Breakthrough technology from Nuplex

Until now, formulators and applicators have always had to carefully strike a balance between dry time and pot life in 2k coating systems. Acure, the latest launch from Nuplex, decouples this adverse relationship.

When used in OEM coating applications Acure has the potential to reduce both manufacturing times and energy costs. When used in field-applied coatings, Acure is expected to significantly reduce return to service times.

Nuplex’s CEO Emery Severin said Nuplex scientists started working on the technology in 2007 and have developed a system that has potential to be used in a wide range of industrial coatings markets.

"Acure is built on Michael Addition chemistry, which up until now has been too reactive to be manageable in a coating context. Developed to precisely control this reaction, the Acure system delivers very fast dry times, extremely long pot life and low temperature cure.

"We’ve introduced the Acure system to a number of customers and received very positive feedback. We anticipate the system will be a breakthrough for Nuplex and the manufacturers that use it,” said Severin.

Acure is being introduced immediately in Europe and America, then in Asia and ANZ towards the end of 2015.

Manufacturers that use coatings with Acure will benefit from faster return to service times, lower energy costs, longer painting seasons and reduced paint waste.

Acure also offers increased comfort for workers applying coatings that use the Acure technology because it is low VOC and is isocyanate free. This is good news for applicators and the environment.

In addition to working conditions and environmental benefits, Acure is currently being trialled in a number of market segments including agriculture and construction equipment and protective coating markets.

Nuplex has long been dedicated to creating innovative solutions for the coatings industry.

"Acure is the result of Nuplex’s global investment in research and development. The system was invented in Nuplex’s Innovation Centre in The Netherlands and refined in R&D laboratories in Europe and the US,” says Severin.

The technology was unanimously awarded the ‘Best Paper Award’ at last month’s ECS Congress.

Nuplex employs more than 1700 staff globally and currently operates 16 manufacturing sites in 12 countries and is New Zealand’s oldest listed company.