Interfine® acrylic polysiloxanes are part of International Paint’s premium range of finish coats. The polymer system is based on a modification of 2nd generation acrylic polysiloxane technology. This technology is exclusive to International Paint, and is covered by patent (US 6,281,321 and EP 0 941290).
Interfine polysiloxanes significantly improve upon the gloss and colour retention exhibited by typical polyurethane finishes and epoxy polysiloxanes. Gloss retention studies have consistently shown that the products achieve gloss retentions in excess of 80% under QUVA conditions after 5000 hours exposure. Most polyurethanes fall well short of this achievement, and even some products marketed as “polysiloxanes” may not achieve this level of performance.
Interfine 979 has been used as part of a system on numerous high profile projects for both new construction and maintenance requirements. As part of a system, Interfine polysiloxanes have excellent corrosion resistance with excellent edge coverage, and enhanced mechanical performance which allows for a tough, hard and mechanically sound coating.
Long Term Flexibility is an important measure of how well coating ages. It is essential for a coating, if it is to maintain its integrity, to demonstrate long term flexibility. Poor flexibility can be linked to cracking and breakdown at stress points (e.g. welds, edges). The flexibility of Interfine can be tested by ISO1519 (the cylindrical mandrel bend test). A panel coated in Interfine aged in an ISO12944 C5I environment for 6 months. The result was that no cracking was evident on a 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) mandrel.
Interfine finishes also comply with International Paint’s Ecotech initiative. This means that there is a lower environmental impact from the coating process. Reduced VOC (solvent emissions) and less waste disposal and solvent usage via the simpler two coat process can assist in the sustainable design credentials of the overall project. Applying one less coat of paint reduces the risk from incidents attributed to this process by 33%.
The inclusion of acrylic polysiloxane chemistry into coating systems has provided the industry with a significant step forward in performance. When correctly formulated, specified and applied, acrylic polysiloxane technology provides unrivalled performance.