Anti-corrosion coating and paints have come a long way over the past few decades. We went from phenolics and polyester to vinyl esters and epoxies. Then in 1944, polymers came and took over the industrial coating sector. Today, polymer accounts for the best choices when it comes to protecting your surface against corrosion.
According to expert opinion, polymer, which refers to a group of monomers bond together, offer unique characteristics ideal for both protection and decoration. They became the ideal option when aerospace composite requirements called for high-strength, lightweight, cost-effective materials. However, polymers offer more than just corrosion protection. Here is a brief look at some of the reasons why polymers provide the most trustable coating for corrosion.
- Better wear resistance
When choosing a coating for corrosion, you are not only looking for anti-corrosion properties. You also need a solution that can resist other forms of wear and abrasion. Polymer coatings offer better wear resistance as they provide an extra layer on top of the coated metal. Depending on the type and quality of polymer you choose, you can get several months of corrosion resistance from your polymer coating. It can withstand everyday wear and corrosion elements such as water, chemicals, physical abrasion, and oxidation, among others. Your metal surfaces will remain safe and untouched as long as they are beneath the coating.
- Easy on the base material
One of the main advantages of polymer coating for corrosion is its little to no impact on the properties of the base material. Besides being durable and resistant to most elements, polymers do not compromise the mechanical strength of the materials they are a coating. They are easy to apply, safer to use and offer more protection than any alternative anti-corrosion coating. These coatings also come in various forms to suit different applications.
According to studies, polymer coats protect from rust, chemical reactions, and physical abrasion to a certain degree. As a functional coating, polymers convert the metal to a chemically stable form that is resistant to most corrosive elements.
Polymer coatings are easy to apply and do not require high temperatures or extremely specialized equipment. Polymers do not function well under high temperatures because they are mostly plastic. They are also self-cleaning, so you will not need to manually clean your surfaces like you would with other types of coatings. All you need is surface preparation to make sure there is no dirt, oil or any compound that will affect the outcome.
This also increases the lifespan of your coatings since frequent use of cleaning agents can reduce the structural strength and durability of your metals. Besides, polymer coats are resistant to chemicals and cleaning agents so your coatings will be safe even when you choose to clean. The self-cleaning property also makes polymer coats very convenient to use.
3. Self-cleaning
Polymer coatings are easy to apply and do not require high temperatures or extremely specialized equipment. Polymers do not function well under high temperatures because they are mostly plastic. They are also self-cleaning, so you will not need to manually clean your surfaces like you would with other types of coatings. All you need is surface preparation to make sure there is no dirt, oil or any compound that will affect the outcome.
This also increases the lifespan of your coatings since frequent use of cleaning agents can reduce the structural strength and durability of your metals. Besides, polymer coats are resistant to chemicals and cleaning agents so your coatings will be safe even when you choose to clean. The self-cleaning property also makes polymer coats very convenient to use.
- Adhesion and wetability
Polymer coatings can bind together dissimilar surfaces, which is an added benefit that only a few other coats boast. Its superior adhesion makes it difficult for corrosive elements to penetrate the extra layer and reach base metals. Surprisingly, they are easy to wet, and liquids can effortlessly maintain contact with the metal without necessarily penetrating the thickness of the coating.
These two properties make polymers the ideal solution for anti-corrosion coatings, especially for ship and yacht coating applications. Wetability also makes polymers ideal for dew harvesting in lab research. Superior adhesion means the extra layer of coating adds more durability to the base metal. Polymers are also very lightweight and offer weight reduction without compromising the strength of the coated material.
- SafetyOne of the main concerns about using industrial coatings is safety. Most alternatives have high styrene content thus not suitable to inhale. Some are also extremely flammable, toxic and sensitive to temperature and atmospheric conditions.Polymer coats offer anti-bacterial and anti-fouling properties. This makes them perfect for use in medical equipment and fuel containers. They are easy to clean and can handle repetitive sanitising. They are also radar absorbent and offer both thermal and electric insulation. Besides, polymer coatings take a shorter time to apply and do not require any curing. It has a shorter exposure period.Conclusion
There are several other benefits of polymer coatings when compared to metal alternatives. These coatings are high-performing and offer superior aircraft and yacht protection. They are lightweight, more resistant to chemicals and do not require any post-cleaning. Polymer coats are also readily available and come in a wide range of natural and synthetic options. You can find the perfect polymer for your unique needs.
However, it is essential to choose high-quality polymer coatings. Not all offers you come across in the market are desirable. You must select your options carefully and make sure the coat suits your application. Whether you are picking synthetic or natural polymer coatings, you should go through all the other crucial aspects before making a purchase. The best way to go about this involves comparing various offers. You can also lookup user reviews and expert insights. Purchase your polymer coatings from credible, reputable retailers that can guarantee original quality products from the manufacturer.
- Self-cleaning