BIOCIDES
actives, helped transition the industry to effective product preservation with milder ingredients or lower active combinations.
However, when a similar need arose in the paints market, Arxada R & D quickly learned the tools pioneered for this purpose were unsuitable for the stringent VOC requirements, compatibility in paint systems, costin-use requirements, and efficacy at the elevated pH values common in the CASE( coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers) market, so a new toolkit for the CASE applications was needed.
For in-container preservation, Arxada is focused on development of multifunctional additives that improve stability of both pH and viscosity of paint formulations and support low preservative use rates, which may avoid an H317 hazard label. Arxada has launched Polyboost *, a unique multifunctional additive for incontainer use that was developed to enhance a wide range of paint and coating properties.
Arxada is advancing dryfilm preservation through the development of controlled-release technologies, centred on its proprietary TIME *( Technology for Innovative MicroEncapsulation) platform. This technology significantly reduces the leach rate of critical dry-film preservatives, thereby improving formulation compatibility and performance in paint systems.
A notable innovation within this portfolio is Polyphase * 862CR,
Figure 3- Controlled release reduces the bioavailability of algaecide
which features a synergistic microencapsulated combination of Isoproturon and Terbutryn. This algaecidal system serves as a building block designed to offer performance advantages and regulatory compliance, as compared to other algaecides now facing restrictions. Complementing this is microencapsulated IPBC, which provides robust fungicidal activity.
TIME technology delivers biocidal products that offer high leach resistance( Figure 2) without compromising efficacy. These controlled-release biocides maintain their effectiveness over extended periods by minimising leaching losses caused by environmental moisture( e. g., rain, dew, humidity), typically reducing such losses by a factor of two to four. Additionally, the encapsulation mitigates degradation from chemical interactions and UV exposure.
By retaining biocides within the coating matrix at optimal, minimal concentrations, TIME technology enables a reduction in the overall biocide load while preserving performance. Figure 3 shows the environmental benefits of controlledrelease systems, specifically the reduced bioavailability of active substances. In particular it highlights the reduced bioavailability of the controlled-release algaecide against the Salvia plant, where plants watered with encapsulated algaecide showed significantly improved viability compared to plants watered with the same concentration of free
Note: Left – water-only; centre – watered with controlled-release algaecide; right – watered with free algaecide active. This reduction in footprint to microenvironments can be a sizeable advantage in time and with broad adoption of this paints and coatings technology.
Outlook
In an era where industrial performance and public health are increasingly intertwined, the importance of effective material preservation cannot be overestimated.
As microbial resistance continues to challenge traditional approaches, the paints and coatings industry must embrace innovation, not only to reduce operational costs and environmental impact but also to safeguard consumers from exposure to harmful microbes. By investing in advanced technologies and sustainable formulation strategies, we can build a future where durability, safety and sustainability go hand in hand.
These are exciting times in the paints and coatings space. Just over the horizon are some exciting innovations that will form the next generation of protection. With lower active levels and an array of new materials that augment performance in ways we had not imagined not too many years ago, preservation is getting smarter. ●
*- Polyboost, TIME and Polyphase are all registered trademarks of Arxada
J j
Geoffrey Clay
DIRECTOR MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS- GLOBAL
ARXADA geoff. clay @ arxada. com www. arxada. com
20 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981