89

-1

89

Thermoset Powder

Coatings

89.1 Introduction ......................................................................

89-

1

Discovers Powder Coatings

89.2 Processing and Equipment ...............................................

89-

3

Application Equipment

89.3 Chemistry...........................................................................

89-

6

89.4 Formulation.....................................................................

89-

11

89.5 End Uses ..........................................................................

89-

12
References ...................................................................................

89-

12

89.1 Introduction

In recent years, awareness of environmental conservation and pollution prevention has risen steadily.
Governmental regulation and true concern for the environment have motivated chemists to modify all
types of coatings to reduce environmental impact. The concept of environmental friendliness has
dramatically changed the way that coatings are formulated.
Powder coatings are arguably the most environmentally friendly coatings. They do not contain
solvents to be released as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Powder coatings release very low amounts of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the baking cycle. They produce virtually no waste material.
And, they contain very few hazardous chemicals. (Note: The few hazardous chemicals that have found
their way into powder coatings are decreasing as they are replaced with safer materials.)

89.1.1 Powder Coatings Dened

Powder coatings can be described as ground up dry paint. They may also be referred to as pulverized
plastics. They have properties in common with both materials. The polymeric resins that are used in
producing powder coatings are similar in nature to those used in both paints and plastics. All three
materials are composed of combinations of resin, pigment, ller, and various additive materials. They
may be thermoplastic or thermosetting.
The primary difference between the three types of compounds is the molecular weight range of the
polymers used as binders. Plastics use the highest molecular weight resins, paint the next highest, and
powder coatings the lowest. Paint, of course, also contains various solvents to dissolve or dilute the coating
for easy application.

Lawrence R. Waelde

Troy Corporation

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Powder Coatings Dened The First Powder Coatings
Premixture Extrusion Grinding Sifting and Classifying
Thermoset Beginnings The Beginning of Growth The World
Epoxy Systems Polyester Systems Acrylic Systems
Resin Systems Pigments and Fillers Additives

89

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Coatings Technology Handbook, Third Edition

89.1.2 The First Powder Coatings

Powder coatings are relatively new nishes. The rst application of a dry paint occurred in the 1940s.

1

At that time, pulverized thermoplastic formulations were ame sprayed over metallic substrates. The
plastics melted in the ame, owed onto the substrate, and cooled there to form a protective coating.
This was a poor way to apply a protective barrier, as it was very wasteful. Material decomposed in the
ame and was lost. Furthermore, there was very little control of lm uniformity or thickness that was
built up on the substrate. It was not uncommon for lms to exceed 100 mils (~2500 microns).
In 1950, a British patent was issued to Schori Metallizing Process, Ltd., for a hot-dip coating process.

2

By this process, a heated metal part was dipped or rolled in a thermoplastic powder. Loss through decom-
position was minimized, but lm build was still extremely high. It was also difcult to maintain clean plant
conditions, as handling the parts throughout the coating process produced high dust conditions.
The next innovation in the application of thermoplastic powders occurred in 1953. A patent was
applied for by Erwin Gemmer of Knapsack-Griesheim AG (later acquired by Hoechst) for a uidized
bed coating process.

3

By this process, pulverized material is oated in a container by upward movement
of airstreams that are forced to diffuse through a bed of porous material. The oating powder takes on
properties of a uid in that the particles ow in the airstreams much like molecules of boiling water
bubbling in a saucepan. A German patent was issued for this process in 1955 and a U.S. patent in 1958.

4

In uidized bed application, the metal substrate is heated above the melting point of the powder and
dipped into the uidized material. Powder that touches the metal melts and adheres to the part. The part
is then transported to the following stage of production by conveyor. The process is much cleaner than
dipping or rolling, but lm build is still very high.

89.1.3 Thermoset Beginnings

Up to this point, all powder coatings were thermoplastic in nature. Thermoset powder coatings were just
beginning to be explored. The rst trials were made with existing resins or slightly modied polymers.
They had low glass transition points (

T

g

) and tended to sinter (cake) upon standing for any length of time.
In the early 1960s, two developments occurred almost simultaneously. The rst development was the
invention of storage stable thermoset powder coatings.

5

They were epoxies based on diglycidyl ethers of
Bisphenol A. The second invention was the electrostatic spray gun, which was capable of applying a
powder coating under controlled conditions.

6

Electrostatic application of powder coatings is performed by pumping a stream of coating particles in
an airstream past a high voltage cascade generator. The powder acquires an electrostatic charge and ows
through the generated electrical eld to a grounded metal substrate. The substrate is then transported
to an oven where the coating melts, ows out, and is cured.

89.1.4 The Beginning of Growth

The electrostatic spray gun is probably the single most important invention in the rapid growth of
thermoset powder coatings. With this equipment, virtually all of a powder coating product can be used
in application, as oversprayed material can be reclaimed and used. Film build can be reduced to less than
5 mils (~125 microns). In fact, lm thickness similar to that possible with liquid coatings can now be
achieved (<1.0 mil or ~25 microns).
It has been reported that the world production of thermoset powder coatings in 1962 was around
16,000 lb (ca. 7.3 metric tons). All of these coatings were epoxies. By 1966, the volume had grown to
100,000 lb (ca. 45.4 metric tons).
During 1969, the rst polyester resins designed for thermoset electrostatically applied powder coatings
were developed.

7

They took a long time to cure and had caking problems. Nevertheless, powder coating
production continued to increase.
By 1972, the world production of thermoset powder coatings had grown to 11.6 million pounds (ca.
5300 metric tons). That same year, the rst carboxyl-terminated polyester resins were produced.

7

They

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were the rst polyester resins that eliminated the problem of outgassing due to reaction products forming
bubbles and pinholes in the coating lm.
Polyester resins with higher reactivity and, therefore, faster cure, were rst introduced in 1974.

7

They
started to gain in popularity in the next couple of years, and by 1983, the rst trimellitic anhydride-free
(TMA) polyesters were produced.

7

These were the earliest attempts to eliminate hazardous chemicals
from powder coating formulae.

89.1.5 The World Discovers Powder Coatings

Powder production continued to grow at a fantastic rate. World production had grown from 162.8 million
pounds (74,000 metric tons) in 1980 to 633 million pounds (ca. 290,000 metric tons) in 1990.

8

About that time, it was discovered that TGIC (triglycidyl isocyanurate) could cause mutation in the
chromosomes of lab mice. TGIC had been used as a cross-linker with certain carboxyl-terminated
polyesters to produce extremely durable exterior coatings.
Immediately, chemists began to search for nonmutagenic alternatives. And, in 1990, the rst non-
TGIC cross-linkers for polyester resins were introduced.

9

The rst was a

-hydroxyalkyl polyamide. It
was followed in 1991 by tetramethoxymethyl glycoluril.
Even with the concern over mutagenic materials, powder production has continued to grow rapidly.
Worldwide production of thermoset powder coatings for 1996 exceeded 1.13 billion pounds (over 1/
2 million metric tons). The projected growth for the year 2002 is more than 1.8 billion pounds
(>827,000 metric tons) worldwide and for 2003, it was over 1.9 billion pounds (> 880,000 metric
tons) (see Figure 89.1).

89.2 Processing and Equipment

The process of producing a powder coating is somewhat more complex than that for other types of
coatings. The equipment needs are more numerous. The production time is also somewhat longer. This
section will describe each of the necessary pieces of equipment in the order that they are used during
the process of making a powder coating.

89.2.1 Premixture

The rst step in the manufacture of a powder coating is the premix stage. This is the most crucial phase
of production. The various sizes of resin ake, pigment powder, etc., must be transformed into a
homogenous blend of similar particle size before they enter the following stage extrusion.

FIGURE 89.1

Worldwide growth of powder coating production for the years 1962 through 2003.

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Coatings Technology Handbook, Third Edition

Because the extruder is a simple melt mixer, and not a very efcient disperser, the premix stage must
allow for the best possibility of good dispersion of all ingredients in the nal product. Thus, premixture
is performed in equipment with sufcient ability to break down the large resin akes, thoroughly blend
any liquid components, and disperse the smaller quantity constituents, such as additives.

89.2.1.1 Premixers

Most premix equipment consists of a mixing bowl with a locking cover. The equipment is usually tted
with a cooling jacket capable of being lled with running water or, in rare cases, cryogenic gasses. The
mixing blades within the bowl may have various congurations. However, there are generally two or
three blades placed at different heights and orientation to one another (Figure 89.2).

89.2.2 Extrusion

The second stage of powder coating manufacture is extrusion of the premix. The extruder is basically
composed of a horizontally placed stainless steel tube or barrel. Within the barrel are one or two screws
that are slightly smaller than the barrel in diameter. The screws turn and move the premix forward
through heated mixing zones. The mixing zones have special attachments, called mixing paddles or
blades. The paddles knead the melted premix and blend the various ingredients.
Contrary to what may be imagined, the extruder is not a very good disperser. The space between the
screws and the barrel walls is relatively large and allows material to travel through without dispersing it
thoroughly. Also, the coating mixture passes through the barrel fairly rapidly and does not have time to
be dispersed efciently.

89.2.2.1 Extruders

There are three basic types of extruder. The rst type, the single screw extruder, is most often used in
the plastics industry. It does not move material forward as rapidly as other types, and thermosetting
coatings could react in the barrel and gel prematurely. Thermoplastic materials used in injection molding
are commonly prepared in single screw extruders. However, there is one type of single screw extruder
used in the thermosetting powder coatings industry. It has special attachments along the sides of the
barrel that aid in the blending of the ingredients.

FIGURE 89.2

Generalized schematic of premix equipment.

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The second type of extruder is the counter-rotating twin screw extruder. It is composed of two screws
placed side-by-side and turning in opposite directions (i.e., one turns clockwise and the other counter-
clockwise). This type is also usually used in the plastics industry.
The third kind of extruder, which is used in powder coating production, is the corotating twin screw
extruder (see Figure 89.3). In this type of equipment, the two side-by-side screws turn in the same
direction. This greatly increases throughput and decreases residence time. Reduced residence time is
important in thermoset coatings, especially in the most reactive systems with short gel times.

89.2.3 Grinding

The grinding phase in the manufacture of a powder coating is important to its nal performance. The
average particle size and distribution are important in the application properties and nal surface
appearance of the coating.
Once a powder coating has been extruded, it passes through one or more stages to prepare it for
grinding. The molten material is dropped onto chilled metal rollers, where it is pressed at and cooled.
The coating is then broken into akes or granulated and fed to the grinder.

89.2.3.1 Grinders

There are three favored types of grinding equipment used in the powder coating industry. They are the
impact or hammer mill, the air jet mill, and the air classier mill.
The impact or hammer mill grinds the coating materials by throwing them or hitting them against a
stationary screen or stator.

10

The particles are broken down until they are small enough to t through
the screen. The particles are then passed to various sieves or cyclonic separators for nal particle size
distribution adjustments.
The air jet mill is an extremely efcient grinder. Powder coatings are fed into a high volume and high
velocity airstream. The particles circle the cylindrical grinding chamber striking other particles and
breaking them into very ne powders. The ne material rises out of the chamber with the escaping air,
through conduits, to separation devices that structure the particle size distribution.
The air classier has elements of both of the previous types. There is an impact chamber that is
supplemented with airstreams that rapidly break down the coating materials. This provides excellent

FIGURE 89.3

Typical conguration for twin screw corotating extruder.


Forwarding
(open flights)
Mixing
(paddles)
Reversing
(camel back)
Twin Screw Agitators for Powder Coatings

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Coatings Technology Handbook, Third Edition

control of particle size distribution, and the moving air tends to cool the powder, minimizing heat effects,
such as impact fusion.

89.2.4 Sifting and Classifying

The nal structuring of particle size distribution is accomplished by passing the ground materials through
sieves or cyclonic separators. Sieves scalp the largest or smallest particles, which narrows the particle
size distribution. By judicious use of sieves, the distribution and average particle size may be chosen for
best application and surface properties.
Cyclonic separators or classiers function by forcing powders in airstreams to circle conical chambers.
The heaviest (largest) particles will fall to the bottom of the chamber and will be collected for use or
dumping. The smallest particles will ow out through the top with escaping air, will ow through
conduits, and will be saved or discarded as the need arises. By adjusting the volume and velocity of the
airstream, a particle size distribution can be varied.

89.2.5 Application Equipment

There are three primary methods of applying powder coatings. The rst uses a uidized bed. As described
earlier, the uidized bed transmits a diffuse stream of air upward through the bottom of a container holding
the coating to be applied. The airstream is kept at low enough pressure so that the powder rises into the
air but is not expelled from the container. As air escapes past the oating particles, the surface of the powder
mass appears to bubble or percolate. The term uidized refers to this uid-like motion. The metal part
to be coated is heated above the melting point of the coating and is dipped into the uidized bed. Powder
touching the part melts and adheres to the metal. The part is then transported to a curing oven.
The second and third methods of application utilize electrostatic spray guns. There are two basic types
of gun: corona-charged and tribo-charged. The corona-charged spray gun applies an electrostatic charge
to the powder as the material ows through an electrical eld generated at the gun tip of the gun. The
tribo-charged gun has a polytetraouroethylene (PTFE) barrel, and powder owing through it acquires
an electrical charge from friction. The charged powders are sprayed onto grounded metal parts, where
they adhere through electromagnetic attraction. The parts are then transported to the curing oven.

89.3 Chemistry

The chemistry of powder coatings is not very different from that of liquid coatings. The main resin types
used in thermosetting powder coatings are all familiar to the liquid coatings chemist. The epoxy, polyester,
and acrylic polymers are well known in liquid coatings. However, the molecular weight and curing agents
are somewhat different. From these three resin types, a number of different cross-linked systems are
possible. The most common will be discussed here. Note that each subsection describing a cross-linking
pair includes a common industry nickname in parentheses.

89.3.1 Epoxy Systems

The most common epoxy resins in use today are diglycidyl ethers of Bisphenol A made from reaction of
epichlorohydrin with Bisphenol A. Diglycidyl ethers of Novolac resins also have signicant commercial
impact.
O CH
2
CH CH
2
O
CH
3
CH
3
O CH
2
CH
Diglyceride Ether of Bisphenol A Resin
CH
2
O
OH
C
CH
3
CH
3
O CH
2
CH CH
2
O
n


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The epoxy groups terminating each molecule react with acidic or basic curing agents. The three most
common are the phenols, dicyandiamides (DICY), and carboxylic acids, including carboxy-terminated
polyesters. Various acids, anhydrides, amines, and imidazoles are also used as cross-linkers with epoxy resins.

89.3.1.1 Epoxy-Phenols (Phenolic)

The curing of epoxy resins with phenols results in the opening of the epoxide ring and the formation of
a hydroxyl group, at either the primary or secondary position. The hydroxyl group is available for reaction
in the cross-linking of the resin. The aromatic ring attaches to the unreacted carbon of the epoxide.

89.3.1.2 Epoxy-Dicyandiamide (DICY)

DICY cured epoxy coatings react in a similar manner to that of the previous type, where nitrogen-bearing
groups replace the aromatic ring. All four functional groups will react with the epoxide, acting as a
primary or secondary amine.

89.3.1.3 EpoxyPolyester (Hybrid)

Epoxy resins react with carboxy-functional polyesters in the same way as carboxylic acids. The hydroxyl portion
of the acid group reacts with the epoxide. The rest of the reaction follows as we have seen in the previous
examples. Because both reactants are considered primary resins, the system is referred to as a hybrid.
O CH
2
CH CH
2
O
O
CH
2
CH CH
2
O
CH
2
O
Diglycidyl Ether of Novolac Resin
CH
2
CH CH
2
O
O
CH
2
n
R1 O CH
2
CH
2
O
CH R2 HO
Epoxy Resin Phenolic Crosslink Intermediate
R2
O R1 O CH
2
OH
CH
+
N
C N
H
C
NH
NH
2
O CH
2
CH CH
2
O
R
O
CH
2
CH CH
2
OH
R
N
O
CH
3
C CH
2
OH
R
N C N C
NH
O
CH
2
CH CH
2
OH
R
+
DICY Epoxy Resin Crosslink Intermediate

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89.3.2 Polyester Systems

There are two types of polyester resins used in thermoset powder coatings. They are carboxy- and hydroxy-
functional. There are several different curing agents used with each. We will examine the four most
common systems.

89.3.2.1 Polyester-Triglycidyl Isocyanurate (TGIC or Polyester)

Triglycidylisocyanurate (TGIC) is a heterocyclic tri-epoxy curing agent. As such, it reacts with carboxy-
functional polyester resins similar to those used in hybrid coating systems. The major difference is in the
trifunctionality. One mole of TGIC will react with three moles of polyester resin. The cross-link network
is also more complex because of the extra reactive sites available.
O
C C
HO
R1 "
C
OH O
C
O
OH
O CH
2
CH CH
2
O
R2
O CH
2
CH
2
OH
R2
O CH
2
CH CH
2
OH
R2
O
C C
HO
R1 "
C
O O
C
O
O
+
CH
COOH-Polyester Epoxy Resin Crosslink Intermediate
N
N
N
O O
O
CH
2
CH
2
CH
2
CH
O
CH
2
CH
CH
2
O
TGIC COOH-Polyester
CH
2
O
CH
O
C
C
HO
R1 "
C
OH O
C
O
OH
+
O
C
C
HO
R1 "
C
OH O
C
O
O
N
N
N
O O
O
CH
2
CH
2
CH
2
CH
OH
CH
2
CH
CH
2
HO
CH
2
O
CH
O
O
C C R1
"
C
OH O
C
O
OH
O
C C
HO
R1 "
C
O
O
C
O
OH
Crosslink Intermediate

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89.3.2.2 PolyesterIsocyanate (Polyurethane)
Polyester resins used to produce urethanes have hydroxyl functionality. They react at the carbonnitrogen
bonds in an isocyanate. The two isocyanates most used in powder coatings are isophorone diisocyanate
(IPDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI). However, TDI melts at room temperature, and IPDI is a liquid.
This would cause any powder coating in which they were used to have poor package stability. The coating
would sinter (cake) into a solid very quickly. Furthermore, they would react with the polyester and gel
during the heat of extrusion, again making them unusable.
Consequently, isocyanates are reacted with triol materials to give them higher melting points and
better package stability when compounded in powder coatings. Then they are blocked, most commonly
with (epsilon) -caprolactam, to prevent them from reacting with the polyester until they unblock
naturally at curing temperatures in the oven.
N
H
O
CH
3
CH
3
N C
O
H
3
C CH
2
N C
O
CH
3
N
N
C O
C O
R
OH HO
OH
-Caprolactam Isophorone Diisocyanate Toluene Diisocyanate Triol
N
O
N C
O
N
O
CH
3
CH
3
N
C
O
H
3
C
CH
2
N
C
O
CH
3
CH
3
N C
O
CH
3 CH
2
N
C
O
CH
3
CH
3
N C
O
H
3
C CH
2
N
O
R
O O
O
HO R1
"
OH
OH
+
-Caprolactam Blocked IPDI HO-Polyester
C
CH
3
CH
3
N
C
O
H
3
C CH
2
N
C
O
CH
3
CH
3
N C
O
CH
3
CH
2
N
C
O
CH
3
CH
3
N
C
O
Crosslink Intermediate
H
3
C CH
2
N
O
R
O O
O
HO R1
"
O
OH
O R1
"
OH
OH
O
R1
"
OH
OH
N
O
H
+
-Caprolactam
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89.3.2.3 PolyesterNon-TGIC (-Hydroxyalkylamide, Tetramethoxymethyl Glycoluril)
As we discussed earlier, TGIC was found to have mutagenic properties. While some controversy still
remains as to its hazardous nature, many coatings companies and regulatory bodies have taken a con-
servative stance and limited its use. There have been regulations enacted that require warnings to be
placed on labels of coatings that contain TGIC. Coatings companies have also turned to curing agents
that do not have these types of hazards associated with them.
The two types that are used most often are the -hydroxyalkylamides and tetramethoxymethyl gly-
coluril. The hydroxy-amides are tetrafunctional, which makes them highly reactive at curing tempera-
tures. Their major drawback is that they release water from the reaction that must escape the curing lm.
This requires further formulation to insure defect-free lms. The glycoluril is also tetrafunctional and
releases a VOC, methanol, as part of the reaction process.
89.3.3 Acrylic Systems
There are two primary acrylic systems: those based on hydroxy-functional acrylic resins and those using
epoxy- or glycidyl-functional polymers. Carboxy-functional materials have been produced. However,
they have not made much progress into the industry.
89.3.3.1 AcrylicIsocyanate (AcrylicUrethane)
Acrylicurethanes are formed in exactly the same way as their polyester counterparts. The acrylic resins
are linear instead of aromatic. However, they use hydroxy-functionality and blocked-isocyanates to form
the urethane bonds.
89.3.3.2 AcrylicDiacid (GlycidylAcrylic)
Epoxy- (glycidyl-) functional acrylic resins can be compared to the hybrid systems discussed earlier. They
are generally reacted with dicarboxylic acids or anhydrides. The most common cross-linker is 1,12-duo-
decanoic acid (1,12-dodecane dioic acid).
CH
2
N
CH OH
R1
C
CH
2
CH
R1
OH
O
CH
2
N
CH HO
R1
-Hydroxyalkylamide
Crosslink Intermediate Water
COOH-Polyester
C
CH
2
CH
R1
HO O
R2 "
O
C
C
HO
R1 "
C
OH
O
C
O
OH
+
O
C
C R3 "
C
OH O
C
O
OH
O
C C R3 "
C
OH O
C
O
OH
CH
2
N
CH
O
R1
CH
2
CH
R1
O
O
C C R3 "
C
OH
O
C
O
OH
O
C C R3 "
C
OH O
C
O
OH
CH
2
N
CH O
R1
C
CH
2
CH
R1
O
O
C
O
R2
"
H
O
H
+
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Thermoset Powder Coatings

89

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89.4 Formulation

89.4.1 Resin Systems

Formulation of thermoset powder coatings is much the same as that for liquid coatings used for similar
purposes. A coating may be chosen for functional or decorative purposes. All of the coating types used
in powder coatings can offer decorative options. Nonetheless, it is function that dictates system choice.
The resin chemistry must be chosen to suit service needs. Various pigments, llers, and additive materials
are then included to enhance decorative or functional requirements.
There are two primary functions for any protective coating. They are chemical protection and exterior
durability. As with many coating properties, these two tend to be in opposition. The best systems for
chemical protection are usually the poorest for exterior durability.
Epoxy powder coating systems deliver the best chemical and corrosion resistance. However, they have
the least effective exterior durability. The double bonds in the aromatic rings are easily broken by the
ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Glossy nishes will go at with as little as 6 months of exposure,
with lm degradation following soon thereafter.
Urethane systems are also very good for chemical resistance, and they have fairly good exterior
durability, as well. Hybrids offer good chemical resistance, however, the polyester component makes them
less effective. They are also poor in relation to exterior exposure due to the epoxy portion of the cross-
link network.
Acrylic and TGIC powder coatings provide the best exterior durability. Some systems can survive for up
to 20 years of exposure. They offer fair to good chemical resistance. Urethane systems seem to be the best
compromise between chemical and exposure properties. As mentioned, they are very good in both areas.

89.4.2 Pigments and Fillers

Most pigments and llers used in liquid coatings are suitable for use in powder coatings.

11

There are only
a few special requirements for use. They must be sufciently heat stable so they withstand the heat of
extrusion and curing without degradation or color change. Normally, the heat of extrusion is 125

C or
less for a minute or two. The heat of cure is usually 160 to 200

C for 10 to 20 min.
Second, they must be insoluble and nonreactive in the resin system. Blooming and color shift are the
most common results from pigments that are partially soluble or reactive with the binder. Some epoxy
system curing agents are especially susceptible to reaction with pigments.

89.4.3 Additives

12

89.4.3.1 Flow and Leveling

Flow and leveling agents are designed to minimize surface defects such as craters, pinholes, and orange
peel. The mechanism of their function alters the surface tension and rheology of the coating. The likelihood
of a smooth defect-free lm is improved by reducing one (or both) of these properties in a coating.
Most ow and leveling agents are liquids. Many are blended with inert inorganic materials to offer
them in a conveniently solid form. The chemistries of these are usually polyacrylates or polysiloxanes. A
few new ow agents are available, however, in solid organic form.

89.4.3.2 Debubbling (Degassing)

The most common debubbling agent is benzoin (2-hydroxy-1,2-diphenyl ethanone). It is used to keep
the surface of a curing lm open long enough to allow for entrained air and evolved gasses to escape.
Trapped air and gas bubbles are cause for premature failure of coating lms, because they make the
coating brittle. The one drawback to the use of benzoin is its tendency to cause yellowing in lighter colors.
A number of new advances have entered the market in an attempt to match the efciency of benzoin
without the challenge of yellowing.

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Coatings Technology Handbook, Third Edition

89.4.3.3 UV Inhibitors

Various UV light inhibitors are available to aid coating resistance to degradation by the suns rays. The
most common are hindered amines, phosphites, sulfates, and phenolics. Most will have some positive
effect on any coatings UV resistance. However, each system will require testing to determine the best
combination of inhibitors. Some systems, like epoxies and hybrids, will not develop any substantial UV
resistance due to their aromatic nature.

89.4.3.4 Catalysts

Catalysts or accelerators are used to reduce the reaction time or curing temperature of the resin and
cross-linker. They allow for faster production time by shortening the gel or set time of the thermosetting
coating. Energy can be conserved, because full cure may be attained at lower oven temperatures. The
most common catalysts are thiazoles (used in polyesters), phosphines and ammonium halides (used in
epoxies), and thiocarbamates (used in urethanes).

89.5 End Uses

The following table details some of the applications currently using the chemistries discussed in this chapter.

References

1. Douglas S. Richart, Powder coatings A review of the technology,

Am. Paint & Coat. J.,

April
22 (1991).
2. P. G. Clements. Patent GB 643,691; 9/27/50, Schori Metallizing Process, Ltd.
3. E. Gemmer, Patent DE 933,019; 9/15/55, Knapsack-Griesheim AG.
4. E. Gemmer, Patent U.S. 2,844.489; 7/22/58, Knapsack-Griesheim AG.
5. Patent GB 915,575.
6. E. P. Miller, Electrostatic nishing methods, paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the
National Paint, Varnish, & Lacquer Association, Colorado Springs, CO, September 12, 1963.
7. D. A. Bates,

The Science of Powder Coatings

, Vol. 1. London: Scholium Intl., 1990.
8. Statistics from Powder Coatings Institute, Alexandria, VA.
9. Rohm and Haas Brochure 82F2, Primid XL-552 A Novel Crosslinker for Powder Coatings, 1990.
10. Pulverizing Machinery (product brochure), Mikropul Corp., Summit, NJ.
11. R. Campbell and R. Kumar, Organic pigments for powder coatings, Am. Paint & Coat. J., April
22 (1991).
12. Josef H. Jilek,

Powder Coatings

(monograph). Blue Bell, PA: Federation of Societies for Coatings
Technology, 1991.

Type Typical Applications

Epoxy Shelving, transformer cases, primers, bathroom xtures, refrigerator racks, sweepers, sewing machines, power
tools, room air conditioners, ofce furniture, instrument cases, garden tools, kitchen furniture, re
extinguishers, toys, refrigerator liners, dryer drums, microwave ovens, mixers and blenders, fertilizers spreaders,
screening, oil lters, automobile springs, hospital equipment, bus seat frames, business machines, glass bottles
Hybrids Tool boxes, farm equipment, electrical control boxes, hot water heaters, hot water radiators, primer/surfacers,
grain storage bins, transformer covers, 01.1 lters and air cleaners, air conditioner housings, re extinguishers,
toys, screening wire, power tools, shelving, ofce furniture
Urethane Fluorescent light xtures, steel and aluminum wheels, patio furniture, playground equipment, fence ttings,
chrome wheels and trim, garden tractors, range side panels and broiler, ornamental iron, air conditioner
cabinets, restaurant furniture supports, transformer cases
TGIC Irrigation pipe and xtures, outdoor furniture, air conditioning units, steel and aluminum, wheels, wire fencing,
fence poles and ttings, farm equipment, aluminum extrusions, transformers
Acrylic Range side panels, refrigerator cabinets and doors, washing machine parts, dishwasher exterior, aluminum
extrusions, microwave ovens, garden tractors, automotive trim coating

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