Evonik Tego Therm makes insulating coatings more efficient

The three new products of the Evonik Coating Additives Business Line are characterized in application by a very good insulating effect and temperature resistance even at high temperatures of up to 250 degrees Celsius. This has advantages in terms of performance and sustainability: insulating coatings based on Tego Therm products significantly reduce energy losses, and they also serve to protect workers because they can significantly reduce the temperature of hot surfaces (safe touch). The insulating coatings also protect against moisture penetration and thus against corrosion under insulation (CUI). According to the manufacturer, this significantly increases the service life of the coated objects. One target application for the new-generation materials is in the field of technical insulation, for example of pipelines, tanks or various other components in industrial plants. A first commercial product based on Tego Therm granules is already available for this purpose, which is used for safe touch and corrosion prevention. In the future, Evonik also intends to use this product range to offer its customers solutions for thermal insulation in the construction and automotive industries. Another advantage of Tego Therm-based insulation coatings is their ease of application: "Conventional insulation systems, such as mineral wool, are often difficult and time-consuming to apply-especially apparatus and components with complex geometries are often inadequately insulated," says Dr. Niko Haberkorn, Head of Thermal Managing Coatings at Evonik Coating Additives. As a result, uninsulated hot surfaces increase energy loss and must be additionally protected against accidental contact. Coatings with products from the Tego Therm series, on the other hand, can be applied simply by spraying. "In some cases, this is even possible during ongoing operation. This avoids equipment downtime and saves time and costs," says Haberkorn.

Tego Therm HPG 4000 granules, with larger particles of around 300 micrometers, are characterized by particularly low thermal conductivity at high temperatures. Tego Therm HPG 6806, on the other hand, allows higher filling degrees due to finer particles (around 30 micrometers) and ensures a smooth surface of the coating. Both granules have a high insulating effect, are mechanically stable and hydrophobic. In addition, they are non-flammable due to their inorganic structure. The water-based binder Tego Therm L 300 is resistant at temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius, while standard binders for TICs can only be used up to 160 degrees. Thanks to its good adhesion to different substrates, Tego Therm L 300 ensures particularly stable coatings. Depending on the application, the products from the series can be combined with each other and also with other product series. Evonik's coating experts provide their customers with sample formulations containing the two granules for different applications. "Especially at very high temperatures, we recommend combining the granules with the heat-resistant binder from the Tego Therm series," says Markus Hallack, Head of Applied Research for Thermal Managing Coatings. With its new Tego Therm high-performance product series, Evonik is targeting formulators who want to convert their systems to optimize their products and improve the long-term durability of their coatings. Customers from the coatings industry who want to enter the thermal insulation market for the first time will also benefit because Tego Therm enables them to work sustainably, safely and efficiently right from the start. The products from the series are available globally with immediate effect.