What Is a Silicone Coating Agent?
Silicone coating agents are coatings that contain polymers of organosilicon compounds, such as dimethylsiloxane.
Well-known examples are coatings applied over vehicle paint and coatings for residential flooring. Both of these are silicone coating agents and contain organosilicon polymers, but the method of application and the thickness of the coat layer after it is applied are quite different.
The automotive coating is sprayed onto the vehicle body and then spread thinly and wiped off to form a very thin film on the painted surface. In contrast, the coating method for flooring coatings is the same as that for paints, where a thick coating is formed and then allowed to dry naturally.
Uses of Silicone Coating Agents
Silicone coating agents have two main uses:
1. Coatings for Vehicles
In addition to silicone coating agents, glass-based coating agents also exist as coating agents for vehicles. The purpose of both glass- and silicone-based coatings is to protect and polish the painted surfaces of vehicles, but silicone-based coatings require no skill to apply and are relatively easy for anyone to apply.
Silicone coating agents, which can be easily obtained at car accessory stores, are sprayed onto the body of the car, making the coating process very easy. Glass coatings, on the other hand, are designed for professionals.
In terms of performance, silicone coating agents are superior to glass coating agents in terms of gloss after coating, but inferior to glass coating agents in terms of durability.
2. Coating Agent for Flooring
Silicone coating agents for residential use can be an overwhelmingly glossy, grippy, and cost-effective material when compared to other floor coating agents, such as UV coat, glass coat, and urethane coat. However, the disadvantage is that their durability is inferior to UV coatings and glass coatings.
Silicone coating agents for flooring have an approximate service life of 10 years, depending on the product.
Features of Silicone Coating Agents
The silicone molecule has a siloxane (-Si-O-) structure consisting of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) bonded together, with Si having four covalent bonds, so that each Si molecule has two alkyl groups such as methyl groups (-CH3) in addition to two O bonds. A glass is a three-dimensional bonding of Si and O alone.
The siloxane backbone of silicon and oxygen has higher bonding energy than the carbon-carbon bonds that are the main backbone of other polymers, so silicone coatings are more heat resistant than other resin coatings. The coating provides a glossy finish as fine scratches are filled in by the coating agent.
In addition, silicone, like fluorine compounds, is highly water-repellent, and coating the surface of the coated object increases its water repellency, keeps water out, and prevents stains. After a rainfall, for example, a vehicle with a silicone coating will repel water, and no moisture will remain after a rainfall.
Other Information on Silicone Coating Agents
Disadvantages of Silicone Coating Agents
One of the characteristics of silicone coatings is that they produce a sheen, but they are not recommended for those who do not like this sheen. Recently, more and more people are looking for a coating that gives the taste of the material itself rather than an unnatural gloss.
Also, silicone coatings with a high gloss will stand out even with a few scratches. If you are concerned about this, you need to take good care of the coated surface by applying the coating more frequently.
Silicone coating for flooring has a thick film that is difficult for a release agent to penetrate and remove. Another disadvantage is that it is difficult to repair in case of failure.