Coatings are created through complex formulations of different chemicals that are combined to provide specific properties when in use. They typically belong to one of four main coating families, including:
- Acrylic
- Epoxy
- Polyurethane
- Silicone
Each of these coating families brings their own strengths and limitations as well as characteristic areas of industrial use.
In order to develop new coatings it is vital to understand the principles of the different products available, as well as how they can be modified and how new materials and technologies can be integrated.
The increasing demands placed upon the operational capabilities of coatings are being driven from two sources; industry and legislation. While industry is constantly seeking improved performance and increased functional performance alongside longevity for their coatings, there are a number of pieces of legislation that have caused the need for new coating solutions.
One such change in legislation was the removal of solvents (VOCs) from use, which has reduced the number of available coating types. In addition, new legislation around the use of PFAS substances is also causing industry to look for alternative solutions.
The existing coating families have been in use for at least 50 years and, although efforts have been made to improve their performance, many existing coatings have reached the limit of their capabilities.
As a result, industry seeks new materials and approaches to overcome emerging challenges, including the creation of multi-functional coatings. In some instances there are no existing commercial coating solutions available, creating the need for innovative new bespoke coatings to be designed, synthesised and validated.