Teflon as an industrial coating
The unique combination of properties of Teflon coatings makes it the most natural choice for many industrial applications. The following characteristics are common to almost all types of Teflon coating.
· Non-stick – dirt and other substances do not adhere to parts that have been coated with Teflon. The non-stick property of Teflon makes it the most popular coating for cookware because while some substances may show slight adhesion, it will be released easily.
· Low coefficient of friction – among the different types of Teflon coatings, PTFE has the lowest coefficient of friction and the highest temperature resistance which makes it the best option for electrical insulators. The coefficient of Teflon is on the range of 0.05 to 0.20 but it depends on the load, sliding speed and the kind of Teflon that will be used.
· Heat resistance and cryogenic stability – as a type of Industrial Coating, Teflon can operate continuously at temperatures from 550oF to 600oF when there is adequate ventilation. It can also withstand temperatures that are as low as -454oF without compromising any of its physical properties.
· Chemical resistance – it is very important for Industrial Coatings to be unaffected by chemicals like strong acids, alkalis and solvents. The only chemicals that are known to affect Teflon coatings are molten alkali metals and highly reactive fluorinating agents.
· Non-wetting – Industrial Coatings should not allow liquids to maintain contact with a solid surface that can result into interaction or in simple terms, it should be non-wetting. Teflon finishes are hydrophobic and oleophobic.
· Unique electrical properties – Industrial Coatings must have a wide range of frequencies with high dielectric strength and low dissipation factor. Dielectric strength means the insulating strength of a coating for applications in electrical and electronic industries. Low dissipation means the efficiency of the insulating material. If the industrial coating has low dissipation factor, it has better efficiency. Teflon is an electro-conductive coating that can be used for anti-static coating.
How to choose Industrial Coatings
When shopping around for Industrial Coatings, it is important to know the exact specifications of the paint, how it should be applied and the results when it is applied. By understanding your exact requirements, the coating provider may be able to assist in determining the right industrial coating for the project. Some of the most common coatings used for industrial applications are epoxy, polyurethane and moisture-cure urethane but the most common polymer is fluoropolymer. Since fluoropolymer comes in several types, it is important to choose the most appropriate for the application. It is important to draw on the knowledge and experience of experts to ensure that the best industrial coating will be chosen.