Epoxy surface coatings are among
the most widely used industrial finishes,
exceeded in volume only by alkyds
and acrylics. Epoxies are often more
expensive than other coatings, but
provide superior adhesion, flexibility
and corrosion resistance when applied
to metallic substrates. Because of
their tendency to chalk or discolor
upon exposure to sunlight, epoxy
surface coatings are seldom used
for architectural purposes.
In 2006, worldwide sales of epoxy
resins for surface coatings were
valued at several billion dollars.
During the 2000s, consumption has
been flat in the United States, Western
Europe and Japan. There has been
significant growth, however, in China
and in other nonindustrialized regions
of the world.
The following pie chart shows world
consumption of epoxy surface coatings:
In the United States, use of epoxy
coatings in relatively mature markets
(e.g., marine, industrial maintenance,
transportation) will grow at a moderate
rate. Consumption in metal beverage
and food container coatings will
remain stagnant. Powder coatings
are projected to grow at rates slower
than those experienced in the 1990s.
There is concern in Europe over
leaching of bisphenol A, one of the
precursors of epoxy resins, into
the contents of cans coated with
epoxies. As a result, producers are
offering epoxies with very low levels
of leachables, and are developing
nonepoxy coatings as replacements.
However, no large-scale replacement
is imminent.
In Japan, there was a small increase
in consumption in the automotive
industry after years of decline,
but future growth should be minimal
due to Japanese automakers’ continuing
to move production offshore.
Consumption of epoxy resins for
coatings has been growing rapidly
in China. Use in powder coatings
accounts for almost half of total
consumption. China is now the leading
producer of powder coatings in the
world.
The epoxy surface coatings industry
consists of resin producers and coatings
formulators. The number of formulators
of epoxy coatings is considerable.
In general, suppliers of product
finishes (e.g., coatings for OEM
automotive, containers and coil)
tend to be large international companies
that target sales for particular
industries. Suppliers of maintenance
and powder coatings tend to be much
more numerous and local. |
