Evonik: "Wallpaper" for the window frame
- Powder coatings are gaining importance as a modern surface finish
- Uretdione curing agents provide broad functional scope
When it comes to unusual designs, geometric patterns, or imitations of natural building materials, the new dye-sublimation printing technology is overcoming the past limitations of metal and temperature-resistant materials. The new design options are quickly becoming the preferred choice of architects and product designers.
The basic prerequisite for innovative decorative prints is a highly crosslinked, hard, and very smooth surface, which preferably is semi-matte. Powder coatings manufactured with polyurethane crosslinkers of Evonik Industries are ideally suited for creating such surfaces.
When powder coatings include an uretdione curing agent such as VESTAGON® BF 1320 or VESTAGON® BF 1321, they have a particular large functional scope. "This ranges from complete smoothness to optimal weather resistance and high-quality appearance to a high DOI, Distinction of Image," explains Werner Grenda, Technical Manager at Evonik. As a quality characteristic, DOI rates the brilliancy of a surface.
In thermal dye-sublimation printing, powder coatings play the role of primer, which means they form the substrate for the decorative motif, for example on an aluminum profile. The paper or film containing the design to be transferred is then pressed onto the profile under high pressure or vacuum, at a temperature of about 200° Celsius. Since the surface has been pretreated with the powder coating, the printing inks migrate into the pores of the primer and create a mirror image.
"The virtually unlimited number of motifs and the easy processability has made dye-sublimation technology a highly popular choice," says Michael Koller, Marketing Manager for Powder Coating Curing Agents.
The manufacture of high-performing crosslinker technologies on the basis of isophorone is a core competency of the Crosslinkers Business Line of Evonik in the Coatings & Additives Business Unit. Crosslinkers ensure color retention and weather resistance in coatings and are used in a broad spectrum of applications, ranging from solvent-free coatings of industrial floors to light and weather-resistant automotive coatings and crosslinking of powder coatings for decorative anti-corrosive treatments.
About Evonik
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.
Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2012 more than 33,000 employees generated sales of around €13.6 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.6 billion.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.