Kemira Annual Report 2005

The importance of managingdata on raw materialsPaint consists of binders, pigments, fillers, solvents orwater and additives. One of our products can contain upto 30–40 different ingredients. Kemira Paints & Coatingsuses nearly 2,000 different raw materials. This meansthat managing data on raw materials is an essential partof our operations, both from the standpoint of productdevelopment and product safety.Pigments impart color, hiding powerand UV protectionPigments are finely divided powders that are insolublein water and solvents and are added to paint primarilyto give it the color and hiding power we want. Pigmentsalso protect against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and somepigments can be used, for example, to improve the corrosionresistance of paint. The most important and mostusedpigment in our products is titanium dioxide.Binders create a paint filmand provide durabilityBinders form the paint film and bind the raw materials inthe paint together. We choose the binders for our paintaccording to the properties that are desired. This gives usthe means of affecting factors such as the paint’s resistanceto weather, wear and tear and washing, and it alsodetermines the application for which the paint can beused.Fillers provide low gloss and brushabilityFillers are insoluble, finely divided powders. They givepaint the low gloss and brushability we desire.Viscosity from water and solventsWater and solvents give paint the necessary viscositythat enables the product to be applied in a thin film onthe substrate. We also blend in a variety of additives thatmake up a very small part of the manufacturing formula.These substances contribute to a smooth manufacturingprocess, paint storability and durability outdoors.The Tikkurila Monicolor plant, Vantaa, Finland. Process tenderJouni Kyrökari tracks the paint manufacturing process.Tikkurila’s paint manufacturing is fully automated.25