AkzoNobel, Wuxi El Pont Exploring Electron Beam Use for Curing Coatings
The partnership between the two companies will explore electron beam usage as an alternative for curing coatings.
Dr. Kaj van Alem, commercial director of AkzoNobel Industrial Coatings in Asia (left), and Dr. Yuwei Zhang, general manager of El Pont (right), pictured together with colleagues at the official signing of the strategic partnership agreement in the city of Wuxi, China. Photo Credit: AkzoNobel
Electron beams are being explored as a potential alternative for curing coatings via a partnership between AkzoNobel and China’s Wuxi El Pont Radiation Technology Co. AkzoNobel’s Coil and Extrusion Coatings business has signed a strategic agreement with the hi-tech specialists to develop a process that uses electron beams to cure coatings on metal substrates.
E-beam technology is a fast-growing scientific field and could offer advantages over conventional thermal curing methods, such as lower energy consumption, increased productivity with higher quality and reduced environmental impact. The process itself cures coatings by using a directed stream of electrons to deliver the energy required to form the final film.
“We’re extremely excited about the possibilities of E-beam technology and the benefits this partnership could bring,” says Jim Kavanagh, director of AkzoNobel’s Industrial Coatings business. “By working together with Wuxi El Pont, we’ll be able to leverage their expertise and experience of electron accelerators and beam devices, and innovate sustainable solutions together.”
Wuxi El Pont is a player in the high-energy radiation accelerator market. The company has a strong presence in China and offers advanced solutions for radiation sterilization and material processing applications. The E-beam technology it uses is electrically generated and does not rely on radioisotopes, which means no radioactive waste or toxic compounds are involved.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony held in Wuxi, China, which was attended by representatives from both companies, as well as local government officials.
“As a company, we’re fully focused on innovating with, and for, customers, and continue to play a progressive role in energizing entire industries to advance toward a more sustainable future,” Kavanagh says. “We’re therefore looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership, which could potentially help to advance innovation and sustainability throughout the coatings sector.”
