2020 annual and sustainable performance report

Focus 2

Resins and coating additives

A unique product range

From decorative paints to industrial coatings for metal, wood, plastic and concrete, Arkema’s range of coating products is as vast as there are surfaces to coat, whether to improve shine, protect them from damage or provide specific functions. With its Coating Solutions made from acrylic, the main resin used for paints, inks and coatings thanks to its high performance qualities, Arkema is one of the global market leaders in materials for paint and coating manufacturers. We are continually evolving to help them meet new standards in sustainability, application performance, innovation, energy savings and industrial efficiency.

Proven know-how

in the four main technologies helping to significantly reduce VOCs¹

Arkema is one of the few companies to have invested simultaneously in all four current coating technologies, for which it has world-renowned solutions:

Waterborne resins, with flagship products such as the Synaqua® range, with a high level of bio-based materials, for lacquer or interior paint applications; the Encor® range for lasting protection of concrete roofs and internal and external walls; and Kynar Aquatec® emulsion for cool roofing applications (see p. 26).

High-solid resins (up to 90%), which if diluted on application improve energy efficiency during transportation and offer better industrial efficiency while also meeting regulatory requirements (bio-based content and formulations without classified compounds). Intended for various industrial coating applications, this offering is based on the Synolac^®, Synocure^®, Gelkyd^® and Unithane^® ranges.

Photocurable resins (100% solid), in which Arkema has long-standing and recognized expertise thanks to its subsidiary Sartomer, joint world market leader. These resins harden instantly under the effect of UV light and have a solvent-free formulation. They offer tailor-made high-level performance for metal, paper, industrial wood (furniture, flooring) coating application

Powder resins (100% solid), such as ranges of bio-based Rilsan^® polyamide 11 solutions for internal coating of water pipes and carrying industrial fluids (thermoplastic resins); or Reafree^® polyester resins with a low curing temperature (thermosettable resins) for various architectural and industrial metal and wood coating applications.

1. Volatile Organic Compounds

Specialty Additives:

small quantities, high added value

Added to formulations in small quantities, additives allow manufacturers to adjust the behavior and properties of their paints and coatings . Under the trademarks Coapur^TM, Coadis^TM, Ecodis^TM, Rheotech^TM , Viscoatex^TM, Thixo^TM, CrayVallac® and Orgasol^®, Arkema presents cutting-edge expertise in this area, offering a strong fit with its resins: rheology additives, which act on the flow and leveling of resins, along with dispersants for pigments and mineral fillers, texturing, matting, anti-abrasion, leveling, sanding agents etc., able to meet increasing performance requirements and a wide range of specifications. Furthermore, thanks to the acquisition of Lambson in 2019, Sartomer has strengthened its position as a key player in UV technology, also offering a wide range of photo-initiators and the associated expertise. These additives turn light into energy for hardening UV resins formulated by our customers.