Nishita Pereira – Sep 17, 2018 

TAGS:  Industrial Coatings      Aerospace Coatings      

High-temperature coatings (HTC) are designed to withstand temperatures ranging from 300° F to over 1,400° F. They safeguard materials from degradation by oxidation and corrosion. Besides, they also improve durability and performance of the equipment. They help reduce thermal fatigue, control corrosion under insulation (CUI), reduce heat losses, and maintain efficiency.

Composed of either organic or inorganic materials, these coatings are often used in industries, such as:

• Power
• Aerospace
• Petrochemical
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Automotive, and
• Military

The application of HTC translates into cost and energy savings, which means demand for quality products with a proven track record, has been at a consistent high.

The global high-temperature coatings market size was pegged at USD 3.27 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach USD 4.74 billion by 2024, according to findings by Grand View Research, Inc. Availability of raw material is crucial to most industry participants. 

As a result, sourcing these materials at low cost has become a key trend among players. Engaging in long-term partnerships with raw material suppliers also allows them to achieve economies of scale. 

Let's understand more about the high-temperature coatings, their main types, advantages and growing market applications... 

Widening Application Scope of High-Temperature Coatings

Listed below are the three main types of high-temperature coatings and some of their notable features. Each type has its own set of properties and advantages, which govern its usage in different industries and applications.

#1. Acrylic

• Acrylic coatings remarkable features such as corrosion-resistance, biocompatibility, antioxidant properties
• These coatings also offer decorative properties such as gloss and color retention
• Demand for heat-resistant coatings with decorative properties has been on a rise in building and construction as well as transportation infrastructure
• It also presents low volatile organic compound (VOC) content during product formulation

#2. Epoxy

• Epoxy coatings offer high heat and chemical resistance, superior mechanical properties, durability, and strength
• They are widely used as coatings in power generation, refineries, and secondary containment
• These coatings are majorly used in the transportation sector, in corrosion-resistant applications in boats, transmission pipelines, automobiles, and steel pipes
• Their compatibility with a wide range of color formulation and solvent-free ingredients is also particularly beneficial

#3. Silicone

• Silicone coatings can withstand high temperatures over 550ºC and find application in heavy end industries
• HTC made from 100% silicone display properties such as high tensile strength, light-weight, electromechanical resistance, and clarity for transparency
• These make them ideal for high heat applications such as furnaces, exhaust stacks, wood-burning stoves, barbeque grills, and lighting fixtures
• The coatings are also abrasion resistant and can be used as food contact release coatings

The aerospace and aviation industry has been a prominent end user of high-temperature coatings. These coatings have been known to perform crucial roles in safeguarding:

• Aircraft cabin
• Fuselage
• Aeroengine, and
• Structure from extreme temperatures, UV exposure, and corrosion

Moreover, they take into account the evolving aesthetic demands of business jet owners and commercial airlines. The British Coatings Federation (BTC) adds that complex internal structures where these coatings are used to offer limited access. As a result, some coatings are required to possess long-term corrosion-resistant properties.

HTC can be designed and developed for specific applications. For instance, products have been developed for particular parts of the aircraft fuselage, such as composite engine nacelles. Mankiewicz FlexPrimer is one such product designed to prevent the paint on the nacelle from cracking.

Ongoing Trends in Demand & Adoption of HTC

Usage of HTC in different regions depends largely on the industrial and regulatory makeup of the region. Product demand and adoption can vary on several factors. These include:

• Performance of various end-use industries
• the stringency of government regulations and mandates, and
• Focus on environmental sustainability and preservation

Here’s a breakdown of different factors that impact the adoption of high-temperature coatings in various regions:

Asia Pacific

This region has been one of most prominent consumers of HTC. Consistent growth of the automotive and construction sectors, particularly in India, China, and Japan has played a key role in spurring product demand. Favorable economic growth in several developing nations has been the main factor stimulating these industries. Need for efficient and high standard vehicles have upped consumption of epoxy, acrylic, and silicone resins. Other industries contributing to demand for high-temperature resistant coatings include petrochemical and aerospace. 

North America

Recovery of the building and construction sector in the region has positively impacted the demand for acrylic and epoxy resins. Government initiatives, reforms, and regulations have encouraged the use of environment-friendly and thermally efficient materials. This, coupled with growing awareness among manufacturers and suppliers of construction materials, has steered product demand. Use of protective coatings has also been significant in the electronics, aerospace, and automobile sectors in Canada, U.S., and Mexico.

Europe

The region is poised for a rather fluctuating growth trajectory as far as HTC is concerned. Growth in end-use industries such as construction, oil and gas, and aerospace has been sluggish in EU countries. This has negatively impacted demand for high-temperature coatings. However, product consumption has witnessed a rise in cookware, a factor that is likely to provide the region with favorable growth opportunities. In addition, focus on innovation and technological advancement will fare well in future. 

Latin America and Middle East & Africa:

Both regions are made up of a growing number of developing economies that offer a host of opportunities. Growing consumption of acrylic and silicone coatings has been witnessed in the building and construction, chemical, and energy sectors in Latin America. As far as the MEA is concerned, petrochemical, oil and gas, aviation, and energy form leading consumers of HTC. Rising efforts toward stabilizing the political scene in most of the region will also benefit economic growth. 

Conclusion

In a dynamic industry such as this, innovation is key to not just survive but also to move ahead in the game. The stringency of government regulations pertaining to use the of non-toxic materials and resources has made room for unique HTC with eco-friendly properties. Crossroads Coatings, for instance, has been at the cutting edge of green coatings technology. It offers custom coatings with zero HAPs/TAPs levels and low to zero levels of volatile organic compound (VOC). 

Another breakthrough in the field has been the introduction of smart coating technology, which promises to change in response to its environment and react in a dynamic manner. This technology has already penetrated a host of industries, such as:

• Marine
• Construction
• Textile
• Electronics
• Automotive, and
• Communication

The aerospace industry, as discussed earlier, has been one of the most prominent and dynamic end-users of high-temperature coatings and patent filings for this technology have already attracted several research institutes, universities, and independent investors. These patents are mainly focused on coating materials for aerospace components and parts, such as:

• Compressors and turbine blades
• Structural body parts
• Valves and heat exchangers

It can thus safely be said that high-temperature coatings have a lot more to offer over the coming decades. 


Source: www.grandviewresearch.com