IHD/EPH at the European Coatings Show 2025 (Hall 3, Stand 3-300)

The IHD's presentation will focus on current research work in the following areas:

Radiation-curing wood coatings made from vegetable oil
One of the topics of current research presented at the trade fair is the development of radiation-curing coatings based on epoxidised vegetable oils for use on wood in outdoor areas. The main challenge lies in creating film-forming systems that are highly flexible and can provide treated wooden surfaces with lasting protection against external influences. Our colleagues at the trade fair stand will be happy to tell you about the results achieved in the project.

Fast-curing, bio-based PHU binders
Coating systems based on renewable raw materials (NawaRo) are still a niche product. In the field of isocyanate-free polyurethanes (NIPU), the aim of the present project was to create conditions under which bio-based poly(hydroxy)urethane binders could be made competitive with conventional polyurethanes (PUR). The aim of the project was to gain a better understanding of classic and hybrid NIPU binders based on NaWaRo that cure as quickly as established isocyanate-based PUR systems.

Extracts from plant residues as additives
Due to an increasingly critical assessment of conventionally used biocides with regard to their ecological and toxicological properties, these are increasingly being regulated. In the context of sustainable and resource-saving material development, possibilities are therefore being intensively sought for the use of environmentally friendly antimicrobial active ingredients based on renewable raw and residual materials as a substitute. The aim of a research project at the IHD was the material recycling and value creation of plant-based residual materials (leaves, prunings, etc.) through extraction. The raw materials, which have not been used either as materials or for energy generation up to now, are to be used to obtain biocidal active ingredients. Another research project is using phenolic substances from wood and other plants to synthesise bio-based UV absorbers for aqueous or hydrophobic coatings. Some of these are particularly suitable for the UVA-A range.

New test method for the micro-scratch resistance of coatings
Micro-scratch resistance is an important quality criterion for floor and furniture surfaces and is therefore the subject of several test standards (DIN EN 16094, DIN EN 438-2, DIN EN 16611). The Martindale device is used to determine the resistance to micro-scratches. In this process, the surface to be tested is subjected to a defined pressure and a certain frequency for a fixed number of cycles by an abrasive material. A critical factor in connection with the test procedure is that there are no standardised abrasive materials.
The aim of a research project was to determine the resistance to micro-scratching using new standardised abrasive materials and an objective test method based on the Martindale method.

New test fluids for chemical resistance
Furniture and flooring must be resistant to staining and chemically aggressive liquids in everyday use. The test for resistance is defined in EN 12720, among other places. Some of the normative liquids, e.g. coffee and red wine, have a natural origin. Despite normative specifications, red wine in particular shows a significant deviation in its staining power. Therefore, a synthetic red wine is to be developed as part of the project, which has a constant staining performance. Furthermore, the cleaning agents and disinfectants used so far should also be aligned with the state of the art, among other things, based on experiences from the corona pandemic.

The EPH is presenting its wide range of services in the field of biological testing of coatings and wall paints, surface testing of internal and external coatings, and chemical testing to determine the ingredients of paints and the emissions from coatings.

You will find us in Hall 3, Stand 3-300. We look forward to your visit: Petra Schulz, Dr. Rico Emmler, Prof. Dr. Mario Beyer, Dr. Mario Rapp, Dr. Yvonne Jüttke and Amelie Neugebauer.