Glass Flake Coatings
Glass flake coatings are specialised protective coatings that consist of micron-sized glass flakes embedded in a binder or resin system.
These coatings are designed to provide superior corrosion, abrasion, and chemical resistance, making them suitable for various applications in industries such as marine, offshore, petrochemical, and water treatment.
Technical Details
Glass flakes
The glass flakes used in these coatings are typically made from high-quality, chemically-resistant borosilicate or E-glass materials. The flakes are thin, flat, and transparent, with thicknesses ranging from 5 to 50 microns and an average size of 200-500 microns.
Binder/Resin system
The binder or resin system serves as the matrix that holds the glass flakes in place, providing the coating's mechanical strength, adhesion, and flexibility. Common binder systems include epoxy, vinyl ester, polyester, and polyurethane resins.
Surface preparation
Proper surface preparation is essential to ensure good adhesion and performance of the glass flake coating. The surface should be clean, dry, and free of any contaminants, such as oil, grease, or rust. Abrasive blasting is often employed to create an appropriate surface profile for optimal adhesion.
Cure time
After application, the coating requires a specific cure time to achieve its final properties. This time depends on the type of binder used and can range from a few hours to several days. Some coatings may also require heat or UV curing to achieve their final properties.
