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Inhibispheres® and Additives in Powder Coating
Powder coating is superior to traditional painting methods and is the best finishing choice for both price and quality. Additives to powder coating can enhance qualities such as corrosion resistance, appearance, texture, durability and more. Here is a brief look how these characteristics can be achieved with additives and their role in making your finished product perfect.
Anti-Corrosion
Until recently, there have been few additives suitable for powder coatings to reduce the potential for corrosion. Ceramisphere, an Australia-based company, has developed patented technology for the encapsulation, transport, delivery and controlled release of molecules known as smart additives. Inhibispheres represent a corrosion inhibitor additive that works through a process called matrix encapsulation. This process traps liquids and other additives into microspheres, resulting in a functional powder that is cost-effective and easy to process. Matrix encapsulation specifically encloses more than one active ingredient within one particle, allowing increased flexibility and control. They are mechanically resistant and can be broken down into even smaller particles.
lnhibispheres are evenly dispersed in a powder coating and activated by the presence of moisture. As moisture is encapsulated (i.e. trapped), corrosion is prevented. Inhibispheres contains organic inhibitors and provides a novel approach to providing anti-corrosive properties to powder coating.
Flow-Control
Also known as surface-tension modifiers, flow-control additives are designed to prevent cratering and thus reduce orange peel on the product’s surface. A uniform surface tension at the molecular level eliminates areas of low surface tension resulting in a smooth surface. Common classes of low-control additives include polyacrylates and silicones.
Gloss Control
Additives are available to control for gloss or add more gloss to the finished product. This can be achieved by both physical and chemical means. The two types generally used are incompatible ingredients and non-melting additives. Polypropylene additives are an example of incompatible ingredient gloss control and produce a satin finish. An example of non-melting additive is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder. This fine powder additive can also be used in textural elements to your finished product.
Texture
Texture additives provide a desired surface texture with uniform color and gloss.
One way to accomplish a textured surface involves additives that control the powder’s surface tension. Cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) resin is an additive that lowers the surface tension of the molten powder at a lower rate than flow-control additives. This results in controlled cratering. The more CAB resin used, the smoother the texture. A cratering additive can virtually be any material that lowers surface-tension tension. These include silicones and acrylates. PTFE powders are widely used in textural components, and they, too, inhibit the flow of a coating. PTFE can produce different degrees of texture. Most texture additives result in low gloss.
Other Qualities
Durability is an important element that can be addressed with powder coating additives. For example, UV absorbers will extend the life of powder coating in products used outside. Additives can be applied to powder coating that make the finished product anti-static or charge compatible, slip-resistant, dirt-resistant, and more.
When you need powder coating, choose the professionals at Microfinish. We provide the right additives to finish your product or parts with precisely the qualities you desire. Call Microfinish today at 314-849-5149 to learn more and get started on your powder coating project.
