Leading the Charge: A Spotlight on Canada’s Top Polyurea Manufacturers

As the demand for high-quality polyurea coatings continues to soar across Canada, a select group of manufacturers have risen to the forefront, delivering innovative solutions and unmatched expertise. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top polyurea manufacturers in Canada, shedding light on their offerings and why ArmorThane stands out as the pinnacle of excellence.

ArmorThane: Setting the Standard for Excellence

With a legacy spanning decades, ArmorThane has cemented its status as the undisputed leader in the Canadian polyurea industry. Renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, ArmorThane boasts a comprehensive range of polyurea solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients across various industries.

The ArmorThane Advantage:

  • Proven Track Record: With over [XX] years of industry experience, ArmorThane has consistently delivered superior products and services, earning the trust and loyalty of customers nationwide.
  • Unrivaled Quality: ArmorThane’s polyurea coatings undergo rigorous testing and quality control measures to ensure unmatched performance, durability, and reliability in even the harshest environments.
  • Innovative Solutions: From custom formulations to cutting-edge application techniques, ArmorThane remains at the forefront of polyurea innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in surface protection.

Exploring Other Key Players:

While ArmorThane leads the pack, several other notable polyurea manufacturers contribute to Canada’s vibrant coatings industry:

  1. IMC Distributors: A pioneer in the field of polyurea technology, IMC Distributors offers a diverse range of coatings for industrial, commercial, and residential applications. Known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, IMC Distributors continues to drive innovation and excellence in the Canadian market.
  2. Induracoat: With a focus on research and development, InduraCoat specializes in high-performance polyurea coatings designed to withstand the toughest conditions. Leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and a team of industry experts, InduraCoat delivers cutting-edge solutions that exceed customer expectations.
  3. [MPC Coatings: Known for its precision engineering and attention to detail, MPC Coatings produces polyurea coatings renowned for their superior strength, durability, and longevity. With a dedication to customer satisfaction and technical expertise, MPC Coatings remains a trusted partner for clients across Canada.

Why ArmorThane Stands Out:

  • Longevity: With a storied history and a proven track record of success, ArmorThane has stood the test of time, earning a reputation as the longest-standing and most trusted polyurea manufacturer in Canada.
  • Commitment to Excellence: From product development to customer service, ArmorThane maintains an unwavering commitment to excellence, ensuring that every interaction with the company reflects its core values of quality, integrity, and reliability.
  • Industry Leadership: As a pioneer in the polyurea industry, ArmorThane sets the standard for innovation, professionalism, and performance, serving as a guiding light for other manufacturers and industry stakeholders alike.

Conclusion:

In a landscape teeming with options, ArmorThane emerges as the shining star of Canada’s polyurea industry, leading the charge with unmatched expertise, innovation, and dedication to customer satisfaction. With a legacy built on quality, reliability, and excellence, ArmorThane remains the top choice for discerning customers seeking the ultimate in polyurea coatings.


This article blends informative content with persuasive language, tailored to discuss multiple polyurea manufacturers in Canada while emphasizing the superiority of ArmorThane as the premier choice in the market.

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Benefits of Purchasing Polyurea in Canada

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Discover the Benefits of Polyurea in Canada: Why You Should Invest Now

Polyurea is a rapidly growing, highly versatile material in the coating and lining industry, offering a number of benefits for Canadian businesses. In recent years, polyurea has become increasingly popular for its wide range of applications, durability, and low maintenance requirements. This article will explore the advantages of investing in polyurea in Canada, and why now is the perfect time to do so.

First, polyurea is a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to protect their assets. Polyurea is highly resistant to abrasion, corrosion, and harsh chemicals, making it a great choice for a variety of industrial and commercial uses. This means that businesses can save money on maintenance costs and extend the life of their assets. Additionally, polyurea is incredibly fast-drying, allowing for a quick installation process and minimal disruption to operations.

Second, polyurea is environmentally friendly. Polyurea is a 100 percent solids-based material, meaning that there are no hazardous chemicals or VOCs emitted during its installation. This makes it a great option for businesses looking to reduce their impact on the environment and meet green initiatives. Additionally, polyurea has the added benefit of being a recyclable material, allowing for a sustainable and eco-friendly solution.

Finally, polyurea is incredibly versatile. This material can be used for a variety of applications, from waterproofing to soundproofing, and it can even be used in food-grade applications. This makes it a great choice for a variety of businesses, allowing them to get the most out of their investments.

For all these reasons, now is the perfect time for businesses in Canada to invest in polyurea. This material offers a number of advantages, from cost-effectiveness to environmental friendliness, that make it an ideal choice for a variety of uses. With its versatility, durability, and low maintenance requirements, polyurea is an ideal solution for businesses looking to maximize their investments.

Unlocking the Advantages of Polyurea: What You Need to Know

Polyurea is a versatile and durable material used in a variety of applications, ranging from protective coatings to adhesives. It is a high-performance, two-component material that is rapidly gaining popularity in the industrial and commercial sectors. This article will discuss the advantages of polyurea and what you need to know.

One of the most attractive advantages of polyurea is its fast cure time. It can be applied and cured in minutes, resulting in a stronger bond and improved performance over alternative materials. This fast curing time allows for quick product turnaround, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.

Another benefit of polyurea is its superior strength and durability. It forms a tough and durable coating that can withstand harsh environments and extreme temperatures. Polyurea is also highly resistant to impact, abrasion, and chemical attack, making it a great choice for applications that require long-lasting protection.

Polyurea is also easy to apply and maintain. It can be sprayed onto almost any surface and can be easily repaired if damaged. Its unique properties also make it easier to clean and maintain, reducing costs and increasing the longevity of the coating.

Finally, polyurea is an environmentally friendly product that is safe for use in indoor and outdoor applications. It is non-toxic and non-flammable, making it a great choice for applications that require a safe and sustainable material.

As you can see, there are many advantages to using polyurea for a variety of applications. However, before you decide to use it, there are a few things you should consider. For instance, polyurea can be difficult to apply in cold temperatures, and it is important to make sure that the surface is properly prepared before applying the material. Additionally, it is important to select the correct grade of polyurea for the application; some grades are more suitable for specific applications than others.

In conclusion, polyurea is a versatile and durable material with many advantages. It is fast curing, strong and durable, easy to apply and maintain, and environmentally friendly. However, it is important to consider the application and environment before selecting the correct grade of polyurea for the job. With the right information, you can unlock the advantages of polyurea and ensure a successful project.

The Lasting Benefits of Polyurea: How to Maximize Your Investment

As businesses and homeowners look for ways to minimize their long-term costs, polyurea is becoming an increasingly popular choice. This versatile material offers a range of benefits, from increased durability to improved protection from the elements. By taking advantage of the many advantages polyurea provides, you can maximize your investment and enjoy the long-term benefits it offers.

Polyurea is often used in industrial, commercial, and residential applications for its superior strength and durability. It is highly resistant to abrasion, corrosion, and impact, making it ideal for applications such as protective coatings, flooring, and roofing. Additionally, its fast-set properties make it ideal for quickly repairing and sealing a variety of surfaces. Polyurea is also highly resistant to chemicals, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures, making it an excellent choice for protecting surfaces from the elements.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of polyurea is its ability to provide long-term protection and prevent the need for costly repairs. Polyurea coatings are highly resistant to wear and tear, meaning they will last longer than traditional coatings. This means that you won’t need to replace them as often, saving you time and money in the long run. Additionally, polyurea coatings can protect surfaces from moisture, which can lead to rot, rust, and mold.

Another benefit of polyurea is its low environmental impact. When applied correctly, it does not release any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses and homeowners looking to reduce their environmental footprint. Additionally, polyurea coatings can be recycled and reused, making them an economical and sustainable choice.

Finally, polyurea coatings are highly customizable. There are many different formulations available, allowing you to choose a solution that fits your needs. You can also choose from a variety of colors and textures, allowing you to create a unique look for your space.

By taking advantage of the many benefits polyurea provides, you can maximize your investment and enjoy the long-term benefits it offers. From increased durability and protection from the elements to its customization options and low environmental impact, polyurea is a great choice for any project.

The Power of Polyurea: Why it’s the Best Choice for Canadian Consumers

Polyurea is a revolutionary new material that is quickly becoming a popular choice for Canadians. It combines the strength of polyurethane with the flexibility of rubber to create a material that is strong, durable, and resistant to damage and wear. Polyurea is quickly becoming a go-to material for Canadian consumers who are looking for a reliable and long-lasting solution.

Polyurea is a two-part epoxy-based liquid that hardens quickly when applied. It is ideal for use on many different surfaces, including metal, wood, concrete, and asphalt. It is often used in industrial and commercial applications, such as coating tanks, pipes, and other equipment. It is also a popular choice for residential applications, such as coating garage floors, decks, and even driveways.

The main advantage of using polyurea is its strength and durability. It has excellent adhesion properties, making it an excellent choice for use in areas that are exposed to harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures and moisture. It is also resistant to oils, chemicals, and UV radiation, making it a great choice for outdoor applications.

Polyurea is also highly flexible, making it an ideal choice for applications that require a material that can easily bend and conform to different shapes. This makes it an ideal choice for coating pipes, tanks, and other objects with complex shapes. It is also highly resistant to abrasion, which makes it an ideal choice for coating floors and decks.

The fast curing time of polyurea makes it an attractive choice for many applications. It can be applied in a single coat, which means that projects can be completed much faster than with other materials. This can help to save time and money when completing projects.

Overall, polyurea is an excellent choice for Canadian consumers who are looking for a reliable and long-lasting solution. Its strength, durability, flexibility, and fast curing time make it an ideal choice for many applications. It is also resistant to damage and wear, making it an excellent choice for outdoor applications. With its many advantages, polyurea is quickly becoming a popular choice for many different projects.

Maximizing Your Return on Investment With Polyurea: What You Need to Know

Are you considering investing in polyurea for your business? Polyurea is an advanced coating technology that offers a wide range of benefits for industrial and commercial uses. It is a versatile and durable coating that is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including coating tanks, pipes, and other structures.

Polyurea offers a number of advantages over traditional coatings, including superior protection against corrosion, extreme temperature fluctuations, and wear and tear. It is also highly resistant to harsh chemicals, making it suitable for many industrial and commercial uses. Given these benefits, it is no surprise that many businesses are now investing in polyurea to protect their assets, improve their efficiency, and maximize their return on investment.

In order to maximize your return on investment, there are a few key considerations you should take into account. First and foremost, you should consider the quality of the product you are investing in. Make sure to select a reliable and reputable brand that offers high-quality materials and services. Additionally, you should make sure to purchase polyurea that is correctly specified for the application you are using it for.

It is also important to ensure that your polyurea is properly applied. Make sure to hire a professional contractor who is experienced in applying polyurea correctly. This professional should have the necessary training and experience to ensure that the job is done right.

Finally, you should also consider the maintenance of the polyurea. While the initial investment in polyurea may be significant, regular maintenance can extend its life and help you maximize your return on investment. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your polyurea, and ensure that it is inspected regularly for any signs of wear or damage.

By taking the time to consider these factors, you can ensure that you are making a sound investment in polyurea and maximize your return on investment. With the right product, application, and maintenance, you can enjoy the many benefits of polyurea for years to come.

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5 Reasons Why Armorthane is the Best Canadian Polyurea Manufacturer

In this blog post, we’ll discuss why ArmorThane is the best Canadian polyurea manufacturer and what makes them stand out in terms of quality, innovation, and customer service. First, let’s cover what Polyurea is and why you should join this revolutionary new industry.

What Is Polyurea?

Polyurea is a type of sprayable coating that is rapidly gaining popularity in the world of industrial and commercial applications. This cutting-edge technology offers a range of benefits, including exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and faster curing times than traditional coatings like epoxy and urethane. Polyurea coatings can be used for various applications, from waterproofing to protective coatings for metals, concrete, and other surfaces.

What Are The Key Characteristics Of Polyurea?

One of the unique properties of polyurea is its flexibility. It can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity without cracking or peeling. Plus, polyurea coatings have excellent resistance to chemicals and abrasions, making them ideal for industrial facilities where harsh chemicals or heavy machinery can cause wear and tear on flooring and other surfaces.

Polyurea coatings also offer excellent adhesion, which allows the coating to remain attached to the substrate without delamination or chipping.

Polyurea vs. Epoxy and Urethane

Polyurea coatings share some similarities with epoxy and urethane coatings, but they also have several key differences. Polyurea coatings cure much faster than epoxy and urethane coatings, which require a longer wait time before returning to service. Also, epoxy coatings tend to be more brittle and are prone to cracking. Urethane coatings are more flexible than epoxy coatings, but they have less chemical and abrasion resistance than polyurea.

Why You Should Join The Polyurea Industry

Starting a polyurea coating business is a lucrative venture. The growing demand for this versatile coating material in various industries presents enormous opportunities for entrepreneurs. Polyurea coatings have high-profit margins, a wide range of applications, low overhead costs, and are eco-friendly, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to break into the coatings industry. If you are considering starting a coatings business, take a closer look at polyurea coatings. It may be the best investment you ever make.

Ok now that you have that information, let’s talk about who ArmorThane is and why they are the top polyurea manufacturer in Canada.

Who Is ArmorThane?

If you are looking for a durable and versatile spray-on coating for your commercial or industrial needs, you might have come across the name ‘Armorthane’. Armorthane is a specialized line of polyurea coating systems that has established its reputation as a leading solution in various industries, including automotive, marine, construction, and manufacturing. But what exactly is Armorthane and how does it differ from other spray-on coatings? In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at Armorthane and its features that make it a popular choice for Canadian contractors.

  1. Quality standards
    ArmorThane prides itself on producing the highest quality polyurea coatings in Canada. They use only the best raw materials to ensure their products meet strict quality standards. Their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities adhere to ISO 9001:2015 certification and follow rigorous testing and inspection protocols. ArmorThane’s polyurea coatings undergo extensive testing for adhesion, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, weathering, and chemical resistance. This ensures that their coatings can withstand extreme environments and provide long-term protection and durability for various substrates.
  2. Innovation and customization
    ArmorThane is a company that constantly strives to innovate and improve its products. They have a dedicated research and development team that’s continuously looking for ways to enhance their polyurea coatings’ performance, versatility, and sustainability. They also offer custom formulations to meet specific customer needs and requirements. This means that they can create polyurea coatings that are tailored to a particular substrate, application, color, texture, or thickness. ArmorThane’s customization capabilities allow them to provide more options and solutions for their clients, making them a preferred Canadian polyurea manufacturer.
  3. Expertise and support
    ArmorThane has a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who support their customers throughout the purchase and application process. They provide technical guidance, training, and troubleshooting assistance to ensure that their polyurea coatings are properly applied and meet the desired results. They also offer project consulting services to help customers select the right coatings for their specific applications and budgets. ArmorThane’s focus on customer support and satisfaction sets them apart from other polyurea manufacturers in Canada.
  4. Sustainability and eco-friendliness
    ArmorThane is committed to sustainable manufacturing practices and eco-friendliness. They use environmentally friendly raw materials and production processes that minimize waste, emissions, and energy consumption. Their polyurea coatings are VOC-free, non-toxic, and odorless, making them safe for people and the environment. ArmorThane also supports green initiatives and promotes recycling and waste reduction in their operations. Their sustainability efforts demonstrate their dedication to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
  5. Customer testimonials and success stories
    Finally, one of the best ways to gauge a manufacturer’s reputation and quality is to look at their customer testimonials and success stories. ArmorThane has a long list of satisfied clients from various industries who have used their polyurea coatings for a wide range of applications, from truck bed liners and industrial flooring to water park attractions and military vehicles. These testimonials and success stories attest to the quality, durability, and versatility of ArmorThane’s polyurea coatings and their ability to meet and exceed customer expectations.

In conclusion, ArmorThane is the best Canadian polyurea manufacturer due to its commitment to quality, innovation, customer support, sustainability, and proven track record. Whether you’re a contractor, a business owner, or an individual seeking reliable and efficient protective coatings for your projects, ArmorThane is the ideal choice. Contact them today to learn more about their products and services and how they can help you achieve your goals.


Why ArmorThanes Offers the Best Polyurea in Canada

Polyurea has become the top choice in coating and lining solutions because of its seamless, durable, and versatile properties. In Canada, a handful of companies now offer polyurea services, but among them, ArmorThanes is undoubtedly the best. This blog post will highlight why ArmorThanes is the leader in providing polyurea in Canada.

  1. Quality materials and expertise
    ArmorThanes uses only top-quality materials for its polyurea coatings and linings. The company ensures that its raw materials are certified and of the highest grade before using them in any project. Also, ArmorThanes has a team of experienced technicians and applicators who have undergone intensive training and are certified in polyurea applications. This combination of quality materials and expertise ensures that customers receive only the best quality and service.
  2. Custom-fit solutions for all purposes
    ArmorThanes understands that every customer’s needs are unique. The company ensures that every project is individually designed to meet the customer’s specific requirements. Whether it’s industrial flooring, tank linings, or spray foam insulation, ArmorThanes offers custom-fit solutions catering to every customer’s needs and budget.
  3. Environmental-friendly products and processes
    ArmorThanes understands the importance of protecting the environment. The company uses eco-friendly products and employs sustainable processes to ensure that their services do not harm the environment. Additionally, ArmorThanes’ polyurea coatings and linings are safe for human and animal contact, making them ideal for use in food processing and agriculture facilities.
  4. Prompt and efficient service
    ArmorThanes is committed to delivering prompt and efficient service to its customers. The company ensures that all projects are completed within the agreed timelines and budgets. Also, their highly skilled technicians and applicators use the latest technology and equipment to ensure that every project is completed with precision and to the highest standard.
  5. Comprehensive warranty
    ArmorThanes offers one of the best warranties in the industry. The company’s polyurea coatings and linings come with a comprehensive warranty that covers both the materials and labor. This warranty gives customers peace of mind, knowing that they are covered in case of any issues with their projects.

In conclusion, ArmorThanes offers the best polyurea in Canada because of its quality materials, expertise, custom-fit solutions, environmental-friendly products, efficient service, and comprehensive warranty. The company’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction makes it the top choice for polyurea services in Canada. With ArmorThanes, customers are guaranteed the best quality and service that ensures their projects are delivered to the highest standard, on time, and within budget.

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The Difference Between a Spray Foam Machine and a Polyurea Spray Machine

A company that deals with spraying insulation and coating materials must make the correct equipment selections. Understanding the various forms of spray machinery is crucial for performing tasks properly since the equipment or instrument used to complete a task is frequently a deciding factor.

Because they require different amounts of pressure to be applied, coating equipment and spray machines are not equivalent in their capacity to operate with specific materials. Lower-pressure machines are typically solely used to spray foam, but most high-pressure rated equipment could be interchangeable regardless of whether it is used to spray polyurea or foam. Foam application can be done by machines with pressures between 800 and 2000 psi, whereas the optimum material dispersion for coatings requires pressures of at least 1850 to 3500 psi. The caveat in this situation is that lower pressure machines are only appropriate for spray foam because they are not used with lengthy hoses, as those need higher pressure to spread the material adequately.

Air-Driven and Pneumatic Machinery
Although air-driven or pneumatic equipment has been around for more than 60 years, technology has advanced significantly in overall efficacy. These machines’ technology is based on a simple two-component setup: two pumps driven by an air motor that operates within a specific pressure ratio. How much material a machine can disperse in terms of fluid pressure is correlated with its psi rating. The machine can deliver 25 psi of fluid pressure for every pound of applied air pressure if the pressure ratio is 25:1.

Pneumatic systems will evenly disperse the application as long as the host has a large enough diameter to discharge the required material. The fact that this technology has been around for a long time and is quite reliable is not surprising, but a clear disadvantage is that it does not allow for effective pressure monitoring, burdening the operator with the responsibility of checking the foam for proper application and distribution.

Due to its relative simplicity and reduced price, pneumatic equipment is frequently the first choice for newly established enterprises. Yet, when business expands and bigger jobs become necessary, more output machinery becomes necessary.

Hydraulic Apparatus
Hydraulic equipment, which was first used to apply polyurea coatings and dual-component foam in the 1970s, operates chemical proportioning pumps using hydraulic power. Some of the systems even have a valve that changes the sprayer’s direction. The machine’s most enticing feature is its quick pump switchover, which causes very little pressure loss as the direction changes.

The hydraulic application enables improved monitoring techniques to ensure that the chemical combination is uniform and proportional during application because the chemicals used in spray foam need to mix before application. If the system detects improper operation or inadequate mixing, it immediately shuts down to stop the distribution of defective products, allowing the operator to address the problem rather than use subpar product.

The heating point for polyurea and foam chemicals must be between 100 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. These higher-quality hydraulic systems ensure that high-quality foam is added by heating the chemicals to the required temperatures and maintaining that temperature with heated hoses.

Using a hydraulic machine to spray foam has been proven to be particularly useful when it comes to large-area applications, such as coating broad rooftops, since it allows for outstanding heat performance and maximum output.

Electric apparatus
Electric spray systems are perfect for contractors looking to buy polyurea equipment because they provide a fantastic performance value when high throughput is needed for coating or spray foam application jobs.

Electric machines have the advantage of maintaining proper stall pressure levels when the equipment is on but not in use, as well as keeping a constant pressure as the spray or coating applicator is triggered.

The two mixing pumps are kept at the same fluid pressure by the motor control technician, who also manages the electrical current flowing through the motor. As the pumps and applicator orifices are comparable, the proportioner must operate at roughly the same pump pressure for a 1:1 chemical ratio to be achieved. In order to prevent the user from spraying faulty foam or coating, modern equipment will quickly shut down if the pump pressures start to drift out of balance and lose sync. An error message will also advise the user of the reason for the shutdown.

Electric appliances’ heating feature is also quite advantageous. Electric spray foam systems require high primary heater temperatures to successfully heat the ingredients to the required heating point. While most contractors rely on hoses to keep the product’s heated temperature constant while it is being sprayed, cooler temperatures might cool down insulated hoses, necessitating their warming before they can actually perform as intended. A lot of time would be lost if the machines had been idle for a long time before the hoses reached the point at which they could maintain the required heat temperatures.

Electric systems are not only dependable, but they may also last a very long time with adequate maintenance. They require investment and additional expenses for upkeep, but they will be less expensive than purchasing a brand-new piece of machinery. Such systems have a history of lasting 15 to 25 years.

Conclusion

The PMC polyurea machine and the Graco polyurea machine are two options to check at if you’re looking for a polyurea spray machine for sale. Think about the Graco or PMC foam machine for spray foam insulation. You may find various solutions here that are appropriate for all different types of jobs whether you’re seeking for new or secondhand polyurea spray equipment for sale.

Contact ArmorThane for more info on purchasing this equipment.

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A Look At The Everchanging Industrial Protective Coating Market

Amine-cured epoxy is one of the most successful chemically resistant coatings on the market. They tend to come as epoxy with filler and other additives on the A-side and amine curative on the B side. When mixed, they give a sprayable coating with a very workable pot life and good adhesion to a wide variety of substrates. The cured epoxy coating’s ultimate chemical resistance will depend on several key factors, including the chemical composition of both the epoxy and the amine curative, the types of fillers and additives used, and the cure temperature and time. 

Crosslink density of traditional epoxy coating compared to polymer-modified epoxy coating.

With a low crosslink density, a coating is susceptible to penetration from corrosive chemicals, which can eventually reach the substrate, creating corrosion and leading to its ultimate failure. However, with a very high crosslink density, the product provides a virtually impenetrable barrier between the chemical and the substrate. Also, chemicals do not penetrate the coating, which can occur in common epoxies, leading to blistering, splitting, and coating degradation. 

Chemical penetration of coatings with different crosslink densities.

In a low-crosslink-density coating, the chemicals will penetrate through the coating to the substrate, causing substrate corrosion. Because the solvent has penetrated the coating, both the epoxy and amine curing agent bonds will be broken by chemical attack. As for the coating with high crosslink density, the chemicals will be unable to penetrate the coating. This will not only protect the substrate from corrosion but also protect the coating itself from any damage.

With the emerging needs for both industrial and marine applications, coatings have a wide range of technical requirements in addition to chemical resistance. We will cover the technical and market needs for each of these requirements along with recent developments to meet these demands.

SEM of coatings with different crosslink densities.

Coatings for Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid is a very important industrial chemical used for such things as the manufacturing of phosphate fertilizers, purification of petroleum, acids, along with being used as a pickling medium for metals, and in storage batteries. 

Two-component epoxy coatings show excellent resistance to sulfuric acid of most concentrations and transportation and storage temperatures. They have been used successfully for years, but unfortunately can darken upon exposure to sulfuric acid.

Sulfuric acid immersion testing of improved catalyst for 2K epoxy coating.

Coating Inspection Facilitation

Ensuring the integrity of the coating is critical for the protection of the substrate. Failure of the coating cannot only cause destruction to the vessel, costing the owner both time and money, but it can also pose a danger to workers and the surrounding environment. Proper inspection of the coating itself can be time-consuming and expensive, and based on the vessel’s geometry being examined, some areas can be very hard to probe. Coatings must regularly be examined for damage to make sure that there are no cracks, holes, or chips. The entire vessel must be examined after draining and cleaning, which can be difficult again because of the complex geometries along with the hazards associated with sending workers into the vessels for review.

Fluorescent basecoat and standard gray topcoat with defects purposely introduced.

Coatings should expedite the inspection process, reducing chances of coating failure and overall simplifying the inspection process. 

Immersion testing of chemically resistant 2K epoxy fluorescent basecoat/standard topcoat.

Antistatic Coatings

Static electricity presents a very significant risk for not only the safety of people and property but also of products that are susceptible to static electricity, such as electronics components. 

Barton solvents naphtha storage tank.
Surface and volume resistivity ranges.

Chemical resistance of static dissipate 2K polymer-modified epoxy coating.

Improved Abrasion Resistance

Coatings used to stock chemicals and other substances can sustain damage from abrasion, such as the loading and unloading of supplies in the form of slurries or from cleaning procedures. Applications that could benefit from an improvement in abrasion resistance could include hopper cars, slurry pipes, legs of oil platforms, pumps, coal chutes, baghouses, and ion exchange vessels. Epoxy coatings can provide great chemical resistance through a high degree of crosslinking and the correct chemical structure, however this can lead to a coating that can be brittle and subject to damage from abrasion. 

Abrasion resistance of chemical-resistant coatings.

Field-Repairable Coatings

Recent changes to regulations from the American Association of Railroads (AAR) require that for a tank car facility to be certified, it must be able to demonstrate the procedure to repair coatings on a periodic basis. 9 High-bake phenolic coatings are widely used in the rail industry due to their excellent chemical resistance to a wide variety of products. Repair of high-bake phenolic coatings requires that the tank car first be returned to the facility, where the coating repair would then be demonstrated. The coating repair of high-bake phenolics requires that the entire tank car be taken up to high temperatures (350 °F to 400 °F), which can damage the exterior paint and stencils. This adds an extreme amount of cost for the tank car facility, along with a great deal of time for the tank cars to be out of service. Having a coating that can have its repair demonstrated in the field is therefore very important to tank car facilities. Two-part epoxy coatings can meet these needs. 

Abrasion resistance of coatings containing SiC whiskers or carbon nanotubes (mg/1,000 cycles).

Future Industry Needs

Vessel owners continue to look for ways to reduce operating expenses, and therefore chemical-resistant coatings must deliver opportunities to achieve these goals. One such opportunity is for coatings that release cargo from the walls faster than current technologies. This would allow for quicker unloading of vessels, along with easier cleaning, allowing for less time between unloading and loading. Ability to carry different chemicals would also save vessel owners time and money. The same asset could be used to transport or store a wide variety of chemicals, eliminating the need to either re-coat current vessels or to possess different storage options for each chemical. The coating should therefore be resistant to the widest variety of chemicals possible and should not absorb chemicals that can later be released and contaminate the next chemical loaded into the vessel. 

Conclusion

Developments in chemically resistant, 2K polymer-modified epoxy coatings have met several market needs, including carry of sulfuric acid, coating inspection facilitation, improved abrasion resistance, anti-static coatings, and field-repairable coatings. These coating systems continue to be rulers in chemical-resistant applications in both marine and industrial applications, and will meet anticipated market needs through continued innovation.