Powder coating technology
Powder coatings’ technology started in the 70s with the first patents and developments appearing in the 50s. Powder coatings are 100% solid systems, meaning there is no liquid, no solvent (even water), and no hazardous volatile components, making this technology one of the best sustainable options on the coating market.
The use of this technology is currently growing for many reasons:
- Ease of application: Only need the use of a spray gun and the space needed is usually smaller compared to other systems.
- Environmentally friendly: As this technology requires no solvents or liquid, there is no evaporation (no emissions into the atmosphere, no drying time) and no need for transportation of solvent (even water).
- >98% efficiency in application: Lost powder particles can be recovered and re-applied, allowing higher productivity (process times are usually shorter).
Powder coatings are typically used to create a hard finish layer in applications where durability and performance are important. Traditionally, they have been used across many industries and applications, including coatings for household appliances, agricultural machinery, automotive, general industry, architectural, functional and furniture.
They are ideal for metal coatings, but advances in energy-efficient technologies such as ULB and UV curing are extending their usability to include a range of other temperature-sensitive substrates, including plastic, glass and wood.
Arkema can offer a range of solutions for powder coatings covering most technologies present in the market, including thermosetting and thermoplastic systems as well as surface modifiers and flow and leveling additives (Crayvallac).
Our powder chemistries
Polyesters
Arkema’s pure polyester resins are designed to provide a wide range of performance and processing in powder coatings for household appliances, agricultural machinery, automotive, general industry, architecture, furniture and much more.
Our brand: REAFREE®
Arkema offers a range of REAFREE® carboxylated and hydroxylated polyester resins with many different attributes. Pure polyesters from Arkema are ideal for both interior and exterior formulations, including industrial, architectural, superdurable and other coatings.
Based on specific formulation, they offer a combination of durability, flexibility, corrosion resistance and formulation latitude.
Active in markets: interior, exterior and superdurable coatings.
Hybrids
Polyester-epoxy hybrid resins offer good performance in both decorative and protective interior coating applications, primarily for metal substrates.
Our brand: REAFREE®
Arkema offers a range of REAFREE® carboxylated and hydroxylated polyester resins with many different attributes. Polyester-epoxy hybrids from Arkema are ideal for interior formulations, including industrial and architectural coatings where good adhesion and corrosion resistance are needed. Based on specific formulation, they offer a combination of corrosion resistance, formulation latitude and other benefits.
Active in markets: Interior powder coatings.