The article presents the destructive impact of climatic factors on the state of surface layers of epoxy coatings. An increase in the surface roughness of the coatings was observed, contributing to the loss of their gloss. A decrease in the hardness and thickness of the coatings was also noted. The destructive influence of climatic factors on the surface layers of epoxy coatings was also confirmed by microscopic examinations.
In the case of polymer coatings subjected to the influence of a natural operating environment, the dominant role in the degradation processes of the coatings is played by factors such as: ultraviolet radiation, aggressive media, and biotic factors (especially in conditions of increased humidity), as well as the erosive impact of hard particles, the influence of which on the coating degradation process is synergistic [1]. Under the influence of operating environment exposures, complex wear processes occur in polymer coatings, leading to the loss of the protective and decorative properties of the coatings.
The basic criterion for a polymer coating to fulfill its protective function relative to the substrate is its tightness, determined by the degree of porosity. Pores in coatings are formed during the process of their formation, as well as as a result of aging processes occurring in their structure, especially under the influence of UV radiation and aggressive media [1-3].
The interaction of operating environment factors has a significant impact on the state of the surface of polymer coatings.
As a result of the adsorption of aggressive substances on the surface of the coatings, as well as due to the influence of ultraviolet radiation, intense chemical and physical degradation of the coating surfaces occurs, primarily deteriorating their decorative properties [4-9].
Oxidized surface layers of polymer coatings are characterized by increased brittleness, which contributes to the loss of cohesion of fillers and pigments with the coating-forming material. (…)
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Source: Logistyka Magazine
Keywords: epoxy coatings, roughness, gloss, decorative properties – PDF file for download