Fluorourethane topcoats feature weathering resistance on bridges

Akashi Strait Bridge, Kobe, Japan, coated in 1997. Source: Hering

Fluoroethylene vinyl ether (FEVE) resins are copolymers whose properties can be modified by changing the nature of the vinyl ether component. Fluoropolymer coatings can thus be produced which can be applied in the field and cure at ambient temperatures. FEVE resins are hydroxyfuntional and react with conventional aliphatic icsocyanate hardeners. Fluorourethane coatings of this type have been used as topcoats for steel bridges for more than 25 years. They combine the weatherability and corrosion resistance of fluoropolymers with the reactivity, solubility and ease of application of polyurethane resins. The use of FEVE topcoats in combination with zinc-rich primers should offer bridge coating systems corrosion protection exceeding 30 years. Following extensive practical tests, their use is now required on all bridges in Japan. Read more about the FEVE topcoats in the article by Pascale Hering and Takashi Takayanagi in the October issue of European Coatings JOURNAL.