What Is a Fluoropolymer Paint?
Fluoropolymer paints are paints with fluoropolymer as the main ingredient.
Fluoropolymers have extremely high weatherability, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance, and exhibit very good characteristics as a coating material. For this reason, they are widely used for surface protection of buildings and automobiles, which require high quality.
Applied to metal and concrete surfaces, it protects the surfaces and prevents deterioration caused by chemical substances and climatic changes, as well as stains caused by pollutants. Another feature of this product is its low adhesiveness, which makes it stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Although expensive, once painted, it maintains its beauty for 15 to 20 years. Although the initial investment is larger, the number of maintenance cycles can be reduced. As a result, it may be economically advantageous with lower running costs.
Uses of Fluoropolymer Paints
Fluoropolymer paints are used in a variety of applications due to their high durability and chemical resistance. Typical uses of fluoropolymer coatings are in high-value buildings such as skyscrapers.
The exterior walls and roofs of buildings are constantly affected by the natural environment, such as sunlight and wind and rain, so weather resistance is required. High-rise buildings, for example, are difficult to maintain and require weather resistance, so fluoropolymer coatings are used.
Fluoropolymer coatings may also be used on automobiles and ships. Exterior parts of automobiles and ships deteriorate due to salt damage and ultraviolet rays, so weather resistance is necessary. In addition, it is stain-resistant and chemical-resistant, making it easy to clean.
In addition, its adhesive properties are also used in food processing lines. Food does not adhere to the equipment, and clean and safe conditions can be maintained.
Principle of Fluoropolymer Paints
Fluoropolymer paints are paints with fluoropolymer as the main ingredient, and their properties are due to the extremely strong bonding power of fluoropolymer resins. Fluoropolymers have carbon-to-carbon bonds as the main chain, and fluorine atoms are bonded to the carbon. This bond between carbon and fluorine atoms is extremely strong and stable, making it less susceptible to ultraviolet rays and temperature changes.
Fluoropolymers have extremely high heat resistance and chemical stability, and are used in a wide variety of applications. Fluoropolymer paints can be used to impart these properties to surfaces. Fluoropolymer paints will adhere to surfaces in two main ways.
One is to apply a solution containing very fine particles of fluoropolymer to the surface. When the solution dries, the fluoropolymer particles will adhere to the surface and form a fluoropolymer coating film.
The other method is to charge the fluoropolymer electrically and apply it to the surface. In this case, the particles are adsorbed to the surface by the force of static electricity and form a fluoropolymer coating film.
Types of Fluoropolymer Paints
Fluoropolymer paints come in many types depending on their structure. The following is an example of one type of fluoropolymer paints.
1. PTFE-Based Paint
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used in this coating. It is characterized by its extremely low viscosity. Because of its excellent lubricity, it is used as a coating for frying pans and other cooking utensils.
It is also often used for lining the inside of pipes, taking advantage of its extremely low adhesiveness.
2. ETFE-Based Paint
Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) is the main component of this paint. It has extremely high heat resistance and weather resistance. It is also characterized by its high light transmittance.
It is mainly used for building exteriors, roofs, and green house sheets.
3. PVDF-Based Paint
This coating is based on polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF). It has high chemical resistance and abrasion resistance, and is excellent for surface protection of concrete and metal. In addition, it can prevent the adhesion of dirt and mold, thus maintaining the aesthetic appearance of surfaces for a long period.
4. FEP-Based Paint
This paint is mainly composed of fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). It is characterized by its extremely low viscosity.
It is mainly used for the inner surface coating of pipes and valves, etc. By applying FEP coating to the inner surface, fluid flow can be smoothed, and corrosion and dirt adhesion can be prevented.