Metal Coatings

Metal is used in the fabrication of many consumer and industrial products, from beverage cans to furniture to bridges. It is nearly always coated, firstly out of necessity to prevent the rapid effects of corrosion, but just as importantly to make the product more attractive. Surface modifiers enhance coating performance by a variety of functions, depending on the application.

Coil coating is an efficient factory process whereby large rolls of metal - destined for building products, vehicles, appliances, and the like - are coated continuously. The fine, glossy finishes on these durable products are best maintained by including a mar resistant surface modifier in the formula. For example, anti-blocking and anti-slip properties prevent the coating from being abraded, scratched, or damaged during manufacturing, storage, and transit.

The coating on a can exterior may require special mobility or slip properties that allow units to move freely and quickly on a high speed production line. Adding lubricity to the coating via a surface modifier allows can designers to use reasonably low metal thicknesses, while not risking unacceptable wear and pinhole formation during transport when the cans are in constant contact with one another.

The coating on a can interior has very special requirements being met with wax emulsion type surface modifiers. In all food applications, they will need to meet FDA, BGVV, Kosher or other types of "safe for human consumption" requirements. The correct formulation using surface modifiers can be used in this critical application.

A host of other metal products, often termed "General Metal" categories, are likewise coated. These may be protected against scratching and marring - as brought on during transport, handling, or installation - by selecting the correct wax surface modifier.

Fixed structures such as bridges and industrial complexes require periodic coating maintenance to protect these valuable assets. Selective use of the appropriate wax surface modifier into the coating formula can provide water repellency (supplemental barrier properties), mar and scratch protection, and other functions.