The first resulting product innovation is based on the pigment coating technology developed by ECKART. “This innovation will offer the worldwide electronics industry cost advantages of up to 30 percent,” says Dr. Stoll. The new pigments consist of a copper or aluminum core covered by a fine silver layer. Hence the small particles improve the conductivity of adhesives used, say, to glue together housing components of cell phones or tablets. They also ensure electromagnetic shielding in the housing’s protective coating. The new technology means a considerable cost advantage for manufacturers that have used pure silver so far. That is now no longer necessary, and so there is a keen interest in the new development around the world. “We are currently developing specific applications together with our cus- tomers,” says the chemist. “One objective is to adapt our pigments to the flow properties of their adhesives.” Reflecting Pigments The second innovation reduces energy consumption in interiors. Aluminum-based IREFLEX pigments create heat-reflecting wall paints. With them, heating costs can be reduced by 20 percent. The third innovation caters to crop pro- tection. “Here, too, we are working with a proven technology,” says Dr. Stoll. It is already used in plastics. The ingenious thing about it: synthetic pearlescent pigments reflect the warming infrared rays of the sun. Agricultural films that are refined using the new AGRO pearls remain translucent. Heat, however, does not penetrate. Thus, there is no heat buildup and the plants’ growth is not impeded. “Particularly customers in southern Europe and Asian countries ask about these pearls,” says Dr. Stoll. Continuity and Change at ALTANA 25 Dr. Mark Stoll, who holds a doctorate in chemistry, has worked at ECKART in various capacities. As Chief Technol- ogy Officer he was responsible, among other things, for developing new coating technologies for pigments. As of recently, he has begun pushing ahead ECKART’s portfolio expansion with great élan. “We adapt our products to meet the exact needs of our customers and the markets.”
E_ALT_GB15_160317_online
To see the actual publication please follow the link above