Merck enters into agreement with durXtreme for its polysilazane-based coatings

Merck has announced a co-operation agreement with durXtreme GmbH of Ulm, Germany. Effective immediately, the coatings specialist will take over Merck’s European business with polysilazane-based coating formulations marketed under the tutoProm brand.

The tutoProm product range was added to the Merck portfolio through the acquisition of AZ Electronic Materials and has been marketed by durXtreme since 2014. According to the co-operation agreement, durXtreme is receiving an exclusive five-year license covering manufacturing, commercialisation and brand usage rights for the polysilazane-containing Merck products tutoProm bright, tutoProm matte HD, CAG 37, and CL 1068 in Europe. DurXtreme is an established formulation expert and specialist in customisd polysilazane-based high-performance coatings and their applications. "We are delighted to have found a highly qualified partner for our customers and are certain that durXtreme will expand the business further,” said Michael Weiden, Head of Functional Materials within the Performance Materials business sector of Merck. "Going forward, we at Merck will focus on our core competencies in material production and not on coating manufacturing.”

At the same time, the commercialisation of the polysilazane binder Durazane will be transferred back to Merck. Durazane products are employed to produce high performance coatings for surface protection and have also been marketed by durXtreme since 2014.

TutoProm is a transparent coating system that allows for an ultra-thin, glass-like finish and lasting soiling protection to smooth, non-suction surfaces. It is applied in the interiors and on the exteriors of public transport for graffiti protection and is also used to protect building facades, ship hulls, classic cars and artworks in public spaces from negative environmental influences. TutoProm ideally complements the durXtreme portfolio, which offers a broad range of products specifically developed for ultra-thin yet highly durable surface coatings in industrial applications. According to the co-operation agreement covering tutoProm, durXtreme GmbH will also receive access to manufacturing know-how and take over the existing customer base of Merck for polysilazane-containing finished formulations. Matthias F Koseck, Managing Director of DurXtreme, said: "With our knowledge and our practical experience, we are in a position to continue to provide Merck customers with the best service and support for all our products.”