European Coatings

Researchers have developed a nacre-inspired composite coating for aluminium alloys that combines passive radiative cooling with strong corrosion protection. The layer-by-layer assembled system achieves a 12.7 °C temperature drop outdoors and maintains high impedance after 60 days in saline conditions.

The coatings industry stands at a pivotal moment. Around the world, manufacturers are being challenged to solve a complex equation: meet rising expectations for performance and sustainability, adapt to volatile supply chains, accelerate innovation, and support customers who are facing increasing productivity pressures. By David Bem, Senior Vice President, Science & Technolog...

Researchers combine Taguchi experimental design with regression, artificial neural networks and support vector machines to predict and optimise the hardness of electroless Ni–Fe–P coatings on copper. Metaheuristic optimisation and post-deposition annealing further increase the microhardness.

MC-Bauchemie has expanded its presence in Latin America with the foundation of MC-Bauchemie Paraguay, a joint venture with local construction chemicals partner Plastizil. The new company was officially incorporated in Asunción.

As industry leaders pursue transformational mergers and investors return to the sector, the paints and coatings market is entering a new era of consolidation. Mega-deals, strategic repositioning and renewed investor ¬appetite are reshaping the paints and coatings industry across the DACH region, while SMEs face mounting pressure to scale and consolidate. By Markus Loy, Loy &...