Fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) resins have been in use as topcoats for steel bridges for more than 25 years. FEVE resins combine the desirable properties of fluoropolymers like weatherability and corrosion resistance to the properties of polyurethane resins such as reactivity, solubility, and ease of application. Fluorourethane coatings have undergone a continuous performance monitoring at 29 bridge locations throughout Japan since 1985 in a joint research project with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, in comparison with conventional polyurethanes, alkyds and chlorinated rubber. Results of this extended project will be discussed in this presentation. Based on the project conclusions, FEVE resin based coatings are since 2005 required for use on ail bridges in Japan. The use of these topcoats should increase the effective life of bridge coatings Systems to at least 30 years, and in some cases up to 60 years.
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