In the past, high-adhesive strength has been best exhibited by coatings such as those in the family of ethylene copolymer ionomers, which are ion neutralized ethylene (meth) acrylic acid copolymers. This group of polymers exhibits a high level of adhesion to metals, is impact resistant and provides good abrasion resistance; however, their bonds to metals can be water sensitive because of the permeability of ionomers to moisture, especially at high temperatures. By contrast, polyolefin thermoplastic coatings, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, are resistant to moisture transmission and chemicals but do not adhere well to metals. An ideal coating will exhibit traits from both of these polymeric families.

Following a lengthy research program, a novel thermoplastic coating has been developed which takes advantage of certain epoxy functionality to yield a tough-abrasion-resistant coating with both high adhesion and reduced permeability to moisture and chemical agents.

Reprinted with Permission from - David Gibbons