Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic coating is a form of Powder coating that provides long term corrosion protection and chemical resistance. The thermoplastic melts to form a fusion bonded coating to metal items and produces a thick, tough flexible coating with an attractive decorative finish. It provides excellent coverage of edges and welds along with a good grip and warm feel.

Thermoplastic resins form a coating, but do not undergo a change in molecular structure. These resins can be remelted after they have been applied. Thermoplastic powder coatings melt and flow when heat is applied, but retains the same chemical composition when they are cool and solidified. Although some thermoplastic materials provide adhesion to metal, most require a primer. Thermoplastic resins are mainly used in functional coatings, such as thick, protective coatings on dishwasher trays. Examples of thermoplastic resins used in powder coating are polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and thermoplastic polyester. These examples are described below:

Polyethylene (Polarmor®) provides excellent chemical resistance and outstanding electrical insulation properties. These coatings are smooth, and have a medium gloss and good release properties that allow sticky materials to be cleaned from their surfaces. These are often used as coatings for laboratory equipment.

Thermoset resins crosslink to form a permanent film that withstands heat and cannot be remelted. They are used for decorative and protective coatings for architectural structures, on appliances and furniture, and elsewhere.

Thermosetting resins are characterized by their excellent adhesion to metal; they are one-coat systems and do not require a primer. The five basic families of thermoset resins are epoxies, hybrids, urethane polyesters, acrylics and triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) polyesters as described below:

TGIC polyesters contain a polyester resin cross-linked with TGIC as a curing agent. They offer very good mechanical properties, impact strength and weather resistance. They are resistant to chalking and are often used for outdoor parts, such as patio furniture, lawn mowers, as well as aluminum extrusions and panels for large commercial buildings.

Products that have a Thermoplastic coating are commonly used in public areas that require superior durability and resistance to UV rays, salt and sea exposure, weather and chipping.