Hotel BLOOM! (previously the Royal Crown Hotel). Delegates are responsible for booking their own accommodation and a special rate is available to delegates who book a room before 11 February 2008 (subject to availability). To book accommodation please download the hotel booking form from the PRA website and return it to Hotel BLOOM by fax, e-mail or post.

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Additives for Coatings – Holiday Inn Conference Centre, Frankfurt, Germany, 20–21 May 2008

The programme is now available for the Additives for Coatings conference, being held at the Holiday Inn Conference Centre, Frankfurt, on 20–21 May, 2008. The conference has the theme 'Innovation in Formulation', and the programme will consist of 20 papers split into four sessions, covering:

• Technology Trends
• Wetting and Dispersing Agents
• Additives for Unique Performance
• Functional Minerals

This range of papers comprising new information from respected suppliers and other organsations makes this a critical event to attend for those tasked with tracking new developments in additive technology. Attendees can register online. To highlight the value of networking during the conference, the conference dinner is included in the cost of registration. The pre-dinner cocktail is being sponsored by BYK-Chemie.

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For information on PRA Conferences or to obtain copies of Proceedings from recent PRA Conferences, please contact Janet Saraty, Tel:  +44 (0)20 8487 0811, Fax:  +44 (0)20 8487 0801.

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Other Conferences/Exhibitions

A list of other conferences, exhibitions and events is also available in our Coatings Events Diary.

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European Conferences / Exhibitions

New Product Development in the Chemical Industry – New
20–21 February 2008, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Come to Amsterdam to join this event that will bring together leading innovators to discuss key issues on new product development and innovation in the chemical industry. In-depth case studies and interactive workshops will provide insights into how leading innovators generate new products through aligning R&D processes with business strategies. To find out more about this event and for details of how to register vist the website.

Fogra Colour Management Symposium 2008
21–22 February 2008, Munich, Germany. In celebration of the 15th anniversary of the International Colour Consortium [ICC] Fogra has organised the Colour Management Symposium. Contact: Inge Burian; Tel: +49 89 431 82-114; Fax: +49 89 431 82-100; email: burian@fogra.org

Symposium on new labelling of chemicals
25–26 February 2008, Marseille, France. The International Social Security Association (ISSA Chemistry Section, in cooperation with ISSA Research Section) and the INRS have organised a symposium for chemical manufacturers, users and bodies helping companies to label their products in anticipation of GHS implementation. Contact: Colette Skornik; email: colette.skornik@inrs.fr

Marine coatings
28–29 February 2008, Berlin, Germany. Contact: Sandra Werner, Vincentz Network; Tel: +49 511 9910-271; Fax: +49 511 9910-279; e-mail: sandra.werner@coatings.de

Waterborne & High Solids Coatings
11–12 March 2008, Brussels, Belgium. Contact: Janet Saraty; Tel: +44 (0)20 8487 0811; Fax: +44 (0)20 8487 0801; e-mail: conferences@pra-world.com

Medical coatings and adhesives
10–11 April 2008, Berlin, Germany. Medical Coatings and Adhesives sets out to shed some light on novel developments in this rapidly evolving field, aiming to discuss on a high technical level the current state-of-the-art of coatings and adhesives used on medical devices and instruments in contact with biological matter. Contact: Mareike Bäumlein, Vincentz Network; Tel: +49 511 9910-273; Fax: +49 511 9910-279; e-mail: mareike Baumlein@coatings.de

British Coatings Federation Annual Conference
15–16 May 2008, Stratford upon Avon, UK. The business programme will take shape over the coming months and the BCF website will be updated as presenters / topics are confirmed. Contact: BCF; Tel: +44 (0)1372 360660; Fax: +44 (0)20 (0)1372 376069; e-mail: tracy.jagger@bcf.co.uk

Surfex 2008
3–4 June 2008, Harrogate International Centre, UK. SURFEX 2008 - Evolving Together - The UK Exhibition for the Surface Coatings, Printing Inks, Adhesives, Corrosion and Construction Communities. SURFEX is the ideal exhibition for any company involved in the coatings industry. Contact: Yvonne Waterman; Tel: +44 (0)20 8908 1086; Fax: +44 (0)20 8908 1219; e-mail: surfex@occa.org.uk

6th International Strategy Conference on Car Body Painting – New
26–27 June 2008, Berlin, Germany. Contact: Vincentz Network, Friederike Plasswich, Tel: 49 511 9910-274; Fax: 49 511 9910-279; e-mail: friederike.plasswich@coatings.de

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American / Canadian Conferences / Exhibitions

Iron Oxide Pigments 2008
11–13 February 2008, New Orleans, USA. Conference papers are set to address various industry sectors including construction materials, paints and coatings, reprographic toners, catalysts, and cosmetics. Contact: Christine Groff, Conference Director, Tel: 1 207 781 9617; e-mail: cgroff@intertechusa.com

RadTech Annual Winter Meeting
11–12 February 2008, Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach, USA. For more information visit the RadTech website

Nanotechnology in Coatings: 'Emerging Applications' – New
26–28 March 2008, Orlando, FL, USA. Building on a very successful symposium on Nanotechnology offered in 2005, the FSCT will host an Advancement in Coatings Series programme on 'Nanotechnology in Coatings: Emerging Applications' in 2008. This conference will explore emerging applications in nanotechnology and discuss ways that these technologies will impact the user by providing competitive advantages in the development of new coatings products. Contact: Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology, Tel: 1 610 940 0777; Fax: 1 610 940 0292; e-mail: fsct@coatingstech.org

Global Legislation for Food Contact Packaging
2–4 April 2008, Washington, DC, USA. Contact: Chris Smith, Conference Producer, Tel: 1 207 781 9635; e-mail: chris.smith@pira-international.com

RadTech UV&EB 2008
4–7 May 2008, Chicago, Illinois, USA. RadTech UV/EB 2008 is the World's Largest UV & EB Event and is a 4-day conference and exhibition dedicated to fostering educational, technical, and scientific advancement in the manufacture and use of UV and EB curable products. Contact: RadTech International, North America, Tel: 240 497 1243; Fax: 240 209 2337; e-mail: mickey@radtech.org

American Coatings Conference – New
2–3 June 2008, Charlotte, NC, USA. Sponsored by the National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA) and Vincentz Network, the American Coatings Conference will take the industry to 'The Next Level'. Reflecting the vision of the new American Coatings Show, the theme for the conference will set the stage for a high-level technical and scientific meeting, rallying the leading industry experts from both coatings manufacturers and their suppliers from across the nation and beyond. Contact: Vincentz Network, Friederike Plasswich, Tel: 49 511 9910-274; Fax: 49 511 9910-279; e-mail: friederike.plasswich@coatings.de

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Asian Conferences / Exhibitions

Korean Coatings Show 2008
24–25 April 2008, Seoul, Korea. The Korean Coatings Show 2008 will be officially hosted by KPIC (the Korean Paint & Printing Ink Industry Cooperative) and will feature an exhibition as well as a technical conference overseen by KPIC. Contact: Oceana Ou: Tel: +44 (0)1737 855578; e-mail: oceanaou@dmgworldmedia.com; David Roberts: Tel: +44 (0)1737 855062; e-mail: Davidroberts@dmgworldmedia.com

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Other Conferences / Exhibitions

Middle East Coatings Show 2008
10–12 March 2008, Dubai. The Middle East Coatings Show 2008, now in its 15th year, is still the only dedicated coatings event in the Middle East and Gulf Region for raw materials suppliers and equipment manufacturers for the coatings industry. Contact: Jeff Montgomery, Sales Manager: Tel: +44 (0)1737 855078; Fax: +44 (0)1737 855034 2256; e-mail: jeffmontgomery@uk.dmgworldmedia.com

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