Top Five Hot Spots for R&D and Application in Industrial Coatings Industry
In 2007, the share of industrial coatings within China's paint industry began to rise significantly. Looking ahead, research and development (R&D) and application trends in the Chinese paint sector are expected to focus on five key areas: anti-corrosion coatings, coil coatings, functional coatings, powder coatings, and waterborne wood coatings, with a particular emphasis on anti-corrosion solutions.
Anti-corrosion coatings cover a wide range of applications, including metal structures, marine facilities, ships, and containers. As the market for these coatings expands, it has become a highly competitive space for global paint giants. Companies like Jotun have established modern production plants in Zhangjiagang and set up R&D centers in Kunshan. Japanese firm Zhongtu Chemical opened a 100,000-ton-per-year anti-corrosive paint facility in Shanghai, while the Changzhou Paint & Chemical Research Institute launched CNOOC’s corrosion protection laboratories. Major players such as Bayer MaterialScience, AkzoNobel, PPG, Sherwin-Williams, and Haihong Elders have also showcased their products at the ASIACOAT Coatings Fair, aiming to strengthen their presence in the Chinese market.
In recent years, the use of color-coated steel in construction has grown steadily, boosting demand for coil coatings. Previously, the coil coating market suffered from overcapacity and chaotic competition. However, after rationalization, sales have surpassed 100,000 tons, and the high-quality, high-price strategy has gained market recognition. Innovations such as fluorocarbon coil coatings, highly durable options, self-cleaning varieties, and those with excellent processing performance have become hotspots in R&D, with some already entering mass production.
With China’s push toward a conservation-oriented and harmonious society, energy-efficient and reflective coatings that support insulation and energy saving have emerged as important R&D focuses. Functional coatings, especially nano-composite types, are gaining traction. Nano-transparent heat-insulating coatings are now a popular choice in eco-friendly and energy-saving applications, while nanocomposite interior wall coatings offer antibacterial properties, odor control, and formaldehyde-free benefits—making them ideal for home improvement projects. Many companies in Jiangsu, Shanghai, Hubei, and Guangdong have filed patents and developed commercial products in this field.
China's powder coating industry produces over 500,000 tons annually, ranking second globally. The country has built a self-sufficient raw material system, with resins, leveling agents, matting agents, brighteners, and other components reaching levels comparable to foreign counterparts. In the future, powder coatings will extend beyond home appliances into sectors like automotive, pipelines, shipbuilding, and construction materials. Industry experts from the China Epoxy Resin Industry Association note that new types such as UV-curing, double-layer epoxy, and heat-resistant conductive powder coatings are attracting significant attention.
Additionally, China is a global leader in furniture production, and its furniture coatings, particularly wood lacquers, play a crucial role. With stricter environmental regulations, waterborne wood coatings have become a major research focus. Water-based polyurethane coatings are now the mainstream, with many commercially available products offering performance close to solvent-based alternatives. These coatings are increasingly used in home improvement and renovation projects, demonstrating strong environmental benefits.
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