Formulation Advice
Our research and testing work often requires us to formulate paints and inks and to prepare small-scale batches of these materials. We also get involved in the synthesis and evaluation of novel raw materials. The experience that we have built up over the years enables us to offer the following services:-
We hold regular training courses on Paint Formulation in the UK at our premises at Hampton, Greater London. These cover all aspects of formulation including the application of IT. Please contact our Training Manager for further details.
Synthesis of Raw Materials Used to make Paints and Inks
Most of our work in this area involves production of the resins that are used as paint and ink binders. The main reason for doing this is to evaluate novel components which are not currently used in resin manufacture. One example of a resin component is the wide range of triglyceride oils which are used in the manufacture of alkyd resins. Although some, like linseed and soya oil, have been used for decades, there are many others that await evaluation. We can use virtually any vegetable or animal derived triglyceride oils/ fatty acids to produce alkyds and we also have experience of upgrading materials that have inferior colour, odour or drying time characteristics.
In addition to triglyceride oils we also have experience in utilising novel polybasic acids, polyols and unsaturated monomers. One growing area of interest is that of environmentally friendly products and the challenge here is to utilise non-hazardous natural products to make resins that match the technical performance of synthetic resins in current use.
There are a number of paint and ink additives, notably UV stabilisers, biocides and driers, which are traditionally added as separate components. In general these are comparatively low molecular weight materials and can be deactivated by adsorption on to the surface of pigments or, in the case of external exposure, extracted from the film by water. In the past we have been able to help clients overcome these problems by incorporating the additive into the polymer chain of the resin.
Evaluation of Raw Materials Used to make Paints and Inks
The raw materials to be evaluated may have be synthesised by us or provided by a client. Clients' materials can be commercial products which are not currently used in paint or ink manufacture or they can be unwanted by-products of an unrelated production process.
In order to be acceptable as paint/ink raw material the product has to meet three basic criteria, namely safety, cost and utilisation potential. Of the three, safety is the least negotiable and if, for example, the product contains significant amounts of lead or other toxic elements, then it is unlikely that anyone is going to contemplate using it.
The surface coatings industry is highly competitive and cost-conscious and consequently the price of any raw material is going to have a major effect on its market penetration. The industry will however always pay a premium for products which have environmental or technical advantages over existing raw materials.
Utilisation potential is defined as the manner in which the properties of the raw material limit the products in which it can be used. Negative features include inappropriate colour, penetrating odour or rheological properties that make it difficult to handle in bulk.
We find that the most effective way to evaluate a novel raw material is to use it to make an appropriate paint or ink. We would also make a similar batch using a conventional raw material. The two coatings are then subjected to a suite of tests designed to highlight the effect of the novel raw material on the performance of the coating.
Formulation of Paints and Inks
Coatings manufactures vary widely in both size and level of expertise. Our formulation service is aimed primarily at smaller manufacturers and those who are contemplating moving into new market areas. We can act solely as information providers by helping you with starting formulations and contact details of raw material suppliers. In addition we can make small-scale batches of products which either you or we can evaluate.
Small Scale Manufacture of Paints and Inks
We have considerable experience of making coatings on a 1 to 10 litre scale. Although we do this mainly as part of our evaluation and formulation work, there are occasions where we are able to help clients who have a requirement for a small amount of a special coating that is not commercially available. In some cases the client is able to provide a sample of the coating that they would like to match. If this is the case, we can analyse it and make a matching product.
In situations where the quantity of coating you require exceeds our capabilities, we will be pleased to put you in touch with a toll manufacturer and work with them if required.
