Leading industrial gas company Air Products and Chemicals Inc. ( APD - Analyst Report ) recently unveiled a couple of new superwetting surfactants (Dynol 800 and Dynol 810) and one pigment dispersant for application in the coatings industry. These environment-friendly surfactants have been geared to offer improved value and superior performance vis-à-vis the existing products.

The Dynol 800 and Dynol 810 are alkylphenol ethoxylate (“APE”) free surfactants that are designed to remove defects on difficult-to-coat substrates. APE is associated with environmental concern because of its toxicity. These new surfactants can offer better performance compared to silicones and fluorosurfactants.

While Dynol 800 provides enhanced performance in wood and plastic coatings, Dynol 810 allows impressive performance in printing inks and overprint varnishes. These novel, easy to handle products reduces surface tension and helps in controlling foam.

Air Products has also introduced the ZetaSperse 3600 dispersant which is being developed for broad utility across typical organic and carbon black pigments. This multifunctional, cost-effective pigment dispersant not only offers excellent pigment dispersion and stabilization, but also has application as a grind aid for aqueous architectural coatings, colorants and inks. ZetaSperse 3600 simplifies formulations and lessens manufacturers' need for complex formulation optimization.

Air Products offers industrial gases as well as a variety of polymer and performance chemicals and serves technology, energy, industrial and health care customers globally.

Air Products benefits from a long-term take-or-pay contract, a consolidated industry structure, diverse customer base and sustained pricing power. However, soaring energy and raw material costs pose a threat to margin expansion.

Air Products, which competes with Praxair Inc. ( PX - Analyst Report ) , currently retains a short-term Zacks #4 Rank (Sell). We have a long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock.