Germany: Pyrolytec & Black Bear – carbon black from scrap tyres

Abstract

In the mid-1960s, many industrial suppliers were actively engaged in research in zero volatile organic component coatings. However, this effort declined by most suppliers by the early 1970s because of slow growth in these areas. In the 1990s, the emphasis in coatings research has strongly turned to the waterborne area. In the 21st century, the global demand for environmentally safe waterborne materials has considerably increased. Today, waterborne coatings represent the largest class of coatings used globally. Low toxicity and flammability, better coverage, good abrasion and heat resistance, and low production cost are considered as basic advantages of waterborne coatings. This chapter summarizes current trends in waterborne coatings, with a specific focus on their most important commercial applications, including architectural, automotive, wood, coil, marine, and packaging. A comprehensive overview of the binders and additives used in these systems is also provided here and serves as a starting point for future studies.