2023

The EU achieves a major breakthrough in innovative super-surface coating technology.

Recently, the Surfuncell research team—led by Professor Riebeschleger from the University of Graz in Austria and involving 13 research institutions, universities, and industrial partners from six EU member countries: Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom—achieved a significant, groundbreaking technological breakthrough in the development of super-surface coatings.

It is understood that the breakthrough in innovative technology lies in harnessing an incredibly thin layer of polysaccharides—carbohydrates that bind a specific number of sugar molecules. Depending on the demands of particular applications, these polysaccharides are either bonded to or embedded within a variety of distinct biological and mineral-based nanomaterials, giving rise to a new class of polymeric composite materials. These novel materials are ideally suited for use—or as surface coatings—for a wide range of substances. They can be engineered into advanced composites boasting specialized properties such as antimicrobial capabilities, selective absorption, flame retardancy, exceptional resistance to extreme heat and cold, electrical conductivity, and superior insulating performance. With their vast potential applications and limitless future prospects, these materials promise to revolutionize multiple industries.

The pilot demonstration project for innovative super-surface coating technology has been successfully implemented in advanced manufacturing sectors such as pulp and paper, fiber spinning, cellulose films, and filtration membranes. Additionally, the safety benefits of the new material—including fiber degradation, nanostructures, and irreversible coatings—have been verified.

Currently, the R&D team is actively developing commercial applications for the new material in fields such as medical and healthcare devices, water purification systems, fire protection systems, the electronics industry, and national security and defense. For instance, fire-resistant, high-temperature protective clothing coated with the innovative material enables firefighters to confront the "hellish" reality of fires more directly.

The paperboard sector outperformed the broader market: This week, the paperboard sector rose by 1.8%, while the CSI 300 Index gained 0.85% over the same period, giving the sector a lead of 0.95 percentage points. Among them, the eight key paperboard companies included in the analysis climbed 2.63%, outpacing the overall market by 1.78 percentage points.

2023

06-27

Guangdong's energy-saving and emission-reduction efforts are off to a strong start in 2013; carbon trading may be launched as early as September.

The Guangdong Provincial Commission of Economy and Information Technology revealed that in the first half of this year, Guangdong's industrial value-added energy consumption dropped by 7.4%, while energy consumption among more than 900 energy-saving and low-carbon enterprises declined by 2.2%. Overall, the province experienced a positive trend in energy conservation throughout 2013.

2023

06-27

International giants are raising prices one after another—domestic prices for titanium dioxide may soon see a turning point.

International titanium dioxide giant Kronos has announced it will raise prices on its titanium dioxide products starting in June, marking the second price hike by a major overseas titan dioxide producer in less than six months. Meanwhile, Vietnam will increase export tariffs on certain mineral products by 10%, effective June 19, raising the export tariff on titanium ore from the current 30% to 40%. Analysts note that, driven by these external factors—including overseas price increases and higher export tariffs on titanium ore—domestically produced titanium dioxide, after undergoing a period of deep adjustment, is now gaining a more competitive pricing advantage. Kronos recently announced that, effective June 1, 2013, it would raise prices for all its titanium dioxide products sold in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Specifically, prices will increase by at least €200 per tonne in Western Europe and Turkey; by 10 cents per pound in North America; and by $250 per tonne in Eastern Europe, as well as in regions outside North America and Europe. Currently, domestic titanium dioxide prices range from 14,000 to 17,000 yuan per tonne, while international prices hover between $4,000 and $4,400 per tonne. Kronos’ domestic pricing for paint-grade titanium dioxide stands at approximately 21,000 yuan per tonne. Earlier this year, in March, Kronos, along with Huntsman, Koster, and Stone, jointly implemented another round of price hikes, increasing prices by about 10%, or roughly $250 to $300 per tonne. Meanwhile, according to Vietnamese sources, Vietnam will raise export tariffs on select mineral products by 10% starting June 19, pushing titanium ore export duties from the current 30% to 40%. Previously, Vietnam’s ban on titanium ore exports had already triggered a surge in ilmenite concentrate prices, which in turn pushed up the cost of titanium dioxide. Industry insiders point out that a key factor behind Kronos’ price hike is the robust recovery of the U.S. housing market over the past year, leading to a significant surge in demand for paints and coatings—and directly benefiting upstream titanium dioxide producers. According to a report from the National Association of Home Builders, new home construction starts in 2012 are expected to rise nearly 22% compared to 2011 levels. Although China’s real estate investment has shown some signs of contraction in the short term, overall, China remains poised for sustained high growth in infrastructure development, ensuring long-term positive prospects for titanium dioxide demand. Industry experts also note that while the domestic titanium dioxide market previously experienced a situation where global price hikes were met with domestic price declines, the recent string of overseas price increases—such as DuPont’s announcement on May 1st to raise titanium dioxide prices by 200 to 500 yuan per tonne—suggests that the trough in domestic pricing may soon be filled. In fact, there’s even a possibility that prices could shift back into an upward trajectory following May. Yang Xun, a titanium dioxide analyst at Business Society, told reporters that domestic titanium dioxide prices, currently ranging from 14,000 to 17,000 yuan per tonne, are already nearing the cost thresholds for most manufacturers, with only a few large companies still able to maintain operations. Another industry insider added that aligning domestic price increases with the anticipated 10% rise internationally implies room for improved profitability. At present, downstream sectors like real estate and paper production are experiencing slower growth, placing the overall titanium dioxide market in a bottom-finding phase. However, supported by rising costs, further downward pressure on prices is unlikely to persist for long.

2023

06-27

The EU achieves a major breakthrough in innovative super-surface coating technology.