Polymer coatings are coatings or paints made with polymers that provide exceptional adhesion and corrosion protection. Polymer coating processes apply elastomeric or other polymeric materials to a support substrate. Examples of polymer coatings include:
natural and synthetic rubber
Polyurethane
PVC
Acrylic, epoxy, silicone
Phenolic Resin
Nitrocellulose
Polymeric coatings made from polymeric materials can be applied to a variety of substrates using many different techniques such as extrusion/dispersion coating and solution application. Can be applied to metals, ceramics and synthetic materials. They are temperature resistant up to about 535°F (280°C) and are FDA cleared, so they are primarily used in food production (eg containers, multihead weighers, frying pans). Applying a polymer coating to a metal surface increases ionic resistance.
Polymeric coatings designed for corrosion protection are generally tougher than exterior coatings and are applied in heavier films. Polymer coatings need to adhere well to the substrate and must not crumble or degrade easily due to heat/moisture/salt or chemicals.
Polymer paints are replacing chrome and cadmium paints, partly due to growing concerns about heavy metals and environmental concerns. The use of special polymers in paints creates hydrophobic surfaces and effectively prevents various substances (such as adhesives/rubber/synthetics) from adhering to these surfaces. Targeted modification of the surface structure using a defined roughness profile enhances the non-stick effect by reducing the contact area (e.g. Teflon coating, PTFE, PFA).
Some polymer coatings include:
Acrylic and Alkyd Resins - Widely used in agricultural equipment and industrial products requiring good corrosion protection at moderate cost
Polyurethane - used in conveyor equipment, aircraft, radomes, tugboats, road construction machinery and motorcycle parts. Abrasion-resistant coatings of polyurethane are applied to railway hopper cars, and linings are used in sandblasting cabinets and mud pipes.
Nylon 11 - Provides aesthetic appearance as well as chemical, abrasion and impact protection
A new class of coatings, an alloy of fluoropolymers and other resins, has a different viscosity behavior than that of earlier organics. The viscosity of "fastener grade" coating resins drops precipitously with increasing film shear.
