Polymer Coatings Key Terms

Become conversant with polymer coatings terminology

By Howard Robertson

A polymer coating protects objects from fading and rusting due to environmental exposure. Automotive industries use polymer coatings to protect the paint on vehicles from oxidation. In the medical equipment industry, a polymer coating protects tools from reactions with body fluids.

Polymer coatings consist of binders, water or solvents for controlling viscosity, color pigments and corrosion inhibitors. You can apply polymer coatings using techniques such as brushing, spraying, rotational molding or using electrostatic beds.

This guide will acquaint you with polymer coating related terminology, such as PTFE, polyester and fluoropolymer coatings.

Fluoropolymer coatings

Fluoropolymer coatings provide excellent corrosion resistance and are very useful in petrochemical and chemical plants and in other corrosive environments. These coatings consist of high performance resins and fluoropolymer lubricants.
Try: You can get useful information on fluoropolymer coatings at Metal Coatings Corp., a leading industrial coating service provider.

PTFE coating (Polytetrafluoroethylene coating)

PTFE coatings are non-sticky, non-wetting, heat resistant and self-lubricating. These coatings are useful for products such as cookware, tanks and valves. PTFE coatings can be single or two-coat systems and could consist of a primer and topcoat.
Try: You can get more information on PTFE coatings at Blinex Filter - Coat Pvt Ltd., a manufacturer of corrosion protection coatings.

Radiation curable coating

Radiation curable coatings consist of reactive polymers that provide properties such as hardening, chemical resistance and flexibility to the coating. They also contain monomers and photosensitive initiators.
Try: Get further information on radiation curable coatings at RadTech Europe (PDF), an association for advancement of radiation curing.

Polyester coating

Polyester coatings provide long-term protection from corrosion as these coatings are resistant to water and moisture.
Try: Jotun, a manufacturer of paints and coatings, gives useful information on polyester coatings.

Dry film lubricant coating

Dry film lubricant coatings consist of fine particles of a lubricant and other additives to prevent corrosion. Some coatings can resist high temperatures and prevent galling.
Try: Improve your understanding of dry film lubricant coatings at LFS Coating Services Inc., a professional industrial coating applicator company.

Powder coating

Thermoplastic and thermosetting powders are available for industrial coating purposes. The process of powder coating involves applying these dry paints to an object.
Try: If you want to learn more about powder coating, you can read through information at Finishing.com, an information resource for the finishing industry.