Paint and Coating Evalution Tests-Spectro Analytical Labs Ltd

Abrasion Resistance

Ability of a coating to resist degradation due to mechanical wear by hard and rough objects (mechanical erosion) thanks to the ability to dissipate the applied mechanical energy. Abrasion resistance can be enhanced by incorporation of surface modifying additives.

Adhesion

Degree of attachment between a coating film and the underlying material to which it is in contact. The two surfaces are held together by interfacial forces which may consist of valence forces or interlocking action.

Alkali Resistance

The degree to which a paint resists reaction with alkaline materials such as lime, cement, plaster, soap, etc.; a necessary property for paints in bathrooms, kitchens, laundries.

Test [Copper-Accelerated Acetic Acid Salt Spray (Fog) ]

CASS The salt spray test is a standardized test method used to check corrosion resistance of coated samples. Salt spray test is an accelerated corrosion test that produces a corrosive attack to the coated samples in order to predict its suitability in use as a protective finish.

Chemical Resistance

Coating's resistance to solvents, acids, and alkali testing done under watch glass for 24 hours.

Cyclic Corrosion Test

Cyclic Corrosion testing is intended to be a more realistic way to perform salt spray tests than traditional steady state exposure. Because actual atmospheric exposures usually include both wet and dry conditions, it is logical to pattern accelerated laboratory tests after these natural cyclic conditions.

Dry Time

Time needed for an applied coating film to reach a set stage of cure or hardness.

Falling weight

This test method covers the determination of the energy required to rupture coatings applied to pipe under specified conditions of impact from a falling weight.

Flexibility

Degree at which a coating is able to face a deformation of its supporting surface without cracking or flaking.

FTIR

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers record the interaction of infrared radiation (light) with experimental samples, measuring the frequencies at which the sample absorbs the radiation and the intensities of the absorptions. Determining these frequencies allows identification of the sample’s chemical makeup, since chemical functional groups are known to absorb infrared radiation at specific frequencies. FTIR is most often used to identify paint binders and differentiate between general classes, such as oil based polyesters or acrylic latexes. Some pigments and inorganic materials can also be identified in a general sense through this method.

Free falling sand abrasion

Free falling sand abrasion is reported as the abrasion resistance of the coating on the panel. Both silica ASTM D968 measures the resistance of organic coatings to abrasion produced by abrasive falling onto coatings applied to a plane rigid surface, such as a metal or glass panel. The abrasive is allowed to fall from a specified height through a guide tube onto the coated panel until the substrate becomes visible. The amount of abrasive per unit film thickness sand or silicon carbide can be used.

Gloss

Sheen or ability of a surface to reflect light. Gloss is measured at a 60° angle.

Impact Resistance

Ability of a coating to resist deformation or cracking due to a forceful blow.

Peeling

Paint or coating lifting from the surface due to poor adhesion.

Scratch resistance

Ability of a coating surface to resist to damage caused by sharp and hard objects. Influenced by the hardness, the coefficient of friction and the thickness of the film.

Scrub resistance

Ability of a coating surface to resist to damage caused by rough objects in the presence of an active medium (water or organic liquid, abrasive material).

Volatile Content

Amount of solvent or liquid components in a coating.