Advances in W/B protective coating system using fluoropolymer topcoat: High weathering performance and environment friendly of VOC reduction system

摘要

Thirty-three years passed since solvent-borne fluoropolymer top coat was invented in 1983 in Japan. Many data were accumulated in the fields and laboratories. Its performance is still excellent after long year outdoor exposure tests. The fluoropolymer top coats are extremely superior to other coatings such as polyurethane top coatings especially in weathering performances. These characteristics of fluoropolymer come from its strong chemical bonding between carbon and fluorine atom in the molecular structure of FEVE (Fluoroethylene vinyl ether). They are highly resistant to ultraviolet rays. Progress of fluoropolymer topcoat paints with FEVE structure is shown in this paper. The performances of newly developed waterbome fluoropolymer coatings and their protective paint systems were investigated on outdoor exposure tests and laboratory tests compared with previous solvent-borne fluoropolymer coatings. Reduction of VOCs was achieved one sixth. These coating systems were applied to steel bridges, railway bridges, tanks so on. Water borne fluoropolymer top coat systems are recognized as low VOC and high durability which leads to double effect to environmentally friendly of VOC reduction in life tim.