^ Top

PAINTS AND VARNISHES

INTRODUCTION

Paints are fluid finishing compositions containing colouring substances dispersed in a suitable medium (vehicle), such as drying oil, varnish or a water dispersion of glue or casein. When spread on the surface of a metal or other object as a thin film, the paint forms a solid, adhesive, protective or decorative coat. The drying mechanism varies according to the nature of the medium in which the pigment is suspended, if the medium is a drying oil or an oil-based varnish, drying is brought about by oxidation; in formulations based on resin solutions or water dispersion of proteins, dyeing takes place through the evaporation of solvent or water.

Varnishes are clear unpigmented coatings, made by dissolving a resin or the reaction products of a resin and a drying oil in a suitable solvent. Drying takes place either by evaporation of solvent or by chemical reaction.

Paint industry today is a vital part of the chemical industry and has given impetus to development of synthetic resin, pigment and solvent industries.

PROPERTIES

The paints properties can be divided in two parts to ensure the exact requirements. In fact the paint is a chemical composition and mechanical mixture, which has physical fitness to ascertain the durability of the surface.

1. Physical Properties

The physical properties can be divided in two parts to ensure the exact requirements. In fact the paint is a chemical composition and mechanical mixture, which has physical fitness to ascertain the durability of the surface.

2. Chemical Properties

The painted surface should be of washable condition. The films, which are produced by the painting, when dried well, should be of cleaning condition in case of change, the colour and other things extra.

It should be also consists the adequate the proper consistency for particular for which the paint is applied.

USE AREAS

1. Used for application to wood masonry plastics and the wallboard.

2. Enamel under coats are used on wood work and furniture to hide the surface and provide a smooth uniform foundation for the finishing coat.

3. Latex paints are suitable for application to concrete and cement floors.

4. Exteriors of houses.

5. Metal structures.

6. On halls of ships.

7. For decoration of tin surfaces.

8. Insulating wire enamels are used for insulating electrical windings.

9. On automobiles.

10. Lamp shades, paneling, interior lining of drawers etc.

B.I.S. SPECIFICATION

Paints IS : 3631-1966:-

Ready mixed paint, finishing, exterior, (i) alkyl and (ii) non alkyl for general purposes, to Indian Standard colours. (with drawn).

IS : 119-1962 :- Ready mixed paint brushing finishing semigloss, for general purposes, to Indian Standard colours.

Varnish : (General Purpose)

IS : 524-1968 :- Varnish, finishing exterior synthetic (first revision) with amendment No. 1 (Reaffirmed 1976). Prescribes method of sampling and test, composition and requirements for durability; resistance to acid, alkali and water drying time, finish, colour; scratch hardness flexibility and adhesion stripping test, fluster point volatile matter, viscosity; and keeping properties.

MARKET SURVEY

Paints and Varnishes

After independence the demand of paint suddenly increased due to the fast development in industrial and general construction activities. Due to the favorable Government policies like import restrictions number of new units came up. The industry was also some what modernized during 50’s and early 60’s and the units started producing the products which were imported till then. There was a considerable improvement in the quality of the product.

Today there are 20 units in the organized sector producing paints and varnishes. The annual installed capacity of these units is 1,80,000 tons while capacity utilization of this sector is more than 100%. But the position of the capacity utilization is small scale sector is a bit worse.

Exports:

In recent years export has been increased during the year 1995-1996. Major countries exported are Nepal, Thailand, Iran, Bangladesh, U.S.S.R., Singapore, U.S.A., Other Middle East Countries and some of the African Countries, etc.

Future of Industry :

It is estimated that the demand for various paints and surface coating will increase tremendously in the next few years depending on the growth rate envisaged in the industries. Assuming that 50% of the production is contributed by small sector there is good scope for creation of additional capacity to the extent of 1,10,000 tons in small scale sector.

PAINTS INDUSTRY

INTRODUCTION

Terminology some times is confusing. “Paint” usually refers to materials applied primarily for their decorative effect and any protection received is of secondary importance. The term coating or “protective coating” on the other hand generally is received for use when protecting is the primary consideration.

The alkyd resins form the largest groups of synthetic resins available to the paint industry. These resins are employed in striving enamels quick drying paints, staving coatings in conjunction with amino resins, marine paints etc.

Among the resins used, it has been found that 90% of alkyd produced are handled in one of these ways to produce some type of paints varnishes, or lacquer for industrial and home consumption.

PROPERTIES

The physical property in the paint has very importance to ensure its colour, which should not fade, and to be discoloured in any case, which is a creditable property. It should be empowered to resist heat, water and the other atmospheric conditions. The paint should protect the surface from the above mentioned effects. Its main property should be of high hiding power ensuring the colour durability.

The painted surfaces should be of washable condition. The films which are produced by the painting, when dried when dried well should be of cleaning condition in case of change, the colour and other things extra. The very important property in the paint in “GLOSS” which is the very must is in paint manufacturing.

MARKET SURVEY

Paint has really a derived demand, which the paint manufacturer has to respond to according to the requirements of each of their customers, be they for decorative paints or industrial paints. 80% of paints consumed in India is decorative, whereas only 20% goes for industrial uses.

Paints consumption is also influenced by the fact that they prevent the assets from corrosion.

The Indian paints industry is comprised of three sectors: Tiny, Small Scale, and Organized.

The export market for Indian paints is limited, exports have increase (in value terms) from 19 million in 1980-81 to $ 28 million in 1983-84. In volume, the exports of paints and varnishes have increased from 7090 tonnes in 1970-71 to an estimated 25,100 tonnes in 1999-2000 the average growth rate being 4.2% per annum, which accounts for 1/10^th of the total production. Of the total exports, over 60% go to USSR consisting of synthetic enamel, white and insulting varnishes and wire enamels. During the period 1996-97 to 1998-99 exports of these two items constituted around 90% of Indian paint exports to the Soviet Union.

The domestic consumption of paints and varnishes increased at an annual rate of 4.9% during 1990-91 to 1999-2000-from 3.17 lakh tonnes to an estimated 5.29 lakh tonnes. At this rate, the domestic demand is estimated to increase to 6.90 lakh tonnes by 1999-2000. Again going by the per capital consumption basis, at present only around 0.3 Kg (against 25 Kg in USA, 21 Kg. in FRG, 19 Kg in Sweden, 16 Kg in France and 15 Kg in U.K.) the domestic demand level in 1999-2000 works out to 6.41 lakh tonnes for a population size of 903 million even assuming no further rise in the per capita paint consumption level.

The export market growth rate during the past 14 years is 4.2% per annum and, at this rate, the projected export demand would be around 26,000 tonnes for 1999-2000. Thus the total demand for domestic consumption plus exports works out in the range of 3.00-3.80 lakh tonnes. Since paints and varnishes produced by the SSI units and the organized sector are of different qualities.

Lime Colours and Dry Distemper

Lime Colours

Various coloured pigments used to tint the ordinary wash are known as lime colours. The base taken in their manufacture is either lime or gypsum. The following pigments are added for getting various lime colours.

1. Blue pigment

2. Red pigments

3. Yellow pigments

4. Green pigments

5. Black pigments

Formulation of Blue Lime Colour

(a) Ultramarine blue 50 Kg.

(b) Gypsum 50 Kg.

Total 100 Kg.

Dry Distempers

Dry distemper is a powdered mixture of pigment and binder which when dispersed in water gives the required water paint.

Distempers have replaced white wash and calcimine, this is mainly due to the superior retention power, durability and light fastness on exposures to exterior conditions throughout the year. There is no possibility of cloths being spoiled when distempers and used whereas lime colours give their effect on clothes when they come in contact.

Formulation for Dry Distemper

General Dry Distemper:

For other colour distempers different pigments are used in the same proportion. The pigments are the same as mentioned in lime colour.

LITHOPONE

INTRODUCTION

Lithopone (or Lithopone) is a mixed white opaque pigment-composition widely used in paint industry. It comprises of approximately equi-molar parts of barium Sulphate (Ba SO4) and Zinc sulphide (Zns) obtained by co-precipitation from their solutions.

Lithopone is a white pigment, which possesses a high degree of opacity, and a pure white colour and which can be manufactured at a price comparing very favourably with the white pigments. This was first introduced in 1974 by J.B. or as “Orr’s Zinc white”, and has been known by a variety of names, of which Lithopone is that almost invariably used in modern practice.

PROPERTIES

Lithopone is a member of the zinc group of white opaque pigments, important due to their predominant white colour, which is needed for producing many lints and light-lies. The properties of Lithopone can be related to its content of zinc sulphide, which is brilliant white powder. Lithopone has fairly good hiding power, about 20-25% of that of titanium dioxide pigment. It can hide about 24 Sq. ft. pound as compared with 15 for white lead and 22 for zinc oxide. The reducing power is 250. It is chemically inert and has excellent resistance to alkaline environments. In paints, Lithopone has the ability to impart a lightness and abrasion resistance that is not always obtainable with other white pigmentation. It is insoluble in water, varnish, oils, alcohol, and paraffins. It is easily wetted by most vehicles. It is stable, free from lap marks, and is satisfactory hinding power, fineness, soft texture, good colour, satisfactory hinding power, whitening effect, chemical inertness, cheapness, makes its use as white pigment and filler, versatile and superior to other LRI pigments.

The best qualities of Lithopone are a pure white colour, but lower grades have a decided yellowish cast, due to traces of iron, cadmium, or other metals. Lithopone differs in texture from zinc oxide, illustrating the characteristic difference between a volatilized and a calcined product. The great bulk of the particles are under 10 microns, but it normally shows a residue of about 0.25 percent on a 300-mesh screen.

On exposure to air Lithopone is prone to oxidation, forming polysulphies, and eventually soluble zinc sulphate. For that reason it is notoriously unsuitable for the preparation of paints for exterior use, which disintegrate rapidly owing to the combined effect of sulphonation of the oil and conversion of the Lithopone to soluble salts. It is used largely, however, for paints for interior use, and particularly for the preparation of water paints. It is also largely used in the manufacture of linoleum, as a rubber pigment, and for many other purposes.

USES

Important uses in various other fields e.g. linoleum manufacture, ink industry, rubber and plastics as whitening agent and filler, wall paper coatings, highly filled pressed layers of paper that are to be covered with colkorus or patterns, paper manufacture, a more recent use in automotive coatings, electro-deposition coatings and photoconductive systems, artists, colour coating compounds and putties, chalk and crayons coated fabrics, oil cloth, shoes polishes and leather finishes.

B.I.S. SPECIFICATION

IS – 37 : (1976) – Lithopone

MARKET POTENTIAL

The demands for paints is increasing rapidly with the expansion of building and industrial activity in the country. The Government has banned imports of paints, which has also caused a rise in the demands of indigenous paints. In a similar way, other industries using Lithopone has also registered sharp increase.

With the increasing demand of paints, varnishes and other Lithopone consuming industries, the demand for Lithopone has already increased and will continue to increase further.

Various state Government like Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan are encouraging manufacture of Lithopone on a small scale at a nominal investment of 10-20 lakhs industrial possibility of Lithopone and barium chemicals in Rajasthan has been assessed to be 3000 tons per year Andhra Pradesh Govt. has recommends manufacture of barium chemicals to the tune of 1350 tons per year.

So a new entrepreneur can well venture in this field by installing a unit of Lithopone to satisfy the present and future demand of the people.

DRY DISTEMPER AND CEMENT PLANT

INTRODUCTION

Distempers as a class belong to water paints. Dry distemper is a powder mixture of pigment and binder watcher when dispersed in water gives the required water paint.

Distempers are manufactured in a wide range of bright colours and find extensive use as wall coatings on cemented surfaces just like white wash. Recently, distempers have replaced white wash and calcimine. This is mainly due to the superior retention power, durability and light fastness one exposure to exterior conditions throughout the year. Calcimine is a distemper in which animal glue or dextrin is used as non-volatile vehicle and whiting as the principal pigment. It is sold in the form of dry powder to be mixed water by the painter and is intended primarily for the decoration of plastered interior walls.

USES AND APPLICATIONS

Dry Distempers are used for coating on walls of building initially white wash of lime was used for this purpose. Distemper being more effective and durable as well as good looking is preferred to lime.

PROPERTIES

Dry distemper is covered under oil free distempers which is a soft distemper or ceiling white is a dispersion of whiting in glue solution in the following proportions by weight:

In additions, 0.1 percent of preservative such as parachloro-meta-cresol and a trace of nitrobenzene are added. Ceiling-white is supplied in paste form and is thinned to a creamy consistency before use. The film remains water-soluble but resists dry rubbing. Oil-free “washable” distempers are supplied in both powder and paste form. The powder from consists whiting and lime together with borax or trisodium phosphate. It is mixed with water before use when the case in is solubilized by the alkali and forms the binder. In the paste form the case in solution in borax and the paste is simply thinned before use. In the dry form, the case is generally becomes insoluble. These distempers have found some use in factory painting.

The cement paint has some remarkable properties, which classify the cement paint from to other water base paints. The most important of which is that it forms a their hard layer on the surface. This layer is heat reistive, water reistive to atmosphere changing conditions. Which the distemper is not so much protective moreover the cement paint is equally durable to that is distemper and other water paints. It does not leave the process wall due to moisture and other atmospheric conditions. One more characteristic property of cement paints is that it can be easily applied to the fresh damp wall without any difficulty. It gives a good appearance to the wall or surface when it is wet.

B.I.S. SPECIFICATION

IS : 427-1965 for Distemper, dry, colour as required.

IS : 5410-1969 fir cement paint, colour as required.

MARKET SURVEY

The Indian Paint Industry today presents a considerably diversified picture. Production is being made in tiny sector, small sector and the large scale sector. The tiny sector operates within the four walls of a couple of rooms. While the small scale sector operates comparatively in a much better and bigger way, there by forming an important segment of the paint industry. Paint items like dry distemper, red oxide, aluminium paints according to ISI specification, wagon black, graphite paints and pastes have been reserved for exclusive development in the small scale sector. As per the census of small scale industries in 1992, there were about 2687 S.S.I. units in this sector, which at present is estimated data of this sector, which at present is estimated to be above 3600 numbers. Exact production data of this sector is hardly available whereas the installed capacity of this sector is roughly estimated at about 33.25 lakh Metric Tonnes by the year 1999-2000.

FUTURE DEMAND ESTIMATION

As mentioned earlier, paints industry is also one which projects a considerable predominance by the small scale sector. Thus, it can be assumed that in future, S.S.I. sector may even outstrip the D.G.T.D. Sector. Past growth rate had been 3.2 percent and 7.6 percent for D.G.T.D. and S.S.I. sectors respectively. While forecasting future demand the growth rate of various consumers of paint is to be considered. Thus after considering the growth rate of automobile industry, construction and housing sector, it is assumed that future demand for paints inclusive of export demand (both from D.G.T.D. and S.S.I. sector) may grow at about 7 percent per annum.

EMULSION PAINTS (WATER BASED ROAD MARKING AND AERODROME RUNWAYS)

INTRODUCTION

1. Water thinnable paints constitute a wide variety of paints categorized according to their application and uses. Cement paints, are one of the largest types falling under the category of water thinnable paints.

2. Cement paints find ready application in covering the exteriors of the buildings, with the purpose of protecting them from weather snag. Thus it is only natural to expect that the cement paints find a liberal application in countries under the influence of tropical climate.

3. Cement paint is basically a homogeneous mixture containing white cement and alkali-resistant white or coloured pigments. The homogeneity of the mixture is ensured through grinding of the ingredients in a ball mill.

4. Water is to be added to the homogeneous mixture in a predetermined proportion, before the application.

PROPERTIES

1. It should be stable to-wards alkali or acid.

2. It should be non toxic.

3. It should be smooth enough.

EFFECT OF MONOMER COMPOSITION

Commercially available types ether vinyl acetate or styrene. Because both vinyl acetate and styrene are classified as monomers with a hardening effect, the resultant polymer for an end use application generally has to be flexibilized either by external plasticization with phthalate or phosphate esters, or by internal plasticization by copolymerizing with a suitable flexibilizing monomer.

Based on Vinyl Acetate

(a) vinyl acetate homopolymers usually externally plasticized with dibutyl phthalate.

(b) Vinyl acetate; Maleate/Funarate copolymers where the flexibilizing comonomer is dibutyl or dioctyl maleate or dibutyl of dioctyl fumerate.

(c) Vinyl acetate: acrylate copolymers where the flexibilizing comonomer in dibutyl acrylate or 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

(d) Vinyl acetate: ethylene copolymers as such or as texpolymers with vinyl chloride.

Based on Styrene

(a) Styrene homopolymers usually extrally plasticized with phthalate or phosphate ester.

(b) Styrene: Butadiene copolymers

(c) Styrene: acrylate copolymers where the flexibilizing comonomers is dibutyl acrylate 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

USES

(1) The use of paints for surface protective coating.

(2) It may be used as decorative agent.

(3) It is used as a marking agent.

B.I.S. SPECIFICATION

For Ready Mixed Paint for Road Marking

IS : 164-1981

1. Scope

1.1 This standard prescribes requirements and methods of sampling and test for ready paint for road marketing to Indian Standard colour (ISC) No. 356 Golden Yellow, and white and black. The material is used for marking roads, and highways and in airports for traffic control. The material is also known as traffic paint.

1.2 White and yellow materials are used for traffic control and black material is used for painting kerb stones and traffic islands.

2. Terminology

2.1 For the purpose of this standard, the definitions given under 2 of IS: 101-1964 and IS: 1303-1963 shall apply.

3. Packing and Marking

3.1 Packing – Unless otherwise agreed to between the purchaser and the supplier, the paint shall be packed in metal containers conforming to IS: 1407-1968 or IS: 2552-1979.

3.2 Marking – Each container shall be marked with the following.

(a) Name, grade, mass in kg/10 litres, thinner used and flash point of the material.

(b) Name of the manufacturer and/or his recognized trademark, if any;

(c) Volume of the material;

(d) Batch No. or lot no. in code or otherwise; and

(e) Month and year of manufacture.

3.2.1 The containers may also be marked with the ISI certification mark.

Note : The use of the ISI Certification Mark is governed by the provisions of the Indian Standard Institution (Certification Marks) Act and the rules and Regulations made there under. The ISI Mark on products covered by and Indian standard conveys the assurance that they have been produced to comply with requirements of that standard under a welldefined system of inspection testing quality control, which is devised and supervised by ISI and operated by the produced. ISI marked products are also continuously checked by ISI and operated by the producer. ISI marked products are also continuously checked by the ISI for conformity to that standard as a further safeguard. Details of conditions under which a licence for the use of ISI Certification Mark may be granted to manufacturers or processors, may be obtained from the Indian Standards Institution.

3.3 The containers, excluding those containing water based material, shall also be marked ‘Highly Flammable Liquid’ in red letter (either printed on the label affixed to the container or lithographed or stenciled there on with indelible ink) in a type size of not less than 50. In addition, all containers for storage and transport shall comply with the requirements of latest issue of Red Tafiff and requirements as laid down from time to time by the Chief Inspectorate or Explosive, Government of India, for packing, storage and transit of flammable liquids and the Board of Trade Regulations as applicable thereon for transport by steamers.

4.Sampling

4.1 Representative samples of the material shall be drawn as IS: 101-1964.

4.2 Criteria for conformity – A lot shall be declared as conforming to the requirements of this standard if the test results of the composite sample satisfy the requirements.

5. Test Methods

5.1 Quality of Reagents – Unless specified otherwise, pure chemicals and distilled water (see IS: 1070-1977) shall be employed in testing.

Note :- Pure Chemicals’ shall mean chemicals that do not contain impurities which affect the results of analysis.

5.2 For matching against Indian Standard Colours, IS: 5-1978 shall be used.

MARKET PAINTS

Paints has really a derived demand which the paint manufacturer has to respond to according to the requirements of each of their customer, be they for decorative paints or industrial paints. So far, in India, use of paints has been very low. The figures given is 300 gms. per capita as against 20-25 kgs consumed in many of the developed countries. Not only that, but 80% of paints consumed in India for decorative whereas only 20% goes for industrial uses.

The industrial use of paints will improve much more rapidly once the factors mentioned earlier come into being. The result of this should be a higher and faster rate of growth of consumption of paint for the industrial sector.

Paints have a very important role to play in terms of corrosion prevention. If this aspect is understood by various industrialists and others who maintain assists of various kinds. The growth of industries should be faster that what it has been in past, and for the growth of any industry, it is vital that it remains technologically upto date and keeps on improving the quality of its products.

This is specially so in respect to those customers who will enter the export market. They must have a finish of the product, which is comparable with the best in the world. Competition requires to be cost effective in anything and especially in the export cost will become very relevant.

The paints produced here will have to be of the quality and specifications to meet the requirements of the processes, which the manufacturers of industrial goods may be using. As an example, when we brought in the electrocoat paint system for our vehicles which is very close to the dip system it led to one of the paint manufacturers to upgrade his technology so that he can give us the right quality of paint which would meet not only the production needs but also the rate of production and the hot-spray testing according to ISI specification. Thus it becomes an important aspect of paint marketing people to kept abreast of the technological charges, which the customers may be bringing about. Therefore, the paint manufacturers will have to keep themselves abreast with the changes in the technologies in the world markets.

INSULATING VARNISH

(AIR DRYING TYPE)

INTRODUCTION

A varnish may be defined as a solution or dispersion of a film forming material, usually organic in a suitable liquid which when applied to a solid surface in thin layers, produces an adherent, coherent and elastic film. The primary function of a varnish is to protect and or decorate the applied. Varnishes conjunction with materials such as pigments architectural are used either alone or in industrial and marine finishes, printing inks etc. an important use of varnishes is in electric insulation where protection against electrical streams is the primary requirement. Such varnishes are termed as “Insulating Varnishes”.

A good insulating varnish is of prime importance in the construction of electrical equipment, the life and performance of which depends to a great extent on the efficiency of the total insulation. It is necessary by varnish in pregnation to render them proof against moisture and in certain cases, from the action of oils, acids and alkalies.

It is 85 years since the first olero resinous insulating varnish was first developed by James Todd in America and such Varnish are still in limited use today, although they have largely been superseded by the New Thermal Setting types. The oil modified synthetic resins varnishes were first introduced in 1932 are in use until today. The development of new resins has provided the varnish manufacturers with great incentive to improvement, and although it takes a long time to evaluate fully and safely new insulating varnishes.

The function of insulating varnish is to maintain efficient protection against electrical stresses since insulating varnishes are used as film forming material on various substrates in addition to good electrical properties. They should possess certain mechanical, thermal and physio-chemical properties. The insulating varnishes can be divided into three groups:-

1. Air drying varnishes

2. Baking type

3. Other types of insulting varnishes

PROPERTIES

The Essential Properties of Insulating Varnishes are as follows:-

Electric Properties

1. Dielectric strength is defined as the voltage gradient at which electrical failure occurs. It is stated as the voltage required to puncture the insulation divided by the film thickness of sample. Hence it is expressed as volts per mm. for impregnating varnishes dielectric strength must be of a higher order.

2. Dielectric constant is a measured of the relative capacity of a material to store static electrical energy most organic chemicals have good dielectric properties and even under high humid conditions continue to have good dielectric properties.

3. Insulation resistance is measured at 500 volts between two pairs of electrodes each pair being connected in parallel while the specimen is in a controlled atmosphere. The reading is taken after 1 minute electrification and shall not less than 1000 mega ohms.

4. Surface conductivity: Generally, even good insulators break down on the surface due to moisture deposition etc. while the body of insulation may be good, the break down may occur on the surface.

5. Arc resistance is the ability of a material to withstand the discharge across its surface of a specified intermittent and then continuous arc of high voltage and low current.

6. Ionization loss or corona effect-when the electrostatic flux density in the air exceeds a certain value, a pale violet light appears near the adjuce metal surface.

7. Voltage endurance - Many insulators behave extremely well low voltage but at higher voltage, they will break down.

8. Power factor and dielectric loss – It is the ratio of that part of the input of energy in water which is lost as heat to the total input. At higher voltage this loss tends to increase low power factor is essential. It is effected by temperature, humidity and frequency.

Mechanical Properties

(a) All insulating varnishes should be capable of good penetration and must give uniform and even coating.

(b) Impregnating varnishes must be able to bind the coils in to coherent mass and not permit the coils to hang loose.

(c) Abrasion Resistance of all insulating varnishes should be good.

(d) Flexibility, toughness and good aging properties are essential for good insulating varnish.

(e) Good Mechanical strength is essential since the electrical machines such as motors are subjected to high centrifugal forces.

(f) All insulating varnishes should have good moisture resistance and ability to seal the fibrous capillaries of the coverings on the conductors.

(g) Hardness and toughness – Insulating Varnishes must be sufficiently hard and must have high toughness.

(h) Insulating varnishes must stand heavy impact.

(i) Resistance to vibration and break down under conditions of vibration and certain stresses and frequencies is necessary.

Chemical Properties

1. Water resistance – avoidance of Polar Groups in insulations materials such as COOH-OH-NH-NH2-RSO3-CO, SH2-NHCH2-NCS-COR-COOR-NH2 will ensure water resistance.

2. Resistance to acids and alkalies or other chemicals. In hydrocarbons – C-OC S-C-C etc. Linkages are generally good resistance excepting for the action of oxidizing acids.

3. Resistance to deterioration by impurities and contaminants.

4. Resistance to corrosive vapours, solvents and oils.

5. Through drying and cure indepth.

6. By itself non corrosive to copper and other conductors.

Thermal Properties

1. Thermo plasticity or softening under heat-good dielectric (insulator) lose some or all of their insulating properties when they become fluid first as metals which are very good conductors under normal conditions are relatively poorer conductors in their molten conditions.

2. Thermal Expansion and contraction-very high thermal expansion or contraction will result in eventual break down of insulation.

3. Good thermal emmissivity is desirable.

USES AND APPLICATIONS

Main use of insulating varnish is for underground material like earth cables and exposed strong current. In lighting poles, the grounded or earthned portion is polished with insulating varnish. These are until corrosive paints which are also used in some industrial fields like for pipelines, boilers vessels etc.

All the fine grades of insulating varnishes are suitable for application to the electrical windings and other parts of motors, generators and transformers and to electrical apparatus in general Grade CB clear baking varnish, in most instances, gives maximum protection to the windings from moisture, oil, sea water, and other electerious substances.

These grades are usually designated as class A insulation when applied over windings using resin-covered wire, cotton, or paper or similar insulation material. When the above grades of varnish are applied over the winding glass-served wire, with glass, mica, asbestors, and other similar insulating materials the resulting structure is designated as class B insulation.

MARKET SURVEY

Measures Needed

The paint industry is hopeful of bright future for two important reasons : (a) the monsoons remained quite favourable in 1988 and the country is going to achieve an impressive food grain target of 170 million tonnes during 1988-89; and (b) the government has decided to give a major thrust to the housing sector mainly by making available liberal loans through financial institutions. According to the Planning Commission, the demand for housing is expected to shoot up to 40.9 million units by 1990.

The consumption of industrial paints, which now accounts for 25-30 percent of the total consumption is likely to get a boost mainly because of the impressive growth achieved by the automobile sector. Also the production of consumer durables like refrigerators, washing machines, mixers and toasters has been steadily increasing.

As the main problem facing the paint industry is rising costs, there is need for abolishing duties on those raw materials which are imported and also reducing duties on those locally manufactured. The government can get a larger revenue by increasing consumption of the end-products. It may be desirable to change the excise duty from the present advalorem basis to ‘specific duty’ product-wise at reasonable rates.

The export segment of the Indian Paint Industry needs special incentives. At present, Indian paint is exported mainly to the USSR. it is too costly to complete in the international market. The industry should be provided with cost benefits at international prices.

At present, there is no healthy competition among units producing titanium dioxide. The government should liberalize import of this item to make the monopolistic public sector units cost conscious. This would ensure healthy competition, normal prices and regular supplies.

The R & D wing of the paint industry should be strengthened if we are serious about making paint prices competitive in the international market.

In order to meet the anticipated higher demand for paints in the coming years, the industry should make determined efforts towards containing production costs and technological upgradation.

^ Top