Why protective coatings matter

Nick Crowther, Business Development Manager for the International Paint business unit of AkzoNobel in the Middle East, explains the importance of protective coatings for the infrastructure industry.

“Research and development is vital when it comes to making sure we meet customer demand and stay ahead of the competition with the products we offer”
-Nick Crowther

INFRA. What applications within the infrastructure sector are your products used for?
Nick Crowther. International Paint supplies a wide variety of high performance coatings for many applications in both the new construction and maintenance markets. We have supplied to airport projects ranging from Beijing International and London Heathrow to New York JFK and Changi Airport Singapore where our coatings have been used to provide long lasting corrosion and fire protection. Our experience in new construction and maintenance and repair for protecting bridges is also hard to beat. Take a look at our track record and you’ll find one of the world’s most iconic structures – the Sydney Harbour Bridge, recently refurbished with our coatings. We have also worked on some of the world’s biggest sporting events. We have a particularly strong history of supplying to major sporting events including the Olympic Games in Beijing, Sydney and Athens.
 
INFRA. Does the infrastructure sector place any specific demands on protective coatings?
NC. When specifying coatings for the infrastructure market a large emphasis is placed on aesthetics as well as corrosion protection. The client wants their assets to look as good as possible for as long as possible. Failing to protect an asset from the environment regarding corrosion or UV degradation can be costly, both financially and for the client’s image. Early specification consideration can be critical when designing structures for corrosion and fire protection, and also for lifetime cosmetics and maintenance.

INFRA. How do your products address these challenges?
NC. International Paint has a unique range of products to offer solutions to these requirements. Our patented Interfine 979 arcylic polysiloxane forms part of our premium range of finish coats that have been developed utilising the latest in polysiloxane technology. When applied over a suitable primer, Interfine 979 can provide the same level of anti-corrosive performance displayed by some traditional three coat systems. Not only does this offer the customer the security that their assets are protected to the highest standards but it can also offer the applicator benefits on new construction by minimising application costs. This technology also offers excellent short, medium and long-term gloss and colour retention, lifetime flexibility and outstanding abrasion and impact resistance.

Owners, architects and designers may also require a coating system that offers protection against fires while remaining aesthetically pleasing. Used on structures such as airports, office buildings, hotels, conference centres and power stations our Interchar range offers protection against cellulosic fires and is designed to keep steel below critical core temperature for longer. Applied as a thin layer it does not compromise intricate designs and shapes created from the structural steel and can be easily over coated with a wide range of coloured finishes allowing for the full design features to be fully exhibited.

INFRA. R&D is a big part of your operations. What are your current areas of focus in terms of new product development?
NC. Research and development is vital when it comes to making sure we meet customer demand and stay ahead of the competition with the products we offer. Our chemists look for ways to assemble new materials that will uniquely fit our customers’ needs while limiting their effect on the environment. This means bringing products to the market that offer increased asset protection and aesthetics whilst exceeding environmental requirement such as LEED and BREEAM.

INFRA. What do you see as the biggest challenge in the protective coatings industry over the next few years? And what are the biggest opportunities?
NC. The biggest challenge to the industry will be new legislation and the drive to offer products that are sympathetic to the environment. International Paint as part of our parent company AkzoNobel has been investing in development of such products for many years and hence welcomes any change in the industry for the better. Increasing demand for products that reduce the carbon footprint of our customers opens up a window to future business opportunities.