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Coating Comparison

Acrylic hybrids combine the acrylic resin with an epoxy binder. They are somewhat better than a polyester/epoxy hybrid but still not considered acceptable for outdoor use. The mechanical properties that are characteristic in epoxies are a benefit of these materials and they have much better flexibility than other acrylics. Because of their good appearance, tough surface, exceptional weatherability, and excellent electrostatic application characteristics, acrylics are frequently used for applications on products that have very high quality standards. Appliances, automobiles and other products that require durability and long life in a harsh environment are good candidates for acrylic powder coatings. Typical applications include automotive wheels, plumbing fixtures and vending machines. Research has been conducted to determine the suitability of acrylic powder coating as a clear coat on automotive bodies. While the United States automobile manufacturers continue to evaluate this application, one European manufacturer is using it in production.

Coating Comparison

The decision on what powder to use depends on the specific appearance and performance requirements of the end product. The end user must determine what specific properties they want in the coating and communicate that to the formulator. When selecting a powder, several variables must be considered. Cost of the powder (applied) Performance characteristics Application characteristics Appearance The proper coating is a balance of these variables. Coating manufacturers can help the applicator in the selection process. Given a particular specification, they can often formulate a powder to meet a specific application at a reasonable cost, particularly if the volume is high. The comparison charts below show some of the performance properties and typical uses of the various resins.

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Coating Comparison

Epoxy
Property Hardness (pencil) Impact Resistance (in.-lbs) Gloss (60 deg. meter) Color Salt Spray Condensing Humidity Cure range (Typ. 2 mil (0.05mm) film time at Metal temp.) Range HB7H 60160 3100+ All colors, clear and textures 1,000 hrs. 1,000 hrs. 3 min at 450 F (232 C) to 25 min at 250 F (121 C)

Epoxy hybrids
Property Hardness (pencil) Impact Resistance (in.-lbs) Gloss (60 deg. meter) Color Salt Spray Condensing Humidity Cure range (Typ. 2 mil (0.05mm) film time at Metal temp.) Range HB2H 60160 10100+ All colors, clear and textures 1,000 hrs. minimum 1,000 hrs. minimum 10 min at 400 F (204 C) to 25 min at 300 F (149 C)

Urethane polyester
Property Hardness (pencil) Impact Resistance (in.-lbs) Gloss (60 deg. meter) Color Salt Spray Condensing Humidity Cure range (Typ. 2 mil (0.05mm) film time at Metal temperature) Range HB4H 60160 1595 All colors, clear and textures 1,000 hrs. 1,000 hrs. 10 min at 400 F (204 C) to 25 min at 320 F (160 C)

TGIC
Property Hardness (pencil) Impact Resistance (in.-lbs) Gloss (60 deg. meter) Color Salt Spray Condensing Humidity Cure range (Typ. 2 mil (0.05mm) film time at Metal temp.) Range HB4H 60160 2090 All colors, clear and textures 1,000 hrs. minimum 1,000 hrs. minimum 10 min at 400 F (204 C) to 30 min at 300 F (149 C)

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Acrylics
Property

Coating Selection

Range H4H Excellent, 40100 1090 All colors, clear and textures 1,000 hrs. minimum 1,000 hrs. minimum 10 min at 400 F (204 C) to 25 min at 350 F (177 C)

Hardness (pencil) Impact Resistance (in.-lbs) Gloss (60 deg. meter) Color Salt Spray Condensing Humidity Cure range (Typ. 2 mil (0.05mm) film time at Metal temp.)

Note: All of the performance properties are dependent on proper pretreatment of the substrate, proper application, and proper curing.

Coating Selection

The first step in the coating selection process is to define your finished product requirements. With a specification, a manufacturer can work with a coating supplier to get just the right coating formulated for their specific need. In selecting a thermosetting powder type from a powder coating supplier, it is advised that the following thoughts be kept in focus throughout the selection process and during negotiation with suppliers. The key selection factors are: Demonstrated film performance Demonstrated application characteristics Cost performance balance Testing of performance issues is important. For example, if the product will be used outdoors, resistance to UV light and outdoor weatherability should be tested. The exposure chart on page I/12 shows the results of testing for comparative gloss retention of different powder formulations. The properties of any particular powder will vary even if they are the same chemistry. Formulators can produce materials to meet specific needs.

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