Powder coatings are dry powder polymers that have a particle size in the range of 30 to 50 µm. This type of coating is usually applied electrostatically as a free flowing dry powder and then heated to flow into a hard finish. These coating materials can be thermoplastic or thermoset polymers.
There are many advantages to powder coating surfaces. Powder coatings emit nearly zero volatile organic compounds. Powder coatings produce a much thicker coating than conventional liquid coatings without running or sagging. Also, powder coatings are very efficient and overspray in the process can be recycled so there is no waste.
Malvern Panalytical's range of characterization solutions and application knowledge can be used to:
- Characterize the particle size and polydispersity of the powder coatings
- Image both the particle size and particle shape of the powder coating
- Determine charge of the powder coating materials
- Determine viscosity characteristics that influence the possibility of pinhole defects
- Rheological measurements to characterize coating flow and cure