Corrosion devastates industries and costs nations trillions of dollars annually. However, with proper corrosion management practices incorporated into systems, it is possible to cut these costs and safeguard equipment from damage.
Optical coatings are indispensable to specific industries, enabling enhanced safety, performance, and innovation. They are found in night vision devices, laser protection, and more.
Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings
Chemical agent resistant coating, or polyurea coatings, along with advanced defense coating, protects military equipment from the chemical and biological warfare agents that are a serious threat in today’s war zones. The paint prevents these weapons from soaking into the surface, which would allow them to damage the equipment and hurt soldiers. It also makes decontamination procedures safer and easier by making it harder for the chemicals to reach a soldier’s skin or respiratory system.
The traditional way of testing for CARC has been to place a known amount of chemical agent on a coated sample under engineering-controlled laboratory conditions, wash the coating with isopropyl alcohol, and then measure how much of the absorbed agent re-emitted into the air above it after 22 hours. But this method can underestimate how much of the agent is absorbed. Researchers at Battelle’s Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) have developed a simpler and more accurate way to test for CARC.
Their new method involves immersing a coating sample in soapy water and solvent extraction. This replicates the treatment process used in decontamination, and it more accurately reflects how much agent is actually absorbed into the coating material. By using this method to test for CARC, Mantooth and his team can tell a more accurate story about how well a coating will perform in the field.
The new method can also help reduce the costs associated with cleaning and repainting assets in combat zones. It could one day be used to create a paint that sheds chemical agents, which would eliminate the need for extensive stripping and demilitarizing. In addition, it could be used to create other protective surfaces that react with toxins and carcinogens in order to break them down into less harmful substances.
Ceramic Coatings
Ceramic coatings have exploded in popularity due to their ability to protect your vehicle from light scratches, harmful UV rays and environmental damage. However, when it comes to ceramic coatings, there are some myths that need to be debunked before you can fully understand the protection that this product offers your prized possession.
Myth 1: Ceramic Coating will Protect Your Car From Scratches
The truth is that ceramic coatings offer some level of protection against light scratches and swirl marks, but they are by no means scratch-proof. This is because a ceramic coat forms a sacrificial layer on the surface of your paint that will eventually deteriorate, at which point you would need to strip and reapply the product in order to continue to enjoy its benefits.
Another myth that needs to be dispelled is that a ceramic coating will make your car ‘dirt resistant’. While a ceramic coat can help to a certain degree by repelling water and dirt, your vehicle will still need to be washed regularly in order to remain clean.
Myth 2: Ceramic Coating Will Last Forever
While a well-made ceramic coating can last up to two years before it begins to degrade, it is important that you take the proper precautions to ensure that your ceramic coating retains its integrity. By using a soft wash brush, avoiding automatic car washes and drying your vehicle with a microfiber towel after each wash, you can greatly improve the longevity of your ceramic coating.
Aside from protecting your vehicle from everyday environmental conditions, ceramic coatings, like those available at Bullet Liner (www.bulletliner.com), are also known to be one of the hardest materials on Earth. As such, it can be used to effectively protect your vehicle from rock chips, acid rain, bird droppings, tree sap, hard water spots and more. Moreover, ceramic coatings can be used to prevent the oxidation of your car’s metal parts as well as its interior surfaces
Powder Coatings
In the dynamic world of high-flying aircraft, state-of-the-art satellites and advanced military equipment, optical coatings emerge as unsung heroes, enabling industry advancements and elevating defence capabilities to new heights. Optical coatings support stealth technology, night vision devices, laser protection and precision targeting and guidance systems, enhancing safety and performance.
Powder coating is an electrostatic process that uses dry powder and an electric charge to create a final finish. Polymer resins, curatives, pigments and leveling agents are combined to form the powder, which can be applied in multiple finishes and colors. Powder coat “paint” is available in a variety of decorative textures, so manufacturers can customize the look and feel of components. This powder coating “paint” can also be functional, providing corrosion resistance.
The powder coating application process is a clean, environmentally friendly alternative to liquid industrial paints. Unlike liquid paints, powder coatings do not contain solvents, and therefore produce minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation, and powder coating eliminates them completely. The cured coatings are also recyclable and reusable, reducing waste generation.
Even the most durable protective coatings will erode over time, and each small chip provides a gateway for moisture and oxygen-two of the primary catalysts of corrosion. This is why preventative measures are key to a successful defence strategy. Taking the right precautions reduces the risk of these minor flaws from compromising structural integrity and leading to chip-initiated corrosion.
To ensure the safe operation of powder coating lines, manufacturers must take the necessary safety precautions and adhere to all regulatory requirements. This includes implementing proper PPE, utilizing eyewash stations and ensuring that all staff are aware of the potential hazards associated with working with powder and chemicals. For example, it is important to maintain an adequate dust collection system to minimize the amount of fine powder particles that can be inhaled.