Knowledge Centre

In our Knowledge centre, you can find the articles that out Technical Sales Team have written about common topics from across our markets.

Showing "35" articles

Three bottles of white powder are spread out on a table as if comparing talc to other replacement options

13 Minute Read

What Can Replace Talc in Coatings? A Function-First Guide for Formulators

Talc replacement in coatings means finding a mineral, or a blend of minerals, that reproduces the specific functions talc performs in a formulation, such as barrier protection, rheology control, extension, matting, sanding or film reinforcement. Candidates include mica, micaceous iron oxide, hydrous and calcined kaolin, calcium carbonate, synthetic calcium silicate hydrates (tobermorite and xonotlite), wollastonite, nepheline syenite and feldspar. Each reproduces some of talc's functions well and others poorly.

5 Minute Read

Micaceous Iron Oxide | The “ore-some” Component of High Performance Protective Coatings

Micaceous Iron Oxide (MIO) is a naturally occurring iron oxide used in protective coatings due to a lamellar/platy morphology that allows it to form a barrier towards the ingress of water.

5 Minute Read

When Temperature Talks: How Thermochromic Pigments Transform Materials

Thermochromic pigments, such as Chromazone®, enable formulators to create products with dynamic and heat-sensitive, colour changes. These smart materials have found their way into various applications, from functional safety indicators to eye-catching promotional products. For example, reversible thermochromic pigments are used in novelty mugs that reveal hidden designs when filled with hot beverages, packaging that signals when food or drink is at the optimal temperature for consumption, security labels for brand protection and anti-counterfeiting, and temperature-sensitive warning indicators on surfaces or medical devices.

A painted wall showing the potential of corrosion to ruin the wall

3 Minute Read

Asconium® Liquid Corrosion Inhibtors for Anti-Corrosion Coatings

The Asconium® range of corrosion inhibitors from ASCOTEC have been designed to address the issues of conventional inhibitors.

Metal being painted onto for corrosion inhibition

2 Minute Read

Asconium® 500 - Easy to introduce water-based corrosion inhibition and adhesion promotion

The NEW Asconium® 500 from ASCOTEC can be added at any time during manufacture, even post-addition without loss of performance.

4 Minute Read

Gone in a flash – What is Flash-Rusting and how can it be prevented?

Flash-rust inhibitors from ASCOTEC can be used to prevent corrosion and flash-rusting in waterborne coatings. This article explains how they work and the benefits of them.