VICTREX® PEEK-Based Dispersion Coatings now available from Armourcote in the UK

Victrex plc has announced that it has licensed Armourcote in the UK for the use of VICTREX PEEK based dispersions which have a patented base recipe and are formulated with powders to produce aqueous-based dispersions made from VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer. Armourcote a major UK based coating company can modify the Polyarletheretherketone-based recipe to enhance specific properties such as abrasion resistance, lubricity, release and color. Armourcote offers the necessary customer and technical service support for the new VICTREX PEEK-based coatings to ensure that the right coating system is specified.

Armourcote have many years experience of tailoring coatings for specific applications in all market segments and with the new VICTREX PEEK dispersions can now offer solutions to coatings that are specified in the most demanding environments.

The coatings are based on semi-crystalline VICTREX PEEK thermoplastic which is widely regarded as having the best combination of properties for harsh environments. These include: high temperature resistance, the retention of mechanical performance at high temperature; outstanding wear and abrasion; chemical resistance; excellent fire, smoke, toxicity performance and good electrical properties. According to Annette Forster, Market Development Manager for Victrex plc, “When a thin layer of VICTREX PEEK-based coating is applied to a substrate, it confers all the performance properties associated with our high performance polymers.”

VICTREX PEEK-based dispersion coatings can provide substantial benefits over existing coatings as well as eliminate the need for costly, hard-to-machine exotic metals like stainless steel or titanium. Dispersions are formulated to produce durable, impact resistant pin hole free coatings from <25 microns - > 100 microns using conventional equipment. Cycle times are potentially reduced as VICTREX PEEK dispersions can offer a one coat system where multiple coats of other less wear resistant systems may be required.

Forster said that “VICTREX PEEK-based coatings are under evaluation in analytical, semiconductor, and medical applications because they provide a lubricious, non-sloughing, and tough protective layer over metals, ceramics, and glass. They are also being evaluated in the food industry because of their FDA compliance and their superior chemical resistance to harsh cleaning fluids.”

VICTREX PEEK-based dispersion coatings are also ideal for coating components and substrates in industries that demand corrosion protection and wear resistance. “For parts such as agitators and vessels, coating for corrosion protection in aggressive environments may be the only cost-effective answer,” said Forster. VICTREX PEEK-based dispersion coatings are also a solution for components in ultra-pure water systems, chemical plants, and offshore oil installations.

Coatings are applied by spraying VICTREX PEEK-based dispersions with an average particle size of between 10 and 25 µm. After application of the powder, parts are heated in an oven to around 400°C at which point the powder melts to form a continuous film. Air cooling of the liquefied film then causes it to solidify again. This process can be repeated to build up the required coating thickness on a variety of substrates including stainless steel and aluminum.

Victrex plc. is the sole manufacturer and supplier of Victrex polymer worldwide. For more information on the properties and performance advantages of VICTREX PEEK dispersions please call Armourcote on 0113 248 0555 or the Victrex Technical Centre on 01253 897700

Reader enquiries

Helen Swarbrick
Victrex plc
Victrex Technology Centre
Hillhouse International
Thornton Cleveleys
Lancashire FY5 4QD
United Kingdom

Tel +44 1253 897700
Fax +44 1253 897701
United Kingdom

+44 1253 897700

info@​victrex.com

www.victrex.com