Water-based technology for high temperature applications

Citation

(1999), "Water-based technology for high temperature applications", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 28 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.1999.12928ead.016

Water-based technology for high temperature applications

Water-based technology for high temperature applications

Keywords: Kemira, Coatings, High temperature

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 7).

The introduction of Fontal will, we are informed, 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 technical support and total-system solutions.

Plate 7A new water-based coating from Kemira Coatings offers heat and corrosion resistance for automotive exhausts and other industrial high temperature applications

Kemira believes that the product will also prove attractive to contractors to the ACE industry, who are coming under pressure from manufacturers to match their own environmental performance. It also believes that it is the first to market with a water-based heat resistant coating for this sector.

Fontal comes in two variants. The first claims temperature resistance up to 350°C for general industrial applications, and, we understand, is currently being used by a leading manufacturer of gas fires to finish internal and external parts.

The second claims 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 the benefits it is thought to offer in the workplace is its very much lower solvent content in comparison with conventional finishes, making it easy to meet the 350g/l EPA limit and eliminating, it is claimed, the need for solvent thinners. Fontal also claims to remove the fire risk associated with low-flash solvent-based products. Fontal 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 believed to be comparable with existing solvent-based products. The slightly higher cost of the 550úC version is said to be offset by the advantage of 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.

Further 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