Practical, Evidence-Based Guides for Everyday Problems

As someone who formulates UV-curable inks and coatings and not formally affiliated with a large ink manufacturer, I have the freedom to speak plainly about what makes these systems safer, and what’s just…..well,… noise. Is TPO Bad?   Heck no!  But lately, I’ve seen social media posts claiming that UV inks and coatings would be “safer” if we simply replaced the photoinitiator trimethylbenzoyl diphenyl phosphine oxide, aka TPO, with another like TPO‑L or BAPO.   However, we mig

Regulatory changes are not always on our radar, so I thought I’d share a very  brief update on the key “Need to Know” datapoints related to TPO.  TPO has been reclassified from Reproductive Toxicity Category 2 (Repr. 2) to Reproductive Toxicity Category 1B (Repr. 1B) across major regions (ex. Europe, USA, China…) indicating increased concern over reproductive toxicity.  This has triggered new GHS hazard statements and labeling requirements.   Highlights of the Old Classificat

Over the last few years, I’ve been helping companies navigate the use of PTFE (a fluoropolymer in the PFAS family) in inks and coatings. The FDA just released new   guidance   confirming that fluoropolymers used in medical devices are considered safe and essential and there is no reason to restrict their use. Medical device applications include catheters, guidewires, vascular grafts, drug delivery tubing, and nonstick surgical coatings. Here are some of the key takeaways from

As Landa navigates financial uncertainty and its intellectual property becomes a focal point, it’s worth asking a tough question: Is Landa’s NanoInk™ chemistry truly unique? Having reviewed Landa’s ink patents, I reached a conclusion that may surprise you. Source: Landa Digital Printing ( https://landanano.com ) What's in Landa’s Ink? Landa NanoInk™ is fundamentally a water-based pigment ink designed for blanket transfer. It contains: Aqueous dispersions of nano-sized pigment

If you're into cars, then you have no doubt heard of the amazing coating which provides unmatched protection to your car's body. The protection includes water repellency, scratch protection, and corrosion resistance. Personally, I do not invest heavily in detailing my cars as I see them as tools rather than toys. However, if you know me, then you know I am very active in the field of Advanced Materials . Well, nano ceramic coatings, also known as Ceramic Coatings, Glas

I had taken an interest in ceramic coatings for the automotive industry putting together some formulations based on silazane chemistry. They work well, but a good deal of caution needs to be taken in preparation as the raw materials are quite reactive..... I also didn't feel the longevity met my expectations. You can see how I made a ceramic coating below. I appreciate the protective properties it adds to your vehicle but what I liked most was the water repelling property.