DIC Corporation announced that it has developed an innovative new dryer – an agent that expedites drying by accelerating oxidative polymerization –for coatings and printing inks. 

The company has begun shipping samples of the new dryer, which it will launch under the name DICNATE. 

Marketing will focus on the coatings and printing industries in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. DIC has set a target for annual sales of DICNATE of ¥1 billion by fiscal year 2025.

Coatings and printing inks contain dryers, that is, metal carboxylates that hasten curing and drying. Metal carboxylates are chemical substances consisting of metal salts and fatty acids, and are generally insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. 

Cobalt driers are the most commonly used and the most powerful. However, because cobalt is highly toxic and harmful to the environment, as well as costly, DIC sought to develop a cobalt-free alternative that delivers an equal or better performance. 

In addition to excellent drying speed, the company’s newly developed dryer is environment-friendly and cost-effective. The new dryer is also compatible with both solvent- and water-based inks and coatings, thus addressing a wide range of customer requirements.