BRIDGING THE GAP IN PROTECTIVE COATING PERFORMANCE

摘要

It can be argued that the protection of structural steel against corrosion using coatings is no better today than 40 or 50 years ago. Despite the advances in protective coating technology and much greater understanding of the requirements and disciplines affording corrosion control, premature corrosion failures are still common. Why are coating failures still occurring when there is so much understanding and information on the subject? The probable answer is in the improper adoption of the theoretical knowledge and execution of practical disciplines resulting from ignorance, lack of training, inadequate inspection and cost constraints. The result of coating performance can only be realised as a dry film on the surface where the transformation of the liquid coating from the container to the dry film involves many practical operations. Each of these individual actions can be crucial to the ultimate performance of the coating. Correct coating specifications, surface preparation requirements and coating application controls are the prime factors for success. They must be carefully addressed, not only individually but also as combined and complementary requirements to the operation. The paper examines and discusses the reasons for many of the variable results evident throughout the industry and how to successfully bridge the gap in protective coating performance.