Essentials Of Chemical Protection Coatings

Chemical protection coatings make up a very important part in the industrial manufacturing process, being most commonly used on steel and concrete. Chemical protection is usually intended as a prevention measure against corrosion, which ensures higher efficiency and longer life for the final product. There are other applications of chemical protection coatings as well, such as protection against abrasion, fire or various specific chemical substance classes such as acids and alkaloids. Varieties of different chemical coatings are currently being used in the industry; among these are phenolic coatings, molybdenum disulfide coatings, inorganic zinc coatings and FEP coatings.

Phenolic chemical protection coatings offer consistent high quality protection for a wide range of applications, which include immersion service for most acids, solvents, and salts. This coating is most typically used where low pH environments and higher temperatures are factors. Phenolic chemical protection coatings have excellent resistance to 92% - 98% sulfuric acid at temperatures up to 120F. Phenolic chemical protection is also resistant to hydrochloric acid, phenol, anhydrous chlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride, and many other chemicals. It should also be noted that this type of coating has a maximum recommended use temperature of 500°F.

Molybdenum disulfide chemical protection is commonly used in applications where carrying capacity, operating temperature and friction coefficient are of primary concern. This coating provides effective lubrication in a wide range of loads, even those as high as 250,000 psi. Molybdenum chemical protection lubricates by transferring lubricant between the two mating surfaces, which helps to reduce the wear and the coefficient of friction. Molybdenum chemical protection is a combination of molybdenum disulfide lubricant and high performance resins. These coatings are thermally cured and thoroughly bonded to the base metal of the coated part and have a maximum use temperature of 400F, although certain variants of the coating will withstand temperatures up to 1000°F.

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