One of the functions of a coating is to cover the substrate (such as masonry, plaster, wood or metal) on which it is applied so there is a need for good opacity in a coating
White is the predominant color in current coatings so there is a need for routes to white coatings
Currently these needs are met using pigmentary TiO2, but this material has a high carbon footprint which unacceptably impacts on the carbon footprint of the final coating
Solutions to this problem need to be compatible with the polymer binders currently used in coatings such as acrylic, vinyl or styrene copolymers
Solutions need to be hard wearing and durable in both inside and exterior environments
Solutions could be through the traditional inorganic mineral-based materials or synthetic-based materials
New ways to deliver opacity and/or white in coatings are also of interest
