New Coating Systems Provide Smooth Sailing For The Marine IndustryThe marine industry is looking to new paint systems including those made with LUMIFLON fluoropolymer resins, because they provide durability for large, ocean-going vessels as well as long-lasting finishes for the pleasure boating industry.
Over the years, LUMIFLON resins have outperformed common coatings used in the marine industry on steel, aluminum, magnesium, fiberglass and plastics, enabling boat and ship manufacturers to create finishes that will last for years. This results in substantial savings in both maintenance costs and in repainting costs over the life of the vessel.
In addition, because of LUMIFLON’s unique chemical make-up, coatings made with the material are easier to clean than other coatings. And LUMIFLON is impermeable to oxygen, water and chloride ions, substantially reducing corrosion of metal substrates.
LUMIFLON is able to keep its high-gloss shine even under the most brutal conditions. In the EMMAQUA accelerated weathering test, LUMIFLON retained 80% of its initial gloss after being exposed to radiation of 2.5 million Langleys, which is the equivalent of 25 years of sunlight exposure. It also provided outstanding gloss retention in South Florida exposure testing of over 10 years, making it the perfect coating additive for boat hulls and surfaces and effectively extending the life of any boat by decades.
Natural exposure test on LUMIFLON Miami, Florida (ASTMG7)
| Radiant exposure: | N/A |
|---|---|
| Test Method: | ASTM G7 |
| Type of test: | DIRECT 30° SOUTH, OPEN BACK |
| Location: | Exposed in Miami , Florida |
EMMAQUA Weathering Test
UV: Mj/m2 (295-385nm)
LUMIFLON resins consist of fluorinated ethylene segments alternating with vinyl ether molecules in their molecular structure (FEVE). The fluorine-containing portion of the LUMIFLON resin protects the molecule from degradation by UV radiation, thus increasing its weather-ability substantially, particularly in the harsh conditions found on the open seas. In addition the fluorinated part of the resin also protects against corrosion due to water, oxygen and chloride when applied to steel, iron, aluminum and other metals, making it ideal for both commercial vessels and pleasure ships of all sizes. LUMIFLON coatings can also be used on fiberglass and other plastics, making them suitable for use on vessels of all construction materials.
LUMIFLON’s alternating structure protects the coating from degradation by UV rays, chemicals, and other environmental hazards.
