Pre-Processed Polyethylene protects steel structures.
Press Release Summary:
Designed to protect industrial steel pipes, Raprex(TM) 400 thermoplastic powder coatings consist of modified, linear low-density polyethylene or high-density polyethylene powders. They can be applied to steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals employing standard powder coating techniques. Coatings adhere to base polyethylene material, through oxidation, without addition of chemical additives or metallocene catalyst.
Original Press Release:
Raprex Pre-Processed Polyethylene Improves Adhesion In Powder Coating Applications
SAN DIEGO, CA -- (August 19, 2004) -- Sterigenics International, Advanced Applications Division, formerly known as IBA, Advanced Applications, announces the introduction of Raprex 400 thermoplastic powder coatings developed specifically for the protection of industrial steel structures and pipes. Offering excellent adhesion and coating characteristics, these modified linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) powders can be applied to steel, aluminum, copper and other metals employing standard powder coating techniques.
While polyethylene normally exhibits poor bonding strength to steel and other metals, Raprex(TM) 400 coatings use a proprietary process that imparts improved adhesion and coating characteristics to the base polyethylene material, through oxidation, without the addition of chemical additives or a metallocene catalyst. The process provides the polyethylene with excellent adhesion to steel (in excess of 6.5N/mm) and other metals, along with improved compatibility to other materials. This increased compatibility and adhesion also permits the polyethylene to be used in multi-layer film and sheet extrusions without intermediate adhesive layers.
According to George Forczek, Product Manager for Raprex(TM), "The inherent inertness of the pre-processed polyethylene ensures excellent protection in chemically corrosive environments, while the abrasion resistance provides a coating that is ideally suited for protecting pipes transporting fluids containing abrasive particles."
Requiring no chemical pretreatment of the substrate, Raprex(TM) 400 coatings provide excellent corrosion protection, toughness, and abrasion in a variety of end uses. In steel pipe applications, the pipes can be simultaneously coated both inside and outside in a fluidized bed at surface temperatures of 240°C (464°F). No special treatment of the steel is required and merely shot blasting the steel to physically clean it is all that is required. In addition to steel and other metals, Raprex(TM) 400 powders are being considered as potential coatings for wood, concrete and other polar plastics without the need for any special bonding layer.
For more information on Raprex(TM) 400 powder coating formulations, or other grades for film, injection and extrusion molding, please visit our website at www.sterigenics.com or contact George Forczek, Product Manager for Raprex at 888-RAPREX-1 or email at GForczek@Sterigenics.com.
Sterigenics International, Inc., Advanced Applications, provides industrial materials such as bulk polymers as well as radiation processing services to clients within a number of markets, including cable and wire, automotive, and semiconductor.
Other Raprex formulations include Raprex100 for extrusion, Raprex200 for injection molding, and Raprex 300 for film processing. Each grade employs the processing technology to improve properties and tear strength.
