German Inventors Develop Amalgam Spheres for Energy-Saving Lamps

Factiva: "Ptaschek Georg and Di Vincenzo Calogero of Umicore AG & Co KG, Wolfgang, Germany have developed amalgam spheres for energy-saving lamps and the manufacture thereof.

According to the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks 'Energy-saving lamps contain a gas filling of mercury vapour and argon in a gas discharge bulb. Amalgam spheres are used for filling the gas discharge bulb with mercury. A tin amalgam having a high proportion by weight of mercury in the range from 30 to 70% by weight is proposed. Owing to the high mercury content, the amalgam spheres have liquid amalgam phases on the surface. Coating of the spheres with a tin or tin alloy powder converts the liquid amalgam phases on the surface into a solid amalgam having a high tin content. This prevents conglutination of the amalgam spheres during storage and processing'.

Name of Applicant: Umicore AG & Co KG

Name of Inventor: Ptaschek Georg and Di Vincenzo Calogero

Application No: 3534/KOLNP/2009 A

Date of filing of Application: 09/10/2009

Publication Date: 22/01/2010"

Patent details

Architectural coatings are becoming more sustainable and lowering costs.

Factiva: "The architectural coatings industry is launching sustainable products as producers try to distinguish themselves from competitors in a fast-growing market. The global market is estimated at $80 bn (EUR 55 bn), which is divided between consumer and construction trade paints. New products that are being touted for their sustainability include AkzoNobel's Freshair line, which is claimed to be the first paint to provide a zero-VOC tinting programme.

In the field of raw materials, Dow Chemical is offering its new Ropaque polymer that allow paint manufacturers to reduce the tin dioxide content of their products"