Utilizing nanocellulose, a new material extracted from natural pulp
Applying an eco-friendly new material with uniform and excellent adhesion
KCC (CEO Chung Mong-jin) and Moorim P&P (CEO Lee Do-kyun) have launched the development of an eco-friendly paint incorporating a new material extracted from natural pulp.
KCC, a global applied materials company, and Moorim P&P, an integrated pulp, paper and new-materials company, have signed a strategic business agreement to develop an eco-friendly paint incorporating nanocellulose, a new material. Moorim P&P is the only pulp producer in Korea and holds the original technology to manufacture nanocellulose from natural raw pulp. KCC and Moorim P&P plan to build a cooperative relationship, including the joint development of an eco-friendly water-based paint that applies the nanocellulose material.
The eco-friendly water-based paint jointly developed by the two companies incorporates nanocellulose, a new material. Nanocellulose is a substance made by processing wood into wood chips, then splitting the cellulose fibers extracted from natural pulp through a pulping process down to nanometer size. Weighing only one-fifth as much as steel yet five times stronger, it is a next-generation eco-friendly material that has recently drawn attention.
In particular, the nanocellulose applied in this eco-friendly paint is extracted from natural pulp produced directly by Moorim P&P. Compared with conventional nanocellulose, it offers superior viscosity and hydrophilicity, making it optimized for water-based paint. Because the nanocellulose fibers are more densely interconnected, it minimizes cracking of the coating film and provides excellent durability against scratching and friction.
Water-based paint incorporating nanocellulose has a lower viscosity during spray application, enabling uniform work, and its viscosity increases once applied (thixotropy). It also has the property of not running after application, keeping the applied surface uniform (sagging resistance).
Because it incorporates an eco-friendly material extracted from wood, the product is expected to attract attention as one that takes into account both the work environment and the health of workers. KCC plans to commercialize the material by leveraging the properties of nanocellulose across a variety of paint raw materials used throughout industries such as automotive, industrial and construction applications.