Effectiveness of
coating and protection of metals depends on a thorough understanding
of the process of corrosion.
The steel used in metal
structures is a highly processed material which is in an artificially
alloyed state. After refinement, metals which are unstable materials
actively seek to recombine with oxygen or other elements and this
process is called corrosion.
As metals are constantly
exposed to a corrosive environment which includes marine, chemicals
and other pollutants, an effective barrier is imperative over the
metal surface to maintain the structure and prolong its life.
Most often, surface
coating systems like metal primers and top coat finishes are used.
Chemistik primers and
coatings have a good adhesive strength and have the ability to cover
imperfection and bridge minute cavities. The primer should be applied
within one hour of surface preparation of metal because the nature
of the surface has a fine micro topography. Moreover, metal will
be protected against corrosion as long as sufficient coating thickness
of top coats are provided. The top coat should have high resistance
to abrasion and aggressive environmental conditions and should be
stable.
|