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2 Grace Davison • 3 ICC Roof Coatings4 Cray Valley Resins • 5 Byk Chemie • 6 Movers & Shakers

NewsServVol 30 • SEPTEMBER 2008

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Peter Zuma recently celebrated 15 years of service with Servochem Natal.

Peter is the major shareholder of Msholozi Transport a BBBEE company founded some years ago with Ian and Barry as his other shareholders.

So, although Peter isn’t actually employed at Servochem anymore, he runs Msholozi Transport from the Servochem offices, and remains part of the family.

Wax additives have been used to enhance surface properties of coatings. Wax additives can have an effect on a coatings

scratch/mar resistance, slip, water repellency, anti-blocking and rheology. In addition waxes can matt surfaces, enhance gloss, give soft touch feel and give structured surfaces.

The effect of a wax is mostly determined by two parameters: Melting point and polarity. Waxes with a lower melting point tend to improve slip, whereas waxes with a higher melting point tend to give good mechanical resistance. In these cases the polarity has little effect on the properties. Polarity does however play a major role in water repellency, hydrophobicity and anti-blocking. These properties can only be achieved with waxes which are very non-polar.

Wax AdditivesWax Additives for Improved Mechanical Properties

Figure 1: Showing properties of varies wax types

BYK has introduced a revolutionary method of wax processing that allows for the creation of novel new additives. In this new process, BYK can produce “Wax Alloys” that show synergistic benefits of wax combinations.

Polyamide and polyethylene waxes have commonly been used in coatings to improve mechanical properties of coatings. They have been added as single components and in combination to achieve the desired effects. Until now, these waxes have always been available as separate preparations, either micronized or pre-dispersed.

CERAFLOUR 988 and CERAFLOUR 928 are the first of a new line of “Wax Alloys” available from BYK. These waxes display excellent mechanical properties, enhanced matting effects and easy incorporation.

CERAFLOUR 988 is an alloy of Polyamide and Polyethylene. It is most suitable for solvent-borne and UV systems. CERAFLOUR 928 has been specifically designed for water-borne systems, however it has shown good compatibility in some solvent based systems. It is an alloy of different polyethylene waxes.

Both products can also be used in low dosages (0.5%) in gloss formulations to improve scratch resistance.

CERAFLOUR 988 CERAFLOUR 928

Composition Micronized PE / Amide - wax

Micronized modified PE / PE - wax

D50 6 µm 8 µm

Melting Point 145°C 115°C

Developed for Solvent-borne based systems

Water-borne systems

Also Suitable for Solvent-free coatings Solvent-borne and solvent-free coatings

Figure 3: Showing Matting Efficiency

Figure 4: Showing improvement in scratch resistance

All Technical Data Sheets and MSDS can be found at www.byk.com under additive guide. For any further details please contact the local BYK representative.

15 years of service

10 years of service

retirement

big “0” birthdaysfor 2008

weddingsCongratulations to Michael and Claire who tied the knot on 9th of August 2008. We wish them everything of the best in the future.Congratulations to Pam

Bowater who retires at end August 2008. We would like to wish her all the best for the future.

ServochemJohannesburg

ServochemNatal

Morris Matjee - 10 August 1988

Judy Jacobs – 40 Johannes Mooka – 30Tristan Van Vuuren – 30

new staff

Yolandi van Vuren - Bookeeper Cornelia Prinsloo – Orders Dept

Figure 2 Showing improved scratch resistance

Polyethylene Wax CERAFLOUR 988 Amide Wax (1000 Cycles) (4000 Cycles) (2000 Cycles)

When we see raw material suppliers they often introduce us to new products which are either made using

Nanotechnology or use a property deriving from Nanotechnology- but what is Nanotechnology? It is the science (some people would say black art) of either synthesizing products so that they give very small (1 nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter or 1 millionth of a millimeter), very regular chemical structures, or dispersing and stabilizing “normal” materials down to this very small particle structure . Often the aim of Nanotechnology is to mimic something from nature - as even with all our science nature still seems to be better at Nanotechnology than we are.

The point of using Nano sized particles in coatings is to either introduce, or improve, properties which cannot be achieved by using normal sized materials. Examples of such property improvements are:

a) Improvements in long term exterior durability and UV resistance in Wood finish, pigmented and clear coatings by introducing

Nanobyk ™ ZNO and CEO dispersions from Byk

b) Improvement in scratch and car wash resistance by the addition of Byk Nano Silica and Alumina Dispersions into OEM and refinish coatings (Now similar technology is also being applied to wooden floor finishes)

c) Nano Silver technology – to improve hospital coating for claimed long term resistance to microbiological attack from the so called super bug MRSA

From what we hear and see these are just a few of the many potential coatings end uses for Nanotechnology

For more information on this interesting and rapidly developing technology Please contact the author or your local Servochem/Byk representative

Philip Green - Paint Technology Consultant

Raw Material PricesRaw Material Prices

This year has seen an unprecedented series of price increases of most of our major raw materials. This has been caused by

a number of factors which can be summarised as:

• Oil price – The average price of oil for 2006 was $66-00 per barrel and for 2007 we saw a slight increase to an average of $72-00 per barrel. 2008 has seen the price of oil rocket up to all time highs of just under $150-00 per barrel (an increase of over 100%), and while the price has softened to current levels of around $115-00 per barrel, the average price for 2008 is currently projected to be in the order of $119-00 per barrel, an increase of 65% over 2007. Increases of this nature cannot be absorbed by raw material manufacturers and the significant increases in the downstream petro-chemical derivatives which form the building blocks of most of the products which we sell have had to be passed on. In addition a number of manufacturers have introduced “Energy Surcharges” which relate directly to the increased costs of running their plants.

• Rand Weakness – In January 2008, the Rand was trading at 6-95 against the US Dollar and 10-21 against the Euro. Today we

have 7-83 against the Dollar and 11-50 against the Euro, a depreciation of 13% in both instances. This

devaluation of our currency cannot be absorbed and, unfortunately

has to be passed on.

• Other Raw Material Price Increases – We have seen the price of other base raw materials, eg, iron and steel, sulphur, chlorine increase significantly in 2008 which have driven up the prices of a number of the pigments which we sell.

These three factors have been the major contributors to the price increases we have seen this year, but we have also had to deal with escalating petrol and diesel prices, as well as increased wage expectations brought on by our increasing inflation rate.

Servochem, along with our major suppliers have tried to manage these price increases as best as possible, and, in a number of instances, have absorbed increases without passing them on. We assure all of our customers that should we are constantly negotiating with our suppliers to ensure that we remain as competitive as possible in our market. Should we see any improvement in this situation which results in price reductions from our suppliers, we will be sure to pass these on to you.

Common Questions What Is Nanotechnology?

Anti-corrosive Pigments

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The hazards relating to the substances used in the chemical sector has resulted in an increase in the care with which chemicals are handled. This is particularly pertinent in the light recent catastropies in our industry. Thus, all stakeholders (manufacturers, users, transporters, society, etc) have to take extra precautions when handling these substances. In deciding on the best way to handle these chemcials, it is crucial that the stakeholder is aware of the nature of chemical being handled.

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), satisfies this need. This document, inter alia, outlines the hazardous subtances contained in the chemicals being handled, as well as recommends corrective actions when users are accidently exposed to them.

A mini CD, containing the MSDS’s of all the products supplied by CRAY VALLEY South Africa (CVSA) was launched at the Coatings for Africa Trade Show that was co-hosted by SAPMA and OCCA, from the 19th to the 21st August 2008. The interactive, user friendly CD, also containing Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Technical reports, was well received by the market.

Contact your Servochem representative for your copy of the new Product Brochure and CD.

market need

Picture 1: CV staff receiving delegates at the CV stand at the show

Picture 2: CV Team at the show. L-R: Daniel Souchon, Udesh Surajballi, Denzil Mohanlal, Amal Ramessur, londiwe Mgwaba, Prega Moodley, Shaun Rassool, Jag Kalyan And Suhren Raghunanan.

Picture 3: L-R, Amal, londiwe, Jag and Daniel at the Gala prize Giving Dinner. Londiwe did CRAY VALLEY proud by receiving an award for outstanding achievement in the SAPMA Module One course.

Picture 4: CVSA Product Brochure, File, CD and Bag handed out at the show.

General Formulation Advice

IntroductionSHIELDEX® pigments are highly effective, active anti-corrosive pigments with outstanding properties compared to conventional pigments.

SHIELDEX® pigments are basic calcium ion exchanged silica based particles with a slight porosity and relatively high surface area. SHIELDEX® pigments differ greatly from other commonly used anti-corrosive pigments regarding their physical and chemical behaviour.

High EffectivenessTypical addition are about 1/3 to ½ (based on weight) compared to conventional anti-corrosive pigments. Due to the density of SHIELDEX® compared to conventional anti-corrosive pigments, replacement with SHIELDEX® should be done on a volume basis. Often, lower addition levels based on volume are sufficient for SHIELDEX® pigments as they possess a higher effectiveness due to the low density than other anti-corrosive pigments.

Pigment Volume ConcentrationDepending on the addition level of SHIELDEX®, the ratio of PVC to CPVC might be altered due to the relative high oil absorption level (ca. 60g/100g or 116ml/100ml) thus influencing the dry film properties. This is most obvious for high PVC values.

Depending on the type of binder, SHIELDEX® may improve the corrosion resistance and the toughness of the dry film, but it may also reduce its flexibility. This can be overcome by adjusting the PVC, changing the filler combination or changing the cross-link density of the resin.

Basicity of SHIELDEX®

Along with the neutralising power the basic character of SHIELDEX® may lead to viscosity (as it possible for other basic pigments) if resins with acid functional groups are used. When amino cross-linkers are used, the level of curing might be affected. Acid catalysts may loose some activity due to absorption onto the SHIELDEX® surface during storage. This phenomena can be controlled easily by suitable adjustment of the formulation. Reduction of the acidity can be achieved by neutralising with amine compounds: other means of control include the use of non-ionic blocked catalyst or by the use of surface-active dispersing agents.

FillersRegarding fillers or pigments, there are no limitations when formulating with SHIELDEX®. The combination with plate-like fillers like talk or acicular fillers like wollastonite can be advantageous.

Combination with other active pigmentsCombinations with other active anti-corrosive pigments are generally possible and may be advantageous in specific cases. For example, a combination of SHIELDEX® with zinc oxide leads to a significant improvement in alkyd resins.

SHIELDEX® 1.0 Anti-corrosive Pigments

Typical Chemical and Physical Properties

SHIELDEX®AC 5 SHIELDEX®AC 3 SHIELDEX®AC 303

Appearance white, odourless powder

Average particle size (µm) 5 3 3

pH 9 9 9

Density (g/cm3) 1.8 1.8 1.8

Oil Absorption (g/100g) 60 60 80

Calcium Content (%) 6 6 3

General Information

SHIELDEX® products are a range of highly effective, non-toxic, heavy metal free anti-corrosive ion exchange pigments.

SHIELDEX® pigments are based on calcium ion exchanged amorphous silica gel and have been developed as a replacement for toxic anti-corrosive pigments like red lead, zinc chromate or strontium chromate as well as an alternative for heavy metal containing zinc phosphate based pigments.

SHIELDEX® anti-corrosive pigments are highly effective due to their low density and high surface area. They possess neutralizing

power due to the basic character of the pigment surface and can be used in a wide variety of resin systems.

SHIELDEX®AC 5 SHIELDEX®AC 3 SHIELDEX®AC 303

Reccomended Application areas

Standard Grade: Solvent-borne primers Water-borne primers Film thickness ≥ 20µm

Thin film systems: Wash primers 2-pack systems Film thickness ≤ 10µm

Special grade for reactive primers: coil coatings powder coatings

Additional Level

Water-borne systems: 1-4 wt.-%on formulation

Solvent-borne systems: 3-7 wt.-%on formulation

Wash primers: 3-5 wt.-% on formulation

2-pack systems: 5-7 wt.-%on formulation

Coil coatings 6-9 wt.-%on formulation

Powder Coatings: 10 wt.-%on formulation

Fulfilling a market needat Coatings for Africa 2008

education about painteducation about paint

The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI) plays an important role in

creating a more informed paint consumer and assists quality paint manufacturers in their efforts to produce and promote quality paints.

“The PQI, which is a brand neutral organisation, encourages improvement of quality standards and strives to educate the market on what constitutes a quality paint to ensure consumers gets better value for money,” says Nita Jacob, spokesperson for the PQI in South Africa. “It is heartening to now see the competitive focus on performance improvements and the introduction of new, innovative products. Old products are being improved and new technologies are opening doors to fresh concepts in the paint industry.

“The PQI is determined to lift the image of the coatings industry by educating the consumer on paints and to inform the market on the benefits of using quality paints and their correct application. Improved safety standards, as well as responsible care for health and the environment are also encouraged.

“Looking forward, the PQI sees the local market continuing the already perceptible shift towards a greater emphasis on paint performance.

In a sense, the market is moving on from just being about colour. We see a definite trend towards satisfying a demand for higher performance from paint.”

The PQI urges consumers to use quality paint because it provides extra years of service, maintains an outstanding appearance and even wards off some common problems that can render a paint job unsightly in a relatively short time period. The investment in quality paint ensures long term cost savings, it means less frequent painting and also guarantees a long, lasting top quality finish.

The South African DIY market has also shifted dramatically from the old concept that the whole idea about DIY was to save money. Against a backdrop of TV make-over programmes and step-by-step magazine guides, perceptions of DIY in general, have shifted from one seen as a money saving chore, to a hugely popular leisure activity.

Involving the consumer in the selection of the paint type is well worth it, especially as there are many more new high performance paints coming onto the market.

The focus on quality is closely linked with a growing interest in new, high performance paints. As consumers tackle more different surfaces – like melamine and ceramic tiles – they understand the need for more specialist paint products.

Consumers also appreciate that with acrylic paints they have to do less touch up jobs because high quality pure acrylic paint chips less easily than cheaper alternatives. High quality acrylic paints tend to adhere well to a variety of substrates, which gives them greater resistance to paint failures. They also have better blister resistance, which means that flaking problems are less likely.

Quality paints also maintain colour better than oil and alkyd paints, especially in areas that receive direct sunlight. While all paints will eventually fade, the rate of fading is much lower with better quality paints.

The PQI has recently re-vamped its South African website (www.paintquality.co.za) to provide the local paint market with even more relevant information on the advantages of using high quality paint and the importance of its correct application.

This easy-to-navigate website offers a wealth of practical advice to both the novice and the DIY enthusiast. The educational site provides up-to-date information on what constitutes a quality paint, new paint technology, as well as the latest techniques and trends. There is also a section on the benefits of using acrylic paints. The PQI also includes helpful tips on choosing colour and decorative paint effects.

The Paint Quality Institute, which originated in the USA in 1989 and now operates successfully in over 14 countries, has also transformed the look and feel of its global logo to reflect its expanded colour and design competence, as well as its multi-national presence.

For help, advice and inspiration go to www.paintquality.co.za