Impact Coatings Launches Premium Fuel Cell Coating for Heavy Duty Applications

Impact Coatings launches next generation premium fuel cell (FC) coating for heavy duty applications, said Coatings.specialchem.

The new premium FC coating offers enhanced properties and protection for anode and cathode metal plates in LT-PEM FC stacks. During the last decades, focus on ways of leaving fossil fuel-based powertrains has increased. Electrical vehicles transferring hydrogen into electricity in fuel cells have become increasingly interesting for OEMs to pursue, especially for long distances and heavy-duty applications.

The most common technology in this field is the LT-PEM (Low Temperature Proton-Exchange Membrane or Polymer Electrolyte Membrane) based fuel cell system. LT-PEM fuel cells rely on anode and cathode plates arranged in the fuel cell stack, plates that are either made of metal or graphite.

From a production point of view metal plates are the emerging solution, thanks to the higher power density and to lower cost, size and weight. To assure a long lifetime and efficiency in the stack’s challenging environment, a surface treatment, such as PVD coating, is necessary.

During recent years heavy-duty applications have been driving an increasing demand for components that can withstand higher voltages without degradation of the protective coating. To meet this demand, Impact Coatings has developed and introduced the new premium FC coating in the group’s fuel cell coating portfolio.

Impact Coatings’ new robust premium FC coating mitigates metal ion leakage into the fuel cell stack at potentials up to 1.6 V. Leaking metal ions damage the stack membranes, reducing both stack life and performance. With the new, premium FC coating, which offers good adhesion and electrical conductivity, as well as stable and low contact resistance, the stack's performance will be maintained throughout the stack's lifetime.

We remind, ExxonMobil said it is advancing development of a new class of C5-based polymers expected to generate earnings of USD1 billion per year by 2040, said the company. The thermoset resin is based on technology pioneered by Materia, Inc. (Pasadena, California), which ExxonMobil acquired in 2021.

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Univar Solutions, a solution provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, announces that it is expanding its longtime distribution partnership with Dow into Germany, said Coatings.specialchem.

With the addition of a wide variety of DOWSIL™ Silicone Additives and DOWSIL™ Silicone Resins, Univar Solutions continues to strengthen its coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers (CASE) and industrial products portfolio in the region for paint and coatings applications.

"We are thrilled to build upon our global relationship with Dow and expand our silicones portfolio. As longstanding distribution partners, we know that together we can help deliver business and technical success for customers across the globe," said Chris Fitzgerald, global vice president of Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers and Rubber and Plastic Additives for Univar Solutions.

“Our silicones customers in Germany will continue to benefit from the same high level of reliable and consistent service and outstanding technical expertise found at our Essen Solution Center, along with a more expansive product portfolio to help accelerate their innovation and growth," added Fitzgerald.

Silicone additives and resins offer a complementary combination of benefits designed to perform throughout a wide range of critical functions for paint and coatings applications spanning a wide variety of industrial and consumer markets.

Created for water-borne and solvent-borne formulations, silicone additives are used to provide thermal and moisture resistance, improved weatherability, color and gloss retention, compliance with volatile organic compounds (VOC) regulations and organic resin compatibility.

Versatility, ease of use and high efficiency at low concentration levels make silicone additives and resins for paints and coatings an attractive and more sustainable solution for many manufacturers around the globe.

We remind, Univar Solutions Mexico, a global solutions provider to users of specialty ingredients and chemicals, announced an exclusive distribution agreement with dsm-firmenich, global innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, that create solutions which positively contribute to the daily care routine and health of people's face, skin, and hair worldwide.

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Dow presented its high-performance, SYL-OFF™ Protect – a carbon neutral selection of SYL-OFF™ silicone release coatings at Labelexpo Europe 2023, held from September 11-14, 2023. It is a part of Dow’s commitment to deliver a sustainable future for the world through materials science.

Certified by an independent third party according to PAS 2060, the products offer the same quality and performance customers in the label industry expect from standard SYL-OFF™ silicone release coatings, with the added benefit of a reduced carbon footprint.

SYL-OFF™ SL 184 coating is a solvent-free solution suitable for high-speed coating operations. It is fast curing, minimizes mist at very high line speeds and provides extremely stable release. In addition to its recent 2023 R&D 100 Award, it has notably earned a 2022 Silver Edison Award, a 2022 SEAL Sustainability Award and has recently been shortlisted for the Innovation Award in the Label Awards 2023.

SYL-OFF™ SL 351 Coating is a solvent-less silicone release coating that reduces soak-in for porous substrates, allowing producers to realize cost gains through less expensive paper and decreased silicone usage. SYL-OFF™ SL 351 Coating can be used across a wide range of applications.

“Many of our customers in the label industry are looking for innovative technologies that not only provide them with the quality they need, but also help them meet their sustainability targets. Our selected range of SYL-OFF™ Protect silicone release coatings are making it possible by combining reduction of carbon footprint without compromising on quality,” said Nathalie Gerard, European market manager for Dow Pressure Sensitive Industries.

“We’re excited to introduce this carbon neutral selection of SYL-OFF™ Silicone Release Coatings, at Labelexpo Europe and connect with our customers to show them how, together, we can align performance with sustainability for continued progress towards a more sustainable world,” added Gerard.

We remind, Dow New MDI Prepolymers Facility TexasDow announces the start-up of a new MDI distillation and prepolymers facility at its world-scale manufacturing site in Freeport, Texas. This investment optimizes Dow’s existing asset infrastructure and advances Dow’s position in attractive applications in automotive, construction, consumer and industrial markets.

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Sempra Infrastructure, a subsidiary of Sempra, announced that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved the permit authorizing the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 expansion project under development at Port Arthur LNG in Jefferson County, Texas, said Hydrocarbonprocessing.

The permit is a major regulatory milestone for a proposed Phase 2 project, including the addition of two liquefaction trains (trains 3 and 4) capable of producing up to 13 Mtpa of LNG.

"Sempra Infrastructure is committed to investing in infrastructure opportunities that help enable a cleaner and more secure energy future," said Justin Bird, chief executive officer of Sempra Infrastructure. "Today's FERC order is a significant step in our ability to advance the global energy transition, creating an opportunity to double the amount of secure and reliable U.S. natural gas that Port Arthur LNG can help deliver to global markets."

With Phase 1 currently under construction, the development of the proposed Phase 2 project could increase the total liquefaction capacity of the facility from approximately 13 Mtpa to approximately 26 Mtpa. The proposed project is also expected to include an additional LNG storage tank and marine berth and would benefit from some of the common facilities currently under construction that were previously approved as part of the Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 permitting process.

Sempra Infrastructure continues to evaluate opportunities to develop the entirety of the Port Arthur site while also exploring potential projects to reduce the carbon intensity of its LNG, positioning Port Arthur as a flagship hub for the energy transition. The company is leveraging the integrated capabilities of its business segments to develop the proposed Port Arthur Pipeline Texas Connector project, the proposed Post Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector project and develop new gas storage facilities, all of which would serve the Port Arthur LNG facility.

To further the advancement of the Port Arthur Energy Hub, the company recently acquired 38,000 acres of pore space and relevant surface rights to support the proposed Titan Carbon Sequestration project, which is proximal in location to the Port Arthur LNG facility. The project targets capturing carbon from Sempra Infrastructure's Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 and 2 projects that are currently under development and has the potential to unlock other net-zero energy infrastructure opportunities. This comprehensive development approach utilizes Sempra Infrastructure's broad development and operational expertise to enhance the total value of Port Arthur and can deliver significant value for the local community, opening up substantial avenues for economic growth opportunities for the region.

"The value proposition of the proposed Port Arthur Energy Hub goes beyond monetary investment in the region," said Bird. "The proposed projects by Sempra Infrastructure would create new, high-paying jobs, increase innovative business in the region and continue to bolster the reputation of the State of Texas as a global energy leader."

The Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project is under active marketing and development. The project could help meet future demand for U.S. LNG supplies expected to serve European, Asian and other global markets as countries look to enhance energy reliability and security and displace coal in power production.

The Port Arthur LNG Phase 1 project is currently under construction and is designed to include two natural gas liquefaction trains, two LNG storage tanks and associated facilities.

Development of the Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 project, the Titan Carbon Sequestration project, the proposed Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector project, proposed Port Arthur Texas Connector project and new gas storage facilities is contingent upon completing the required commercial agreements, securing and/or maintaining all necessary permits, obtaining financing, and reaching a final investment decision, among other factors.

We remind, Russia's Transneft suspended deliveries of diesel to the key Baltic and Black Sea terminals of Primorsk and Novorossiysk on Friday. Russia temporarily banned exports of gasoline and diesel to all countries outside a circle of four ex-Soviet states with immediate effect to stabilize the domestic fuel market, the government said on Thursday, without a specified end date.

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Russian wholesale gasoline Ai-92 grade prices fell by 9.7% to USD582 per metric ton on Friday, according to exchange data, following a government ban on fuel exports, said Reuters.

Diesel prices were down 7.5% to 66,511 roubles per ton, according to the data from the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX). Wholesale fuel prices in Russia had been steadily rising this year amid fuel shortages, reaching all-time highs.

In response, Russia on Thursday temporarily banned exports of gasoline and diesel to all countries apart from four ex-Soviet states. Russia has exported about 1 million barrels of diesel/gasoil and 130,000 barrels of gasoline per day so far this year, according to J.P.Morgan.

Russian oil pipeline company Transneft stopped export shipments of diesel fuel from the Baltic Sea port of Primorsk and from Novorossiysk on the Black Sea, the TASS news agency cited the company as saying. A Kremlin spokesman told reporters that the export ban would last for as long as necessary to ensure market stability.

"It was necessary to regulate this market against the background of harvesting work, agricultural processes... the ordinary consumer, not only the wholesale, but also the retail market," said spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "How long they will be in place. As long as it takes to ensure stability in the market."

First Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin had said on Thursday that the ban was indefinite, and further government action would depend on the fuel "saturation" of the market. Analysts expect the restrictions to be short-lived. "We believe the ban indeed will be temporary and last only a couple of weeks, until the harvest concludes in October," J.P. Morgan said in a note to clients. Citi analysts said they expected the Russian ban to last around six weeks.

We remind, Russia's Transneft suspended deliveries of diesel to the key Baltic and Black Sea terminals of Primorsk and Novorossiysk on Friday, state media agency Tass said. Russia temporarily banned exports of gasoline and diesel to all countries outside a circle of four ex-Soviet states with immediate effect to stabilize the domestic fuel market, the government said on Thursday, without a specified end date.

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