OREANDA-NEWS. August 31, 2016. The chemistry of cellulose esters and the benefits they offer to coatings formulators will be the focus of a presentation by Eastman senior technical service representative Koustubh Kulkarni at this year’s Coatings Trends and Technologies Conference in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Kulkarni supervises Eastman’s Coatings Application Facility, which boasts a state-of-the-art robotic bell application lab along with conventional and airless spray application capabilities. He’s scheduled to give his presentation, “Cellulose Esters: Adding Value from Formulation to Film,” on Wednesday, September 14, from 2-2:30 p.m.*

“There is a real need in the coatings industry for raw materials that are versatile. Cellulose esters have proven valuable in this respect. I plan to delve into the chemistry of cellulose esters and how formulators can use the different structural knobs within cellulose esters to address their needs. Leveraging this versatility can reveal new ways to improve the performance and compliance aspects of coatings formulations,” Kulkarni said.

Cellulose esters offer unique advantages to coatings formulators. Their broad compatibility and the application robustness they lend to coatings make them a beneficial raw material in the complex process of formulating coatings. When added to paint formulations, cellulose esters enable faster drying times, better flake orientation in metallic paints, improved flow and levelling and in certain applications, a luxurious hand feel, among other properties. Cellulose esters come in a broad palette of materials with varying structural properties, molecular weights, and viscosities. With Eastman’s broad portfolio of cellulose esters, formulators can find the right one to meet their formulation needs.

Some of the most common applications for cellulose esters include automotive, industrial and wood coatings; inks; nail polishes; leather coatings; and soft-feel coatings. During his presentation, Kulkarni will also discuss ways to use cellulose esters in high solids formulations to balance VOC compliance with improved performance.

*Schedule subject to change. Please check http://coatingsconference.com/index.php/agenda for the latest schedule.

About Eastman
Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2015 revenues of approximately \\$9.6 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 15,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.