Armourcote signs for polymer coatings

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 6, 2005

Victrex has licensed Armourcote to produce aqueous-based dispersions made from Victrex Peek polymer.

Victrex has licensed Armourcote in the UK for the use of Victrex Peek based dispersions which have a patented base recipe and are formulated with powders to produce aqueous-based dispersions made from Victrex Peek polymer.

Armourcote a major UK based coating company can modify the polyarletheretherketone-based recipe to enhance specific properties such as abrasion resistance, lubricity, release and colour.

Armourcote offers the necessary customer and technical service support for the new Victrex Peek-based coatings to ensure that the right coating system is specified.

Armourcote has many years experience of tailoring coatings for specific applications in all market segments and with the new Victrex Peek dispersions can now offer solutions to coatings that are specified in the most demanding environments.

The coatings are based on semicrystalline Victrex Peek thermoplastic which is widely regarded as having the best combination of properties for harsh environments.

These include: high temperature resistance, the retention of mechanical performance at high temperature; outstanding wear and abrasion; chemical resistance; excellent fire, smoke, toxicity performance and good electrical properties.

According to Annette Forster, Market Development Manager for Victrex: "When a thin layer of Victrex Peek-based coating is applied to a substrate, it confers all the performance properties associated with our high performance polymers".

Victrex Peek-based dispersion coatings can provide substantial benefits over existing coatings as well as eliminate the need for costly, hard-to-machine exotic metals like stainless steel or titanium.

Dispersions are formulated to produce durable impact-resistant pin-hole-free coatings from less than 25 to 100um using conventional equipment.

Cycle times are potentially reduced as Victrex Peek dispersions can offer a one coat system where multiple coats of other less wear resistant systems may be required.

Forster said: "Victrex Peek-based coatings are under evaluation in analytical, semiconductor and medical applications because they provide a lubricious, nonsloughing, and tough protective layer over metals, ceramics, and glass".

"They are also being evaluated in the food industry because of their FDA compliance and their superior chemical resistance to harsh cleaning fluids".

Victrex Peek-based dispersion coatings are also ideal for coating components and substrates in industries that demand corrosion protection and wear resistance.

"For parts such as agitators and vessels, coating for corrosion protection in aggressive environments may be the only cost-effective answer", said Forster.

Victrex Peek-based dispersion coatings are also a solution for components in ultra-pure water systems, chemical plants, and offshore oil installations.

Coatings are applied by spraying Victrex Peek-based dispersions with an average particle size of between 10 and 25um.

After application of the powder, parts are heated in an oven to around 400C at which point the powder melts to form a continuous film.

Air cooling of the liquefied film then causes it to solidify again.

This process can be repeated to build up the required coating thickness on a variety of substrates including stainless steel and aluminium.