Articles
Sealants And Coatings
Sealants and coatings are materials used to protect certain objects from common deteriorating factors. Coatings are applied on a surface so that it is covered, with the purpose of preserving, decorating, protecting, sealing or smoothing the substrate. A sealant is meant to stop liquid, gas, dust, noise, fire from crossing a barrier. Usually sealants prevent passing of a substance across a joint or an opening that cannot be shut with other materials. There are sealants that are used in special applications like aircraft applications, fire stops, thermal or electrical insulation.
Where the composition of sealants and coatings is concerned, the discussion could be quite long. Coatings are applied under the form of liquids, gases or solids on a substrate. There are coatings that are obtained through anodizing and oxidation, phosphate coatings, paints such as enamel paint and silicate mineral paint, powder coatings, plasma coatings and many others. Sealants are viscous materials that will become solid after being applied. There are acryl sealants, polysulfide, polyurethane and silicone and WKT sealants. WKT is a synthetic rubber that is very elastic and non-ageing.
The purpose of sealants and coatings is to protect, each in its own way. Therefore a coating should offer protection against oxidation, heat, corrosion, fire, moist or scratches. It is desired that a sealant be insoluble, resistant to corrosion and adhesion so that it shuts down the joint or opening efficiently. Both sealants and coatings can be used in many industries, being of need when building boats as well as in aerospace industries. Customers may be found in various markets, such as automotive, marine, agriculture, commerce, architecture, industry. People that are in the business of producing sealants and coatings constantly work to provide quality, high-technology, environmentally-friendly products.