RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN GLASSFLAKE TECHNOLOGY AND THE USE OF GLASSFLAKE COATINGS IN HEAVY DUTY COATING SYSTEMS

摘要

Traditional coating systems for steel have often used a sacrificial primer, barrier coat and topcoat, to provide good UV resistance and appearance. One fundamental problem with all organic coating systems is that there will always be some permeation through the coating. These systems are therefore sacrificial in nature and have a finite life. The use of multi-coat systems also dramatically increases application time, presenting problems both for new construction and maintenance projects. Whilst it is not possible to produce a totally impermeable organic lining, osmosis can be dramatically reduced by careful formulation. If permeation can be reduced to very low levels, it is possible to produce barrier coatings with very long service lives compared with sacrificial systems. The best pigment used for this purpose is high-quality glassflake.