TAGS: Sustainability / Natural Coatings Epoxy Coatings Acrylic Coatings
WEG partners with Nexa to develop liquid anticorrosive paints with the addition of jarosite. Jarosite is a waste derived from zinc metallurgy. Nexa is a zinc producer. The new solution will focus on carbon steel and cast-iron surfaces. The capacity is expected to provide protective effects. This will reduce the use of conventional raw materials and promote a circular economy in the industry.
The initial results of the project and preliminary studies indicate that the paint has high compatibility with epoxy, alkyd, and acrylic resins, with effective corrosion protection.
R$ 4 Million Investment
The partnership between the two companies will last for three years. It involves an investment of R$ 4 million. This is raised from the Financier of Studies and Projects (Finep), a public agency for the promotion of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The goal is to develop innovative solutions through this initiative. It will leverage WEG's expertise in paints and Nexa's expertise in mining and metallurgy waste beneficiation.
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WEG promotes technological partnerships through open innovation to accelerate development and generate innovative solutions, as in this case where the development of a coating that can harness the anticorrosive potential of jarosite, a mineral generated in the zinc beneficiation process, is being studied," said Rafael Torezan, managing director of WEG Coatings Business Unit.
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This important initiative with Nexa demonstrates WEG's commitment to developing innovative and sustainable solutions," added Torezan.
The use of jarosite as a pigment originated at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). It was done with the support of Professor Fernando Cotting. Cotting conducted initial tests and presented the viability of paint development.
Reduction in Mineral Waste Levels
With the continuous supply of jarosite, Nexa will reduce mineral waste levels at the Juiz de Fora unit. It will continue its circular economy, decarbonization, positive legacy, productivity, and safety agenda. These are part of the company's ESG strategy.
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The transformation of mining and metallurgy towards a sustainable path is possible, and projects like this demonstrate it. A circular economy is the best alternative for disposed waste. Nexa's Mining Lab platform promotes and makes feasible this type of development, aligned with the best ESG practices,” said Caio Van Deursen, innovation manager at Nexa.
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The partnership with WEG further accelerates, promoting development between supplier and customer, and the project already begins with a well-defined chain," added Deursen.
Source: WEG