PPG (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA) has announced a collaboration with Dow (Midland, Michigan, USA) and its Sustainable Future Program, developed to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
The partnership focuses on advances in anticorrosion coating products for steel designed to deliver reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through increased energy efficiency, all while helping to lessen the high maintenance costs of steel infrastructure.
“From the skyscrapers that shape our skylines, to the bridges that connect our roads in the transportation networks, to marine vessels that transport goods and people, steel is the backbone of modern society,” says Dr. Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi, circular economy market director for Dow and global technology and sustainability director for Dow’s Olympic and sports solutions business.
“As a leading materials science company, we can provide solutions that help extend the lifespan of infrastructure and reduce the environmental impact of steel manufacturing and maintenance over the long term,” she adds. “Together with PPG, we are providing paint and coating formulators with the ability to offer architects and property developers a next-generation steel coating solution that encourages partners across the value chain to adopt technologies with a lower carbon impact.”
Based on Dow’s next-generation polysiloxane technology, PPG says its two-coat PPG PSX coatings, which have a 25-year track record of performance, require fewer coats to achieve the same level of protection from many traditional three-coat systems.
This results in less energy-intensive production and application and a corresponding reduction of GHG emissions, fulfilling the program’s goal of advancing technologies that deliver tangible sustainability benefits to society.
Compared to alternative systems, the manufacturer says these coatings offer better long-term adhesion and toughness as well as corrosion, weathering, and chemical resistance, even under aggressive exposure conditions. While other coating technologies often requires three coats—primer, intermediate layer and topcoat—these coatings are two-coat systems with a zinc primer and polysiloxane topcoat.
According to the manufacturer, polysiloxane requires fewer recoats over time compared to traditional topcoat technologies. In turn, this results in lower maintenance costs for the building owner and a lower associated environmental impact.
The manufacturer’s portfolio includes the PPG PSX 700 two-component coating; the PPG PSX One single-pack acrylic siloxane; and the PPG PSX805 epoxy siloxane with a satin sheen. Each of these patented products uses Dow’s polysiloxane resin technology.
“Through this first-of-its-kind collaboration, we are combining expertise to drive measurable change through carbon mitigation projects backed by Dow’s program,” says Christopher Welch, PPG’s global business development director for protective and marine coatings. “Together, we have the common goal of protecting steel, one of the world’s strongest building materials, while contributing to a more sustainably built environment for the future.”
Source: PPG Protective and Marine Coatings, www.ppgpmc.com.