The Dow Chemical’s worldwide business unit, Dow Coating Materials (DCM), has introduced an innovative polymer technology called EVOQUE Pre-Composite Polymer Technology.
The groundbreaking technology paves the way to formulators to develop coatings and paints with less titanium dioxide (TiO2) content.
The EVOQUE enhances the light scattering and particle distribution effectiveness of TiO2, providing enhancements in hiding effectiveness and enabling formulators to use 20% less TiO2. It also improves barrier attributes, including corrosion and stain resistance. The pre-composite polymer technology expands the options available to formulators to enhance the performance of paints.
DCM’s EVOQUE technology can be used with its ROPAQUE Opaque Polymers to further decrease TiO2 content and enhance the hiding effectiveness. Reduced TiO2 usage will reduce the amount of energy utilized in mining, manufacturing and transporting it to the formulation facilities, resulting in minimum carbon emissions. DCM is carrying out a complete life cycle assessment, which will be certified by a third party, to determine the complete sustainability benefits of the pre-composite polymer technology.
Dow Chemical plans to provide its EVOQUE Pre-Composite Polymer Technology for external water-based paints by 2012. The company anticipates complete commercialization of the technology in the Q3 of 2011 with rapid expansion of the product line in 2012.