This company, a commercial unit of Ashland Inc., plans to introduce Strodex FT-68, a low-VOC surfactant for waterborne architectural coatings, at ChinaCoat 2014. The additive reportedly does not include alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO) and can significantly reduce VOCs. It can allow coatings producers to lower or eliminate the glycol content in their formulations, thus making the paint more environmentally friendly.

“Strodex FT-68 is an ideal product for the coating manufacturers,” said Jeff Gu, application manager for Coatings Specialties. “Strodex FT-68 outperforms the surfactants tested on improving the freeze/thaw stability of the paints, and can help lower the VOC level by replacing part of anti-freezing agent. It’s truly the green solution for freeze/thaw stability of paints.”