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Learn more about epoxy coatings and the perfect match with additives
Additives can be an enabler of epoxy coatings in various industries and applications like industrial applications like concrete flooring, handles, screw drivers, adhesives and many more.
See how different additives can bring value to epoxy coating.
Q&A
Q: What are the key advantages of using epoxy coatings?
A: Epoxy coatings are known and used for their excellent overall chemical and water resistance, as well as durability.
Q: Which of the following are not appropriate applications for epoxy coatings?
A: External surfaces exposed to sun light - Epoxies are known to degrade with UV exposure (e.g., sunlight), leading to discoloration, flaking, and potential cracking which will compromise the protection of the substrate beneath. So it is not generally recommended to use epoxies as top coats for external applications where sunlight or UV exposure is likely. UV absorbers and light stabilizers can be added to the formulation to enable use in exterior applications.
Q: How could you address a foam problem in an epoxy coating?
A: Rheology Modifier - A low shear rheology modifier is ideal for addressing the settling of pigments. With the right rheology modifier, a shear thinning behavior is achieved to allow for ease of application.
Q: What additivies could you use to incorporate pigments for asthetics / protective effects?
A: Dispersants - A dispersant wets the pigment surface and prevents the pigment particles from agglomerating, which enables the best color and rheology in a formulation.
Q: How can settling problems be addressed in an epoxy coating?
A: Use rheology modifiers - one of the primary roles of rheology modifiers is to increase the viscosity, but given the number of choices on the market, it can be hard to select the best one for your formulation. BASF has a full portfolio of rheology modifiers that are designed to thicken in certain regions of the rheology profile. For instance, thickeners in our 1200 series, such as Rheovis PU 1235 EC and Rheovis PU 1251 EC, provide mid-shear or KU viscosity build. Pair them with a high shear builder such as Rheovis PU 1331 to acheive the profile that is right for you.
Q: What can be used to address film defects and substrate wetting?
A: Wetting Agents - Wetting agents lower the surface tension of the formula to overcome issues with application of the coating (wetting) on substrates and will also address surface contaminants on the substrate that can lead to craters. Some wetting agents even have an antifoam feature to them.
Q: How can an epoxy coating be softened?
A: Plasticizer - A plasticizer adds a lubricating effect to the formulation which will enable a softer, more flexible film while maintaining good mechanical and chemical properties.