Axalta expands technology centre

Axalta Coating Systems has invested US$5M in a new pilot reactor that has begun operations to support coatings polymer research and scale-up activities at its Coatings Technology Center (CTC) in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.

The state-of-the-art reactor system is coupled with a complete process automation and control system to enable precise control of ingredient amounts and critical process conditions such as temperature and pressure.

The expansion will enhance product development capabilities and accelerate the manufacture and introduction of the next generation of polymers that offer improved performance properties to meet customer expectations. The polymers produced from the pilot reactor can be used for both traditional solvent-based and more environmentally friendly water-based coating products.

The pilot reactor allows new polymer formulations to be produced in a way that fully mimics full-scale production.