Thermoplastic coatings: the ultimate in corrosion protection

EUROLACKE is a leading supplier of thermosetting coatings and, because of its excellent technical know-how, is known as a knowledge partner in the field of surface treatment. John Theewis, managing director of EUROLACKE, recognizes the above problem and offers advice in this regard. "It is solvable," he immediately responds. "The high-quality thermoplastic coatings Plascoat® and Abcite® provide the solution here."

Plascoat®

As an example, Theewis refers to the Kulripa Bridge in Brisbane, Australia. At 470 m long and 6.5 m wide, the Kulripa Bridge is the largest pedestrian bridge in Australia. The bridge is constantly exposed to the demanding sea climate, and deterioration of its metal components then seems inevitable. After an extensive testing period, the durability of Plascoat® was the deciding factor. In 2011, the bridge's railings were treated with it and today they still show no trace of corrosion.

Protection from coastal climate

A Zeeland municipality's maintenance problem is another good example. "This municipality had been struggling with the maintenance of its street furniture for years," Theewis says. "It was showing rust and moss deposits or simply wasn't beautiful anymore. How could it recondition the benches, public lighting and trash receptacles and better protect them from the coastal climate?" This is where Axalta Coating Systems' Abcite®X60 thermoplastic coating provided the solution. The street furniture was restored to top condition, resulting in lower maintenance costs and a significant extension of its service life.

Excellent features

The functional qualities of thermoplastic coatings such as Plascoat and Abcite® are proving to be as unique as they are excellent. The coatings are corrosion-resistant (corrosion classes C5 and CX, respectively, according to ISO12944-6/-9) and UV- and weather-resistant. They are particularly plastic, making them resistant to scratching and abrasion.
The coatings are applied in a single layer, have extremely good adhesion and edge coverage, and are resistant to many chemicals.

Widely applicable

In the development of the coatings, sustainability is always paramount. For example, the thermoplastic coatings are free of solvents, heavy metals and other toxic substances. This provides the coatings with a high position on the sustainability ladder. It also ensures that the coatings can be used safely in a wide range of application areas. Theewis: "Think of the drinking water industry, oil and gas industry, shipbuilding and offshore industry. The coatings are used in the steel and automotive industries, but also for utilitarian objects such as the street furniture discussed."