Thermoplastic powder coating
Thermoplastic powders are typically applied by Fluidized Bed (dipping) or Electrostatic, Flock or Flame Spray powder coating, mainly for protective or aesthetic reasons. Polymers include polyolefins (PE, PP), polyamides, polyesters, fluoropolymers and thermoplastic elastomers (SEBS, EVA, EMA, copolyesters and copolyamides).
Our Principals supply materials in granules or powder forms which may require a micronization step in order to make them suitable for powder coating. Ambra may supply the granules for further micronization made by our Customers, or as a service to our Customers we may supply directly the powder with the desired tailor-made particle size distribution, color and packaging under the tradename Ambra Powder. All the materials hereafter can be supplied in powder form by Ambra on tailor-made formulations, with the specially fine and narrow particle distribution (below 100 microns) which is typical of powder coating.
Short and long chain polyamides are also often used for their good combination of chemical and thermal resistance. PA6 and PA6.6 compounds for chemical resistance are available with Poliblend Polimid® and Mesgo Mizar® portfolios. Specific tailor-made Ambramid® PA6 and PA6.6 can also be developed.
Long-chain polyamides are available Nexis Fibers PA6.10 and 6.12.
Applications of Polimid®, Mizar®, Ambramid® or Nexis Fibers typically include powder coating of engineering and chemical equipment, defense industry, medical industry, semiconductors.
Soft-touch coatings with high resistance can be obtained with Sipol Sipolprene® TPC-ET thermoplastic elastomers, a class of polyester-polyether block copolymers with specially desirable features, including outstanding mechanical properties, flexibility and softness versatility, flexural fatigue resistance, high impact strength, heat stability, resistance to oils, solvents and chemicals in general, abrasion resistance, good electrical dissipative factors.
Ambra also developed a recycled TPC-ET material, Ambra TPC Regrind Black 1, which conjugates the above properties with a very attractive cost and environmental (carbon footprint) performance. Tailor-made powder can be developed with the desired particle size distribution.
Soft coatings can also be obtained with SK Evatane® EVA and Lotryl® EMA, EBA polyolefin copolymers. Materials may also be mixed with polyolefins to achieve the desired mechanical properties.
Typical standard applications by spray coating or dipping may include wire fences, hangers, dishwasher baskets and holders, etc.
Combinations of Evatane® or Lotryl® with Nexis Fibers PA6.10 or 6.12, Sipolprene® or Ambra TPC Regrind Black 1 will increase the chemical, heat and wear resistance of SEBS.
Ambra Powder may also supply a tailor-made powder blend with the desired properties.