New tool from Evonik for digital analysis of coated test samples

When developing a new formulation, laboratory staff have so far had to rely on visual evaluation of the samples. Many samples have to be carefully compared and evaluated. This routine work is very time-consuming, especially for larger test series, and therefore noticeably limits the scope for innovation. Defect Detection, part of the Coatino formulation network from Evonik Coating Additives, saves the laboratory experts a lot of time: they photograph the coated samples with a camera connected to the computer. Within seconds, the tool evaluates them using innovative image recognition methods. "Coatino Defect Detection makes our customers' day-to-day laboratory work easier and frees them up for other important tasks," explains Oliver Kröhl, Head of Strategic Business Development at Coating Additives. "In addition, our digital solution delivers objectively reproducible results. This means that the evaluation of the test samples no longer depends on the subjective assessment of the laboratory staff."

Coating defects are evaluated to an accuracy of a tenth of a percent and presented clearly. "For example, you can see immediately what percentage of the surface is affected by foam," says Philipp Isken, Coatino Product Development. "To highlight the performance of the tested formulations more clearly, reference formulations or zero samples can also be added. Based on the data, the best formulation can be selected for the respective application." Coatino Defect Detection was initially developed for pigmented systems in the architectural sector. For formulations with defoamers, the tool measures defects such as micro- and macrofoam, cratering and incompatibilities. The Coating Additives Business Line plans to add further industries and defect types to the tool. The tool is easy to use: the application is browser-based, so no software needs to be installed on the PC. The test series are documented in the system and can be retrieved at any time.