Chemical resistance

The chemical resistance of a coating describes its ability to withstand the damaging effects of chemical substances such as acids, bases, solvents or salts without its functionality or appearance being impaired. This property is of crucial importance in sectors such as the chemical industry, food production, construction or medical technology, where surfaces are regularly exposed to aggressive chemical environments.

Chemical resistance depends on the chemical composition and structure of the coating. For example, epoxy and polyurethane coatings have a high resistance to many chemicals, while acrylic or latex coatings can be more sensitive. The thickness of the coating, the adhesion to the substrate and the curing conditions also play a decisive role.

To evaluate chemical resistance, standardized tests are carried out in which the coating is brought into contact with certain chemicals over a defined period of time. Changes in appearance, hardness, adhesion or permeability are then checked.

Highly resistant coatings help to prevent corrosion and material damage, extend the service life of components and minimize maintenance costs. Choosing the right coating is therefore an essential aspect in the design of products and systems that are used in chemically demanding environments.