- Thermoplastics
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyolefin
Polyester
- Thermosets
Epoxy
Epoxy-Polyester Hybrid
Acrylic
Silicon-Based Powders
- New Technologies
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are synthetic materials that can be formed multiple times. High temperatures can melt thermoplastics, which is beneficial for reforming and recycling them but not ideal for situations where a part might be exposed to intense heat. However, several thermoplastics used as powder coats are favored for their wear- and chemical-resistance.
Nylon
Nylon powder coat is extremely durable and impact resistant. It offers excellent protection against chemicals and solvents and is FDA approved for food contact. Parts covered with nylon include food handling and dishwasher baskets. Nylon also has a very low friction coefficient, making it useful as a coating on gears and conveyor equipment.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Powder Coating
PVC coatings are pliable, sleek and durable. Like nylon coatings, they are also FDA approved for food contact, and can be used for a number of similar applications. They also are great electrical insulators for electrical lines, and work well as coatings for chain link fencing. Environmental groups, like Greenpeace, have advocated phasing out PVC because of harmful byproducts, but tests on the subject remain inconclusive.
Polyolefin
Polyolefin finishes are significantly resistant to abrasives and chemical, and offer a smooth surface and excellent adhesion properties. Due to these benefits, polyolefin coatings are used on lab equipment components that require regular cleanings.
Polyester Powder Coating
Polyester coatings weather well, look great and are resistant to abrasions. They find use in outdoor furniture, exposed automobile parts such as leaf and strut springs and are available in a diverse pallet of colors. Some polyester powders are architecturally certified for building exteriors as they shield the elements and maintain their color with only minor fading over the years.
Thermosets
Thermoset powder coating is applied the same way as thermoplastic powders. Unlike thermoplastic, thermosets go through a chemical cross-linking reaction that is non-reversible when baked. This cross-linking changes the physical properties of the plastic, typically hardening them into a solid coating. Some thermosets have the ability to withstand temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can compete with the best high-temperature enamel paints. Thermosets cure harder than thermoplastics, and as some of these thermosets harden, they also become brittle, especially in thicker coats.
Read more: Cleveland Ohio Powder Coating: Types of Powder Coatings
