The primary function of anti-corrosion coatings is to protect steel structures against corrosion and chemicals. The industry uses predominantly two-component epoxy coating as the anti-corrosive protection layer. They do so in particular for steel structure corrosion protection in the most severe environmental conditions. MicaFort mica improves the function of these industrial protective coatings.
MicaFort as an anti-corrosion coating additive in paint
We produce MicaFort from the naturally occurring minerals, Phlogopite Mica and Muscovite Mica. These minerals have several properties that altogether make it unique in its features for use in a metal coating:
- a very high aspect ratio,
- a narrow particle size distribution,
- retaining of platy particles even after processing to an ultrafine powder,
- lower density,
- lower weight,
- and lower formulation costs compared to commonly used platy fillers.
In general, flat, platy particles overlap in a film and prevent water, oxygen or other chemicals from reaching the metal basis directly. This behaviour means that the time for corrosion stimulators to start their work will increase. The addition of such platy additives ensures optimal performances for surface protection in these paints:
- rust prevention
- anti-corrosive
- and concrete
Testing MicaFort in corrosion-resistant coatings
During an extensive testing programme throughout 2015, MicaFort in corrosion-resistant coatings were tested. We aimed to show the differences in the corrosion protective performance of Phlogopite and Muscovite Mica compared to other platy mineral fillers in a barrier coating.
The tests have been run by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) method and salt spray testing. The first mentioned has recently been introduced as a fast and reliable method to assess the anti-corrosive properties of a coating system. To prove the results, LKAB Minerals Research and Development team has also conducted extensive and time-consuming salt spray testing, fortunately producing the same results. For this test we incorporated the mineral filler only into an intermediate coat.
EIS Testing results
Salt Spray Testing results
