News

 

Construction and Architecture Drive Powder Coating Innovations and Trends

 

Architecture and construction became key drivers of powder coating technologies, thanks to the ever-increasing demand for more sustainable and high-performance coating solutions. One fine instance of the recent advancements made in powder coating technology are compact systems that promise a greater reduction of cost in terms of quicker curing times, dual-layering functionalities, or even dry-on-dry curing.

 

At the same time, there are now newer and more advanced technologies that permit powder coating to be applied to materials such as wood and MDF. On the other hand, there are yet others which are specifically designed to help in improving corrosion protection for metallic substrates. Also, the significant reductions made in baking temperatures equate to powder coats being used on more materials. Its utilization also results in decreased energy consumption, and the absence of VOCs in its formulation. This definitely makes powder coating a much more sustainable option when compared to liquid-based coating and even anodizing.

 

Recent advancements gained in powder coating technology

Generally speaking, there have been numerous advances in technological innovations in the powder coating field that make it a more attractive solution for different applications. In the first place, there is the cross-linked resin technology which has contributed to significant improvements in powder coating’s hardness, along with chemical resistance. There are, as well, bonded metallic coats that offer a more distinctive and high-quality finish.

 

Other notable innovative technologies include sprayable thermoplastic coats, which allow applying extremely durable thermoplastic onto a wide variety of coaters. All these innovations are now being applied advantageously in diverse sectors including the agriculture, architectural, transportation, construction, and heavy-duty truck industries to mention just a few.

 

On the flip side, there have been great advances realized in the formulation of corrosion control powder coating, which has started meeting customers’ demands for improvement. This is a field that holds much promise for even further advancements. To this end, many raw material suppliers are increasingly studying just how they can develop newer strategies and products that address this particular requirement. Lastly, the capability to manufacture weather-resistant powder coating solutions is yet another critical advancement that has gained a lot of traction in recent years. This is especially the case in its ability to mimic anodizing finishes, less the various issues that are associated with anodizing processes.

 

Smart powder coating

Ideally, the smart powder coating concept involves developing coats that can respond to specific external stimuli in an infinitely more controllable way. Some of the most prominent examples of these technologies include active anti-corrosion protection primers, anti-microbial coats, low solar absorption coats, and so on. Another desirable instance of smart powder coating technology is the anti-graffiti coats that make the surface much easier to clean and, thereby, protect a wide range of substrates.

 

This may include signs, public areas, indoor and outdoor recreational equipment to name but a few. Other significant advances in smart powder coating are nano-composite coats, which are meant to react only with liquid hydrocarbons.

 

Hyper-durable powder coating

Yet another field in the powder coating sphere that has witnessed advancements are the hyper-durable coats, which are currently the most long lasting weather-resistant solution on the market. Hyper-durable powder coats’ formulation utilizes the same chemistry as liquid PVDF coats, which is a pure thermoplastic fluoropolymer, and delivers a 10-year outdoor performance even in the most stringent weathering tests.

 

A sustainable future
The innovations and trends of powder coating allow builders and architects to create green projects, because the reduction of emissions, the saving of resources such as energy in curing at low temperature and the reduction in the maintenance of coatings, the use of nanotechnology to avoid graffiti and hyper-durability conditions even in the most extreme climates or the most stressful mechanical conditions, make compliance and the scope of certifications take a back seat and focus on the search for a world with greater sustainability.

 

Learn more about Coating Solutions & Quality, our commitment to sustainability and the high performance of our powder coatings for construction, architecture and design on our instagram