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Key Properties

• Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: The overlapping glass flakes act as a highly effective barrier against corrosive elements, providing long-term protection in harsh environments.
• High Impermeability: The tortuous path created by the flakes prevents the ingress of water, water vapor, oxygen, and electrolytes to the substrate.
• Excellent Chemical Resistance: The coatings are highly resistant to a wide range of corrosive chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and solvents.
• Superior Abrasion Resistance: The addition of hard glass flakes increases the coating's surface toughness and resistance to wear and mechanical damage.

Common Applications/Use

Epoxy glass flake coatings are primarily used for their heavy-duty protective properties in industrial and marine settings.

• Marine Industry: Used to protect the underwater hulls, ballast tanks, and splash zones of ships and offshore oil rigs from corrosion caused by saltwater.
• Chemical Processing: Applied as a lining for storage tanks, vessels, pipes, and ducts to protect against chemical exposure and corrosion.
• Oil And Gas Industry: Used on pipelines, refinery equipment, and offshore structures to withstand harsh conditions, abrasion, and corrosion.
• Water Treatment Facilities: Protects tanks, equipment, and concrete structures from chemical attack and environmental degradation.

Key Properties

• Superior Corrosion Resistance: Zinc flake coatings use both barrier and sacrificial protection. The aluminum flakes act as a barrier, while the zinc flakes corrode first to protect the underlying steel. It offers significantly longer Salt Spray Test (SST) resistance compared to standard zinc plating.
• Thin, Uniform Layer: The coating is very thin, typically 5 to 15 um, which prevents thread interference and ensures the proper function of nuts and bolts.
• No Hydrogen Embrittlement: Since the process does not use an electric current, it completely eliminates the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, making it ideal for high-strength steel fasteners, springs, and other critical components.
• High Temperature Resistance: Zinc flake coatings can withstand temperatures higher than many other coatings, making them suitable for automotive engine and exhaust components.

Common Applications/Use

The automotive sector is one of the largest users of zinc flake coatings, which have become a chromium-free alternative to electroplating.

• High-Strength Fasteners: Zinc flake is essential for bolts, grade 10.9 and 12.9, nuts, and springs, which are prone to hydrogen embrittlement from electrolytic processes.
• Chassis And Underbody Parts: Components exposed to harsh road conditions, such as road salt and moisture, are coated to ensure durability and extend vehicle lifespan.
• Fuel And Brake Systems: Items like brake discs, calipers, brake lines, and fuel tanks are coated for corrosion and temperature resistance.
• Engine Components: Parts in the engine compartment and exhaust systems benefit from the coating's high-temperature resistance.