Water-based technology for high temperature applications

Citation

(1999), "Water-based technology for high temperature applications", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 46 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.1999.12846ead.003

Water-based technology for high temperature applications

Keywords Kemira, Coatings

Kemira Coatings has introduced a new water-based coating for automotive exhausts and other industrial high temperature applications, which it believes will enable manufacturers to achieve excellent heat and corrosion resistance within EPA guidelines for VOC emissions (Plate 2).

Plate 2 A new water-based coating from Kemira Coatings claims superior heat and corrosion resistance for automotive exhausts and other industrial high temperature applications

According to Kemira, the introduction of Fontal will help manufacturers who have enjoyed the temporary benefit of dispensation from EPA requirements but are now seeking a compliant system. Kemira offers products employing the latest silicone-modified resins for superior heat and corrosion resistance, backed by a capability for technical support and total-system solutions. It is also thought that Fontal will prove attractive to contractors to the ACE industry, who are coming under pressure from manufacturers to match their own environmental performance. Kemira believes it is the first to market with a water-based, heat-resistant coating for this sector.

Fontal comes in two variants. The first claims a temperature resistance up to 350°C for general industrial applications, and is currently being used by a leading manufacturer of gas fires to finish internal and external parts. The second claims a temperature resistance up to 550°C for industrial exhausts, for example for tractors, diesel exhausts, and ACE machinery, and is said to be meeting the toughest manufacturers' specifications in trials for the top supplier to the UK's agricultural machinery manufacturers.

Among Fontal's benefits in the workplace is said to be its very much lower solvent content in comparison with conventional finishes, making it easy to meet the 350g/l EPA limit and eliminating the need for solvent thinners. It also claims to remove the fire risk associated with low-flash solvent-based products. The product reportedly stoves at 150 to 160°C in the factory, with full cure being achieved in the field at temperatures exceeding 200°C.

The cost of the 350°C version is said to be comparable with existing solvent-based products. The slightly higher cost of the 550°C version is thought to be offset by the advantage of the claimed higher solids levels than conventional coatings - much higher in the case of silver paints - yielding better coverage for quality and durability benefits.

Standard colours are black and silver, matt and semi-gloss, with full gloss versions in the pipeline.

Details are available from Kemira Coatings Limited. Tel: +44 (0)121 525 5665; Fax: +44 (0)121 553 2787; Internet: www.kemira-coatings.co.uk