Spain. On June 14, the Ecogel Cronos project, coordinated by the Technological Institute of Plastics (Aimplas), achieved patent protection of its results.
Thanks to this development, a novel formulation of powder gel coat coating for composites with electrical conductivity properties has been obtained that solves the problems presented by the conventional use of this type of coatings.
The emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the long curing times it requires are the main drawbacks of conventional coatings. By applying this coating to the mold, it has been possible to reduce curing times from one hour to a few minutes, as well as reduce voC emission (completely eliminating styrene) during the polymerization of the coating.
In addition, it is a recyclable coating and that due to its electrical conductivity allows to eliminate secondary painting phases for the final finish with electrostatic paint. All this considerably reduces production costs and increases production ratios.
The patent was applied for in March 2016 and is valid until March 7, 2036.
In addition to the automotive sector, the application of these coatings is also interesting in other sectors such as construction, leisure-sports and aeronautics-wind.
Specifically, in the construction sector, the application of this coating allows to provide antistatic properties to products such as fuel tanks, pipes and pipes.
Source: Aimplas.
