POLYAMIDE POWDERS

DESIGNING DEFINED SURFACE STRUCTURES

High Performance Polymers offers a series of polyamide 12 powders (PA 12) sold under the trade name VESTOSINT® and copolyamide powders and granules named VESTAMELT®.

VESTAMELT® powders are used to design defined surface structures.

VESTOSINT® powders are manufactured by a special physical process and feature a nearly round geometry, which cannot be reproduced by conventional pulverization technologies. 

The addition of VESTOSINT® fine powders to formulations results in abrasion-resistant, highly elastic textured lacquers. In the various types of lacquer systems, existing reactive groups integrate the polyamide particles into the coating matrix.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

PROPERTIES 

VESTOSINT® fine powders have been used as lacquer and paint additives since 1980. Different particle sizes and particle size distributions of VESTOSINT® fine powders can be used individually or in mixtures. By integrating the polyamide powder into the lacquer system through functional groups, our customers can influence the structure of surfaces with extreme precision – coating a variety of substrates, for example, with abrasion- resistant, highly elastic paints. The addition of VESTAMELT® to lacquers is a relatively new application. VESTOSINT® fine powders create a textured, matte surface, and improve surfaces through:

  • Increased abrasion resistance  
  • Increased elasticity
  • Reduced dirt pickup  
  • Reduced friction

VESTAMELT® additives show the same effects but to a lower extent.

Matting effect

Using VESTOSINT® fine powders, the coating surfaces can be textured and matte, and the extent can be varied through the particle size and particle size distribution, as well as by the amount of powder. In doing so the equivalent mass density of polyamide 12 prevents settling out.

Elasticity  

VESTOSINT® powders improve the elasticity of lacquers and paints. Thus coated sheets can be bent with a radius of 180° without any cracks in the coating film, for example, for roller shutters.

Abrasion resistance

When added to lacquers and paints VESTOSINT® polyamide 12 powders improve the abrasion resistance. A further suitable component for influencing the surface qualities and abrasion of coating films is wax, particularly micronized PE waxes. From a performance standpoint, however, high concentrations of waxes have adverse effects in the coating film such as sensitivity to fingerprints, exudation, or a spotted texture due to inhomogeneous distribution of the wax.

Chemical Resistance

Polyamide 12 shows a very good chemical resistance against solvents and bases. The resistance against strong acids is limited.

Reduction of soiling

VESTOSINT® coated parts pick up less dirt and dust resulting in, for example, durable bright-colored, metal facades.

APPLICATIONS VESTOSINT® & VESTAMELT®  

VESTOSINT® enhances the performance of coatings and 3D printed components across industries. Meanwhile, VESTAMELT®'s adhesive qualities are put to the test in various bonding scenarios, demonstrating its adaptability and strength. Here you can explore the tangible impacts of VESTOSINT® and VESTAMELT® on innovation and efficiency in manufacturing.

Coil coating

VESTOSINT® and VESTAMELT® powder particles in coatings act as impact absorbers and prevent the surface from cracking. They work in much the same way as impact modifiers work for plastics.

In coil coating lacquers, the powders create a uniform finely textured surface that can be modified by using different polyamide particle size distributions, produce satin gloss due to different refractive indices of polyamide and coating resin, show very good resistance to soiling which is important for coatings in external architectural use and provide very good abrasion resistance. The coatings contain no other matting agents that can decrease weathering resistance and elasticity. The abrasion resistance is improved by the chemical bonding between the polyamide particles and the coating resins. This prevents the powder from being rubbed out.

Polyamide reinforced polyester or polyurethane paints are especially suitable for roller-type shutter profiles. The incorporated polyamide particles guarantee an excellent formability of the metal sheet into the shutter profile. Due to its outstanding abrasion resistance, the coating is suited for long-term use in shutters. 

Textural coil coating of appliance goods, for example coating of cases for entertainment electronics in dark colors, is another example where abrasion resistance is important.

The addition of VESTOSINT® and VESTAMELT® to polyester melamine or polyurethane lacquer formulations allows for the perfect, blister-free application of coil coatings with higher layer thickness (high-build primer, thicker top coats).

The offered VESTOSINT® fine powders and VESTAMELT® vary by particle size and particle size distribution. A single powder grade or a combination of two or more powder grades can be used to obtain the desired surface or texture. Further application options are available upon request. Please do not hesitate to contact High Performance Polymers with any questions about the selection of binders or basic formulations.

Wood paints

In wood paints, VESTOSINT® powders improve abrasion resistance and are used as a textural additive. The combination of VESTOSINT® fine powders in different colors creates interesting pepper-and- salt effects.

Crosslinkable powder paints

VESTOSINT® fine powders are also used as an additive in crosslinkable powder paint systems. They improve elasticity, impact strength and abrasion resistance. Depending on particle size distribution, textured surfaces can be designed.

Packaging foils

Approved both in the European Union and the USA for food-contact applications, and for contact with drinking water, VESTOSINT® fine powders are excellent for use as spacers in such applications as aluminum packaging foils. They also reduce wear of the rollers in foil manu- facturing.