New developments in catalysis

Environmental, safety and health concerns are major driving forces for the development of new coating systems, which in turn require catalysts with a different performance profile. One critical area for the development of new catalysts is the replacement of organotin compounds in polyurethanes with environmentally friendly catalysts, such as bismuth, aluminum and zirconium chelates. For applications in epoxies new catalysts for the epoxy-carboxyl reaction are also being developed. To gain the needed improved performance multiple cure mechanisms are being employed in coatings requiring dual action catalysts.