DIC Group Develops Cobalt-Free, Environmentally Friendly Driers for Coatings and Inks

A desiccant that accelerates oxidative polymerization without cobalt compounds, speeding up the drying of coatings and printing inks. Sun Chemical Corporation, a group company of DIC Corporation, has developed a desiccant that accelerates oxidative polymerization without cobalt compounds, speeding up the drying of coatings and printing inks. Complying with European environmental regulations, DIC has begun sending samples of the new desiccant to coatings and printing manufacturers in Europe as part of the DICNATE series. DIC will focus its marketing efforts on that region, advancing with an annual DICNATE sales target of JPY 1.0 billion by fiscal year 2025. Desiccants are metal carboxylates mixed into coatings and printing inks to accelerate the curing and drying of coated and printed materials. While cobalt desiccants are most commonly used, cobalt compounds are highly toxic to humans and the environment. Additionally, cobalt mining being limited to only a few regions makes large price fluctuations another concern. Consequently, demand for cobalt-free alternatives has continued to grow, particularly in Europe. DIC has worked to develop health and environment-friendly desiccants that meet the requirements of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and carry GHS pictograms. The new product, which can be used with both coatings and printing inks, is manufactured with manganese, which presents minimal health hazards. Satoshi Hashi, Product Manager at DIC Corporation, Performance Materials Product Division, stated: "We look forward to increased sales of this new product, which helps reduce the environmental impact of desiccants. DIC will continue to encourage joint product development with Sun Chemical to better meet the needs of DIC Group customers."