Paints and Inks Solutions

MIDLAND, MICHIGAN, USA: Dow Corning Corporation, an innovative leader in the development of fluorosilicone technology for coatings and other industries, will present Advances in Anti-Fingerprint Coatings at the European Coatings Congress at 5 p.m., March 30.

The presentation, based on work by Dow Corning and Daikin Industries, Ltd., will focus on recent advances in the hybridization of perfluoropolyether polymers modified with organofunctional silanes. During their research, Dow Corning and Daikin found creating an anti-fouling surface has many advantages, including a reduced need for cleaning, better aesthetics, and improved safety.

“This advanced coating technology can be used on many common substrates such as glass, metal, and common plastics,” said Steven R. Block of Dow Corning’s Fluorine Business Program. “This high-performing material achieves sustainability through cost-effectiveness for its intended applications. Its extended service life adds to its uniqueness over competing technologies.”

Advances in Anti-Fingerprint Coatings is from a report jointly developed by contributors from Dow Corning and Daikin Industries. Block will present findings, including how the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties obtained with polymeric coatings containing fluorine and silicon offer good roll-off properties and very high water and oil contact angles. He will also discuss the weather resistance and durability that are achieved by including alkoxy silane-reactive components in the patented polymer composition.

The European Coatings Congress will take place in conjunction with the European Coatings Show from March 30-April 2, 2009, in Nuremberg, Germany. The event showcases the industry’s high-grade coatings, paints, sealants, construction chemicals, and adhesives.

About the presenter
Steven Block is the commercial development manager for Dow Corning’s Fluorine Business Program. His responsibilities are to lead, manage, and direct global sales of new products, applications, and services involving fluorosilicone technologies for the Coatings, Textiles, Construction, Electronics, and Automotive Industries. During Block’s 24 years with the company, he has held positions in Strategic Business Development, Technology Management, Product Development, Application Engineering, and Technical Service. He earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla and an M.S. in engineering management from Wichita State University in Kansas.

Dow Corning’s fluorosilicone technology platform is an important development that offers innovation and sustainability, enabling improved surface performance. Active in the coatings and plastics industries, Dow Corning offers a wide and growing range of silicon-based product and service solutions. With its patented versatile fluorosilicone technologies, the company is developing new and improved materials for driving customer growth in existing and new markets with high-value, differentiated products. This technology platform can provide distinct competitive advantages and offer an option for replacing regulated fluorine-based products. For more information about Dow Corning’s silicone-fluorine coatings, contact Block at steve.block@dowcorning.com.

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For editorial assistance, contact Hilary Maxfield, AGP & Associates,
+1 989 839 5800, hilary@agp-inc.com.

About Dow Corning
Dow Corning (dowcorning.com) provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology, and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services through the Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the United States.