Powder coatings are a popular means of adding a protective layer to a component. Their market share is increasing substantially as companies work with finishing companies to find protective coatings that are also environmentally friendly. Although a thermoplastic powder coating, nylon finds employment as a protective measure in certain industries.
Nylon: A Thermoplastic Coating
In the market of powder coatings, thermoset coatings occupy the larger share. Thermoplastic powder coatings, such as nylon, are responsible for only between 5% and 10% of the entire market. In fact, even in places such as Michigan, there seems to be a mindset that favors thermosets over thermoplastics. Yet, the evidence indicates that thermoplastics are:
- Thicker
- More flexible
- Extra ductile
- High adhesion levels
Such materials as Nylon bring this to the table when employed as powder coatings.
Properties of Nylon Coatings
When it comes to Nylon, its properties enhance the coating process. They provide protection to the substrate surface by imbuing it with qualities inherent in Nylon. Nylon does possess many enviable chemical and physical properties. These include:
- Aging resistant
- Excellent resistance against stress cracking
- Good levels of chemical resistance
- Good electrical and mechanical strength
- Solid levels of elasticity or flexibility
- Acts as an insulator
- Good resistance to water – boiling and with or without heavy duty detergent containing
- High heat resistance
- High level of protection against corrosion
- High wear and tear resistance
- Good sound and vibration absorption
- Very good resistance to many organic solvents e.g. fats, saline solutions and oils
A nylon coating is suitable for harsh environments. Its properties form the basis for its application by several industrial concerns. These include both the automotive and the medical instrument industries. The latter group has discovered that while the constant use of an autoclave can remove a coating quickly, this is not valid when it comes to nylon.
Nylon Powder Coating: A Durable, Flexible Thermoplastic Coating
Using Nylon is usually more expensive than turning to thermoset powder coatings. However, considering its performance qualities, this makes the purchase more cost-effective. It requires only a thin layer to produce the required effect, although you can increase the layers and double the protection in extreme cases.
In Michigan, companies are slowly learning the benefits of employing thermoplastic coatings. With high performance properties, currently not reached through the application of thermoset coatings, it is easy to see why more companies need to consider the value of a thermoplastic coating – perhaps a Nylon powder coating, to provide durability and longevity to their products.
