ABSTRACT
In 1980, sales of coatings in the United States at the manufacturers’ level amounted to 7.6 billion dollars at a volume of 1.02 billion gallons [1]. Because some raw materials that are ultimately used in coatings pass through several hands, frequently with manufacturing steps along the way, the sales of products in the extended coatings industry are considerably above 7.6 billion dollars. Obviously, the coatings industry is an important part of the chemical industry. It involves a broad array of products, processes, and skills. Useful reviews of progress in the industry, with emphasis on markets, raw materials and end uses, appear regularly in the literature [2–4]. The National Paint and Coatings Association provides comprehensive reports on raw materials and products [5]. Several private organizations also provide reports on the commercial aspects of coatings.
