Performance Polymers and Coatings, through its subsidiary, Ecometric Surface Finishes Pvt Ltd., applies Magni® Coatings (Zinc and Aluminum Flake) , since the past decade.
Magni® Zinc flake coatings are non-electrolytically applied coatings, which provide good protection against corrosion. These coatings consist of a mixture of zinc and aluminium flakes, which are bonded together by an inorganic matrix and act as sacrificial coatings that oxidize sacrificially to ensure that the substrate of to which they are applied remains corrosion free. These coatings can also prevent galvanic corrosion as a result of dissimilar metals coming in contact with each other.
Widely used by the Fastener industry, zinc-flake coatings are also employed by many industries where corrosion resistance is paramount such as automotive industries, wind power systems, and construction applications. This share mainly covers the area of fasteners, such as nuts, screws, bolts, buckles and springs. The unquestionable advantages of flake coatings include, among others, high corrosion resistance, total absence of chromium (VI) and hydrogenation of the parts, as well as good resistance to chemicals or UV resistance.
In the Automotive industry, Zinc Flake coatings are used to protect parts like brake rotors, drums and callipers; brake lines and hose clamps; fuel tanks and pipes; mufflers; the underside of hoods; clips, fasteners, springs and stampings; seat belt components and door lock components…and pretty much anything else that comes in contact with the elements and can survive a 450-degree curing cycle.
Zinc flake coatings have Coating thicknesses in the range of 5-12 microns and in contrast to electroplated coatings the coating is thicker at thread roots and in recesses, and thinner at crests and edges. Tightness to thread inspection gauges will be experienced with fine threads at M4 and below although in most situations this will not inhibit assembly into tapped holes and standard nuts.
These zinc-flake coatings can also be combined with a variety of topcoats to further improve corrosion resistance, give barrier protection, or act as a torque control or low-friction agent.
Legal conditions have forced the automotive, electronics and electromechanical industries to look for more ecological methods of applying protective coatings. Protective coatings with the use of zinc flakes undoubtedly satisfy such a need, as elements coated with zinc flake coatings have gained in popularity in recent years owing to very good results of corrosion resistance, as well as the low complexity of the production process and lack of environmental pollution. It is expected that this type of coatings will also be used in other industrial sectors.
Performance Polymer and Coating is at the Forefront of Innovation in Application of Polymers for Industrial Surface Coatings.