KH Glossary
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ABRASIVE DRY ICE BLASTING
Abrasive dry ice blasting combines the effect of abrasive substances, e.g. sand, with the cleaning efficiency of dry ice blasts.
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ACRYLIC ACIDS
Water-based coating materials with a generally cloudy appearance in the can. At first, when applied, they leave an iridescent cloudy appearance, which disappears as it dries. Once dry, a clear, translucent layer of film is left behind. The cloud appearance when wet is not a quality issue.
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ACRYLIC RESINS
Particularly durable synthetic resins produced by the homo- or copolymerisation of acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid esters. Air-drying acrylic resins and their aqueous dispersions are used as binders for architectural and façade coatings. Thermosetting acrylic resins can be found in binding agents for enamel used to coat metal and plastic surfaces.
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ADDITIVES
Paint additives improve the properties of liquid paints and paint films, or effectively counteract adverse effects. Additives are typically only used in small quantities (>1%). Thickeners, anti-settling agents, anti-skinning agents, preservatives, levelling agents and dry substances are important additives.
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ADHESIVE
Process material used to bond various materials. According to ÖNORM and DIN EN 923, an adhesive is a non-metallic substance capable of joining materials by surface bonding (adhesion), with the bond possessing adequate internal strength (cohesion).
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AEROSOLS
Derived from the Latin words aer (air) and solutio (solution), aerosols are a suspension of solid or liquid particles in gas. An aerosol is a dynamic system, subject to constant change due to condensing vapours. Common aerosols include mist (small water droplets in the air) and smoke (solid particles in the air). The paint mist produced by the spray of a spray gun in also an aerosol.
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AIRLESS
Airless spray painting works by atomising paint onto a surface at a high pressure without the use of compressed air.
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AIRMIX
Airmix is a spraying process used for surface finishes whereby the spray is primarily atomised by the hydraulic pressure in the nozzle. This atomisation is assisted by compressed air in the nozzles, resulting in minimal overspray.
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ALKYD RESIN VARNISHES
Otherwise known as akyld varnish or paints, these coatings are ideal for wood or metal, both indoors and out. Their specific properties can be modified by changing the raw materials used in the production process. The term alkyd is derived from alcohol and acid. As they are synthetically produced unlike natural resins, alkyd resin varnishes are considered to be synthetic resins.
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AMINES
Amines are organic derivatives of ammonia used as hardeners in two-component coatings.
When used in anti-graffiti powder and anti-graffiti paint, they enable easy, residue-free graffiti removal. Even after repeated cleaning with abrasive graffiti removers, the optical appearance of the coating remains unchanged. -
ANTI-CORROSIVE PIGMENTS
Pigments used in base coats (primer coats) on metals to prevent corrosion of the metal surface, usually through chemical or physicochemical properties.
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APPLICATION METHOD
Method used to apply varnishes and paints. Common application methods include: Brush, roller, spray painting, dipping and flooding. The method selected depends of the type of item to be painted and the coating system used.
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ARCHITECTURAL PAINTS/COATINGS
Umbrella term for all paints or coatings used in the construction industry. There is a difference between dispersion paints used to paint walls and façades and architectural paints used to coat wooden and metal surfaces, e.g. on doors, windows and radiators.
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BASE COAT
Initial layer in a two-layer finish responsible for providing colour. The base coat is followed by a clear coat of varnish to produce a glossy surface and protect the entire finish against weathering effects, mechanical and chemical stresses.
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BASES
From the Greek βάση meaning base, in the narrow sense of the word, bases refer to all substances that dissociate in an aqueous solution to form hydroxide ions (OH−) and subsequently increase the pH value of a solution.
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BENZENE
A colourless, flammable liquid. Benzene is used to produce aromatic compounds in organic chemistry. Nowadays, benzene is no longer used as a solvent due to its carcinogenic effects.
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BINDER/FILM FORMER
A key element of a coating. These additives form a hard and mechanically resistant layer that bonds to the substrate once the paint dries and hardens. The type of binder selected can give the filler new finish and material properties.
A high concentration of binder in a construction material mix, ceramic or dye is referred to as thick, whereas a lower concentration (higher concentration of additives) is referred to as thin. Materials that can only be partially bound to solid materials are not binders, but adhesives. -
BIO-BASED PAINTS
Coatings produced using natural raw materials, although sometimes chemically processed. As things currently stand, the results produced by bio-based paints are often not as good as comparable synthetic coating materials.
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BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
The targeted fabrication of nanostructures from atoms and molecules. Various organic and inorganic components can be combined to produce completely new substances and materials. One of the most important bottom-up processes is the sol-gel method.
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CAS REGISTRY NUMBER
International unique identification number for chemical substances assigned by the CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service).
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CHALKING, CRACKING OR SCRATCHING
Forms of damage that can be incurred by surfaces coated with paint. Corresponding damage means the pigment and filler particles are exposed due to breakdown of the organic binder in the paint layer sections close to the surface. As a result, the pigment particles in these areas no longer adhere to the film. When a surface with chalking, cracking or scratching is wiped, you’ll notice something that looks like a layer of chalk.
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CHROMATISING
A collection of chemical surface treatments whereby the reaction of chromic acid on metal surfaces produces a layer of complex chromic acid salts. The base material is partially dissolved in the process. As a result, the dissolved metal ions from the base material are incorporated into the chromate layer. Chromatising is primarily used on zinc and aluminium when used on an industrial scale.
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CLEAR COATS
Transparent paints that generally only contain binders and solvents (along with standard paint additives), meaning they don’t contain any fillers or opaque pigments. Any colouring is added by dyes or transparent pigments. Clear coats are often use as a coating material. As the top layer in a coating system, clear coats protect the underlying layers against mechanical damage and weathering effects.
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CLEASY
Protective wet coating system with the lotus effect produced by Dortmund-based M2 Entwicklungs-, Produktions- und Vertriebs GmbH. A combination of “clean” and “easy”, the name Cleasy perfectly encapsulates the main properties of the product. Similarly to the lotus effect, Cleasy causes water droplets that come into contact with the surface to form spherical beads and simply roll off. This prevents moisture and dust from accumulating. Surfaces finished with Cleasy are easy to clean and keep clean. Cleasy refines finished surfaces with a number of special properties: high-gloss effect, quick drying, anti-icing, dirt- and insect-repellent, fire-proof. See Cleasy technology.
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COATING
Liquid or powdery coating material that is thinly applied to objects and built up in layers to form a continuous, solid film through chemical or physical processes (e.g. solvent evaporation). Coatings typically contain binders, fillers, pigments, solvents, resins and/or acrylates and additives, such as biocides (in-can preservatives).
Coatings fulfil three main functions:
- Protection (protective effect, e.g. protective paints or varnishes),
- Decorative (visual effect, e.g. achieving a certain colour) and
- Functional (special surface properties, e.g. altered electrical conductivity).
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COIL COATING
Process used to coat coils. The metal strips are cleaned, pre-treated and coated directly after production in the rolling process. Once the coating has dried, the metal strips up to 2 m in width are rolled into coils. The coated sheets are used in the manufacture of everyday products like household appliances without subsequent coating. Coil coatings need to be highly elastic to withstand the deformations incurred without sustaining any damage.
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CORONA
Oval surface structure.
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CORROSION
Derived from the Latin corrodere, meaning to decompose, eat away, gnaw. From a technical standpoint, corrosion refers to the reaction of a material with its environment resulting in measurable change to the material and the potential impairment of the function of a component or system. Chemical corrosion occurs in metals. The most commonly known type of corrosion is rust, namely the oxidation of iron.
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CORROSION INHIBITORS
Chemical component that temporarily or permanently protects materials against corrosion. Common corrosion inhibitors include oils, paints (plastic coatings), chemicals or coatings made of metals or metal oxides. They can be permanently applied to prevent or delay corrosion when an object is used, increasing its service life as a result.
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CORROSION PROTECTION
Measures taken to avoid damage that may result from corrosion on metallic components. As it isn’t possible to achieve full corrosion resistance, the protective measures are designed to reduce the spread of the corrosive attack enough to avoid damage to the component during its service life.
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CRATERING
Cratering is usually caused by the use of unsuitable thinners, or air or water trapped in the paint film. Another form of cratering can also be attributed to silicone contamination of the surface to be painted.
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CROSS-CUT TEST (DIN EN ISO 2409)
The cross-cut test is a very quick and easy way to test the adhesion of single and multi-layer coatings. During the test, cuts are made either at a 30° angle (method A) or right angle (method B) to each other, creating a cross or X. The test is pass or fail. When applied to multi-layer systems, the test can be used to determine the adhesion of individual coatings to each other.
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CROSS-LINKING
Reaction between binders and hardeners that results in the formation of 3D insoluble polymer cross-linking from the dissolved or dispersed polymers. Cross-linking can be accelerated by catalysts, heat or high-energy radiation.
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DEGREASING
The removal of fatty components from surfaces. Grease limits the ability of coatings to stick to a surface. As a result, surface pre-treatments always involve thorough degreasing.
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DEMIDEKK ULTIMATE
Helmatt is an eco-friendly, opaque wood paint in matte look.
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DIBT APPROVAL
As the German approval and assessment body, the Deutsche Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) issues technical approvals for construction products and general construction technique permits as well as European Technical Assessments for construction products and kits.
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DIN EN ISO 12944
The standard for corrosion protection for steel construction that offers recommendations for preparing surfaces and corrosion protection for coating systems.
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DISPERSION
Latin dispersio derived from dispergere, meaning to (finely) distribute, spread out, scatter.
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DISPERSION COATING
Coating with a water-based plastic dispersion base that produces a paint-like barrier film.
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DOME SHAFT
Dome shafts are manholes in the roads at petrol stations that provide access to the fill openings of underground tanks. Every ‘dome’ in the cover of the underground tanks contains the following features at a minimum:
- A hose connection for the tanker
- A hose connection for returning the gas-air mixture to the tanker for air purification (gas displacement method) for super-unleaded or unleaded petrol
- An electrical connection for overfill safety
- A unique identifier (label)
- A dip stick.
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DRY ICE
Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2) which, unlike other blasting media, converts directly from the solid to vapour form at normal pressure without converting into liquid (sublimation). Other properties: Dry ice is also non-toxic, not electrically conductive and non-flammable.
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DRY ICE BLASTING
The dry ice blasting process involves the blasting of solid carbon dioxide onto the surface to be cleaned in a stream of compressed air at a temperature of -78.5°C. At the same time, the pollution is shock-frozen and embrittled (thermal effect), which in turn causes the removal or dirt.
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DRY ICE CLEANING
Dry ice can be used to clean surfaces of machines, tools, equipment and façades of all types and sizes, including those in need of delicate treatment, in a sustainable, microbiological and gentle way without producing any damage. As dry ice is food-safe, it can be safely used in all industries (e.g. catering, the food industry, automotive and shipbuilding, foundries, mould cleaning and the print industry).
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EASY-TO-CLEAN EFFECT
Surfaces treated with Cleasy can generally be easily cleaned using water.
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EFFECT PIGMENTS
Pigments responsible for the colour effects of a paint layer that can be influenced by the viewing angle. The following are used as effect pigments:
Aluminium plates. When aligned parallel to the surface, aluminium plates produce a metallic effect that changes the brightness of the surface depending on the viewing angle (flip-flop effect).
Interference pigments. Pearlescent pigment flakes made from mica coated with very thin layers of metal oxide (e.g. titanium dioxide or iron oxide). Depending on the thickness and type of metal oxide coating applied, these pigments create a variety of colour effects in paint layers by interfering with the light that falls onto the surface. The colour effects vary depending on the angle from which the surface is viewed.
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ELASTOMERS
Elastomers are dimensionally stable yet elastically deformable plastics. The plastics can deform under tensile and compressive loads, afterwards returning to their original, undeformed shape. Elastomers can be found as a material in tyres, rubber bands, sealing rings, etc. The most commonly used elastomers are vulcanised natural and silicone rubber.
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ELECTRODEPOSITION
Coating process for conductive surfaces (metals, plated plastic surfaces). The paint film is deposited onto the surface using direct electric current in an immersion bath of aqueous pigment dispersion. In anodic electrodeposition, the part to be painted is the anode, whereas in cathodic electrodeposition, the part to be painted is the cathode in the electrical DC circuit. When the current flows, the pigment dispersion containing ionically stabilised coating particles coagulate in the acidic boundary layer (anodic electrodeposition) or base boundary layer (cathodic electrodeposition) and form a very adhesive coating film that is durable and corrosion-proof once hardened at 120 – 200°C. Nowadays, all cars are primed using cathodic electrodeposition.
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EMULSIFIERS
Emulsifiers help mix and stabilise liquids that don’t usually mix (e.g. oil and water) into a evenly distributed mixture, otherwise known as an emulsion.
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EMULSION PAINTS
Paints made from plastic dispersion, pigments and fillers. Plastic emulsion paints are also referred to as plastic latex paints. You may also hear plastic emulsion paints simply referred to as emulsion paints.
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ENDOTHERMIC REACTION
An endothermic reaction is a chemical reaction that requires heat to be supplied from an external source.
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EPOXIDES
Epoxides are a group of highly reactive, cyclic, organic chemical compounds.
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EPOXY
Refers to epoxy resin, a synthetic resin.
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FACADE PAINTS
Used to add colour to plastered surfaces, concrete and limestone. Weather-resistant emulsion paints and silicate paints are also viable alternatives.
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FILLERS
Natural or synthetic inorganic substances that are insoluble in binders used in fine particles as raw materials for paints and coating materials. Fillers influence the mechanical properties of coating films. Common fillers include barium sulphate, kaolin, talc and chalk.
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FLUID POWER
Fluid power refers to all processes where energy is transferred through the flow of liquids or gases.
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FORMULATION/FORMULA
Composition of a coating material. In other words, the type and quantity of binders, pigments, fillers, solvents or dispersing agents and additives. Adjusting the formula can change key properties.
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FROSIO/FROSIO INSPECTOR
The Norwegian Professional Council for Education and Certification of Inspectors of Surface Treatment. “FROSIO” certified coating inspectors have the highest recognition worldwide. They meet the requirements for coating inspectors set by the IMO (International Maritime Organization).
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FUNGICIDE
A chemical or biological agent that kills fungi and their spores, preventing regrowth for the duration of the protection period. While most commonly found in plant protection products, fungicides are also used in special paints.
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GAS DISPLACEMENT
Gas displacement is used for siphoning processes and when filling up with petrol. According to Section 6(1) of the 20th Ordinance Implementing the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchV) facilities for the storage and transfer of petrol or fuel blends at service stations may only be constructed and operated in such a way that the vapours that are displaced when loading a storage tank are collected using a vapour balancing system in accordance with the state of the art and fed into the loading mobile container. With gas displacement, the gas displaced when filling a tank is collected in a second pipe (inside the filling valve) and fed back into the tank from which fuel is siphoned.
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GLAZE
Vitreous or glassy surface coating.
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GLAZING
Glazes can refer to a transparent or semi-transparent coating or a thin coating of translucent paint. The term glazing primarily refers to film-forming coatings with binders; washing is the same in terms of aqueous technology.
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GLYCOLS / GLYCOL ETHERS
Group of organic chemicals based on ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol. Glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and particularly their ethers are used as solvents and cosolvents in paints and water-miscible paints.
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HIGH SOLIDS
Coatings with higher concentrations (> 70 percent) of solid components.
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HYDROPHOBIC
Derived from Ancient Greek (ὕδωρ hýdor (water) and φόβος phóbos (fear)), hydrophobic literally means ‘water-fearing’. Hydrophobicity defines the extent to which substances are hydrophobic. In chemistry, hydrophobicity is the physical property of substances that are seemingly repelled from a mass of water, forming into beads and rolling off surfaces.
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HYDROPHOBISATION
The process of making a surface water-repellent by applying agents to reduce or even prevent the transfer of water into the substrate.
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IMPREGNATION
Derived from the Latin verb impraegnare, meaning impregnating, soaking, filling with a substance, impregnation refers to soaking solid, porous materials such as textiles, paper, wood, concrete, etc. with dissolved, emulsified or dispersed substances, otherwise known as the impregnating agents. Once the solvent or dispersing agent has evaporated or dried, the properties of the treated materials change due to the substances applied.
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IN-CAN PRESERVATIVES
Chemical substances that kill microbes. In-can preservatives can be found in numerous dispersions such as paints, varnishes and cleaning agents. They ensure a long shelf life and good product quality while preventing emulsion paints and varnishes from going mouldy and spoiling in the can.
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INDUSTRIAL COATING
Serial coating of industrially manufactured products, typically in coating lines. Powder coating is one of the most common forms of industrial coating.
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INTERFERENCE
Superimposition phenomenon whereby light waves combine, resulting in the appearance of colours.
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INTUMESCENCE
From the Latin intumescencia, intumescence refers to an expansion or swelling. In other words, the increase in size of a solid object. When used in relation to fire protection, the terms describes the expedient “swelling” or foaming of materials. Intumescent building materials increase in volume and decrease in density when exposed to heat.
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ISO
Abbreviation for the International Standards Organization.
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KAOLIN
Kaolin is a hydrated aluminium silicate. Natural kaolin is sometimes used as a filler in emulsion paints due to its optimal properties, but is primarily found as a filler in dip and electro-dip primers.
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LINSEED OIL
A complex mixture of esters of glycerol combined with predominantly unsaturated fatty acids. The autoxidation of linseed oil into a solid, polymeric product referred to as linoxyn takes place in the presence of oxygen. Linoxyn is the main component of all oil-based paint coatings. When heated to 250-300°C airtight in aluminium apparatus, linseed oil produces the more viscous stand oil or heat-bodied oil. Coatings with these oils are firmer, more elastic and more resistant to weathering and temperature differences.
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LOTUS EFFECT
The lotus effect refers to the self-cleaning properties of a surface resulting from ultrahydrophobicity, as exhibited by the leaves of the lotus plant. Dirt particles are picked up by water droplets due to the micro- and nanoscopic architecture on the surface, which minimises the droplet’s adhesion to that surface.
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MASTER BATCH
Two-component coatings consisting of a master batch, which contains the binder, pigments and fillers, and the hardener. The coating material is first produced when the two components are first mixed just before processing.
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METALLIC EFFECT PAINTS
Paints containing metallic effect pigments such as aluminium. Often used as finishing coats in automotive and industrial coatings in particular. Other effect pigments and/or coloured pigments can be added to achieve a special effect or particular colour. Metallic effect paints are almost exclusively used as base coats.
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MOHS
A number of methods are employed to determine mineral hardness. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness, named after the German-Austrian mineralogist Carl Friedrich Mohs (1773-1839), is the most popular scale around the globe. It is based on the principle that harder substances are capable of scratching softer substances. In order to create his scale, Mohs ranked ten minerals according to their scratch hardness from the softest mineral (talc) classified as hardness scale number 1 to the hardest mineral (diamond) at hardness scale number 10.
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NANOCOMPOSITE
Coating material produced by the dispersion of nanoscale particles into the binder. This causes the coating to cross-link, making it harder and less thermoplastic, among other things.
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NANOTECHNOLOGY
From the Ancient Greek ᾶνος nános (dwarf), the umbrella term nanotechnology refers to all nano research fields based on the same order of magnitude of nanoparticles, from the single atom to a structural size of 100 nanometres [1 nm = one billionth of a metre (10-9 m)]. This order of magnitude represents a threshold range in which the surface properties of materials play an increasingly important role compared to their volumetric properties. Accordingly, in nanotechnology, we observe length scales where the properties of an object are determined by its size in particular.
The Natural Colour System®© (NCS) is a standardised colour system based on the way humans perceive colour. The NCS-Natural Colour System®© makes it possible to avoid common issues faced when matching colours. This includes being able to accurately specify colours on the basis of accurate and stable colour standards as reference samples and information on correct colour tolerances.
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NITRO THINNER
Ideal for use as a universal thinner, diluter or brush cleaner. As a rule, the solution consists of esters and other hydrocarbons. Nitro thinners are usually flammable and harmful to health, which is why manufacturers recommend good ventilation when using them.
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NORSOK-STANDARD / NORSOK M-001
Developed by the Norwegian petroleum industry, NORSOK standards set mandatory corrosion protection requirements for offshore installations. For example, in this standard, hot dip galvanising or duplex systems are redefined as protective coating.
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OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer.
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ORMOCER
Product name for inorganic-organic hybrid polymers. The inorganic silicate components provide abrasion resistance, while the organic polymers improve the Ormocer’s plasticity. The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg produces custom materials from Ormocers. To date, the resulting materials have primarily been used to coat plastic glasses to make them scratch-resistant. Orcomers can also be found in thin-layer corrosion protection coatings. They are likewise used in 3D form in dental fillings, for example.
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OVERSPRAY
In spray applications, overspray refers to the amount of sprayed material (e.g. varnish, insulation material or adhesives) that does not reach the workpiece but instead escapes into the air as a spray mist.
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OXIDATIVE DRYING
Primarily occurs with alkyd resin coatings. Once the solvent has evaporated, the binder molecules bond together using atmospheric oxygen as a catalyst. In the process, the individual molecular chains of the binder cross-link and the layer hardens.
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PEARLESCENT PAINT OR PEARL EFFECT PAINT
A special variety of metallic effect paint characterised by its special luminosity and pronounced pearlescent gloss. During coating, tiny metal particles are added to the paint to achieve the impressive gloss effect. Following this, the layer of paint with the metal particles is then coated with a clear varnish. Thanks to the composition of the individual particles, the special varnish hardens and becomes more resilient.
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PH VALUE
The pH value of a solution measures its acidity or alkaline level. It indicates how many hydrogen ions (H+) are present in the solution.
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PHYSICAL DRYING
Once the solvent has evaporated, the dissolved binder particles coalesce to form the coating film. This film formation does not result in any material change, meaning that physically dried coatings are usually soluble (with a suitable solvent). Physical drying produces different results for reactive resins, whereby a chemical reaction takes place that chemically binds the molecules tightly together, meaning the coatings are no longer soluble. During the physical drying of water-based paints containing polymer dispersions as binders, the high-molecular polymer particles coalesce once the water has evaporated to form the coating.
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PIGMENTS
From the Latin pigmentum meaning colour and make-up, pigments are colouring substances. Unlike dyes, they are insoluble in the application medium. The application medium refers to the substance to which the pigment is added, i.e. paint or plastics.
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PLASTICISERS
Substances commonly added to plastics, paints and varnishes, rubbers and adhesives and filming coatings to make them softer, more flexible, pliable and elastic when applied and processed.
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POLYACRYLATE
Polyacrylate refers to a group of polymers prepared from acrylic esters. This includes plastics used in paints and as dispersing agents for adhesives, along with other purposes.
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POLYESTER
Paint and plastic raw materials formed by the reaction of polyols and polycarboxylic acids.
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POLYETHYLENE (PE)
Usually thermoplastic, polyethylene belongs to the group of polyolefins. PE is marketed under the following trade names: Alathon, Dyneema, Hostalen, Lupolen, Polythene, Spectra, Trolen, Vestolen. Polyethylene is derived from ethylene gas, which can be either conventionally produced by petrochemical means or from ethanol (also on an industrial scale in the future).
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POLYISOCYANATE
Water-borne hardener for two-component coatings.
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POLYPROPYLENE (PP)
PP was first synthesised by Karl Rehn at Farbwerke Hoechst and, simultaneously, by Giulio Natta at the Politecnico di Milano in 1954. Natta, the first to apply for a patent for polypropylene, began large-scale synthesis in 1957 at the Italian company Montecatini. Today, polypropylene is the world’s second most popular plastic in terms of sales revenues after PE.
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POLYSILOXANES
Or, more precisely, polyorganosiloxanes, refer to a group of synthetic polymers composed of silicon and oxygen atoms.
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POLYURETHANE (PUR)
(DIN abbreviation: PUR) refers to a group of plastics or synthetic resins which can be hard and brittle, or soft and elastic depending on how they are produced. The elastomers in PUR, in particular, have a comparatively high tensile strength. In its expanded form, polyurethane is known as permanently elastic soft foam (used for the soles of sports shoes, for example) or as a rigid installation foam.
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POLYURETHANE COATING
Two-component reactive coating. Polyurethane coatings provide strong adhesion, rigid plasticity and resistance to chemicals.
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POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)
PVC is an amorphous thermoplastic. It is hard and brittle but can be made soft, malleable and suitable for technical applications with the addition of plasticisers and stabilisers. PVC is most commonly used in flooring and in the production of window profiles, pipes, cable insulation, sheathing and vinyl records.
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POT LIFE
Amount of time reactive materials, e.g. adhesives, will work, otherwise referred to as the service life or shelf life. It refers to the period of time between the mixing of a multi-component substance and the end of the period during which the substance can still be worked. In other words, the amount of time the substance can be taken from the can and used as intended. The end of a coating’s pot life is typically indicated by a noticeable increase in viscosity, which prevents further use of the product.
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R/S PHRASES
Risk and Safety phrases are a system of hazard codes and phrases used to label the characteristics of individual hazardous substances (elements and chemical compounds) and the hazardous preparations they produce.
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RAL
Deutsches Institut für Gütesicherung und Kennzeichnung e.V., formerly Reichs-Ausschuss für Lieferbedingungen und Gütesicherung (State Commission for Delivery Terms and Quality Assurance) at the Deutschen Normenausschuss (German Standards Association). RAL checks and monitors the award criteria for the ‘Blue Angel’ ecolabel and concludes contracts with producers governing the use of the label. Along with the vast number of definitions and quality regulations in place for paints, the standardisation of a limited selection of consistent colours set out in the RAL 840 HR colour chart is particularly important for paint manufacturers and consumers alike.
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RAL COLOURS
Standardised colours marketed by RAL gGmbH (a subsidiary of the RAL Institute) under the trade name RAL Classic.
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REACTIVE DRYING
In two-component coating materials (epoxy resins, polyurethanes), the hardener and base coat react with each other to form long and cross-linked binder molecules. As a result, the coatings produced can be subjected to high stresses.
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REACTIVE THINNER
Thinner that becomes part of the binder during the coating curing process.
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REFLOW EFFECT
Observable in self-healing coatings. Paint damage is not prevented by extreme hardness, but instead tolerated. By applying heat, the cracks produced are resealed.
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REMOTE FILL SUMP
If a remote fill sump, the ‘modern’ version of the dome shaft, is installed, the underground tanks are filled with oil through pipes running underground. The fill process is remotely controlled and monitored by a central office. Remote fill sumps are generally found in very large storage ranks where connecting and filling via several conventional dome shafts would be highly complex.
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RUST
The corrosion product formed when iron or steel are oxidised in the presence of water.
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SHELLAC
A natural resin obtained from the secretion of the female lac bug.
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SILICATE PAINTS
Part of the group of coating materials made from inorganic binders. Silicate water glass (potassium silicate) is used as a binder in silicate paints, which are produced and applied either as a two-component system or as a one-component coating or dispersion silicate paint, depending on the formulation.
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SILICONE RESIN PAINTS
Silicone resin paints contain silicone resin emulsions as binders, often in combination with synthetic resin dispersions. The silicone resin produces a water-repellent effect in coating materials with low resistance to water vapour diffusion.
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SILICONES
Plastics based on a silicon-oxygen skeleton. Silicones and substances containing silicone are used in a variety of technical and chemical applications. Along with industrial applications, aqueous dispersions of silicone resins (silicone emulsions) capable of waterproofing brick walls, silicone antifoam agents, silicone sealants and silicone seal profiles are often used in architectural coatings. Special care is required when using silicone seal profiles, as they severely limit the application of coating materials.
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SOL-GEL PROCESS
Process for producing non-metallic inorganic or hybrid polymer materials, i.e. sols (derived from solution). Agglomeration of the sols can then produce powders, fibres, layers or aerogels. Due to the small size of the sol particles initially produced in the nanometre range, the sol-gel process is part of chemical nanotechnology.
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SOLIDS
The components of coating material left behind once all volatile parts have been removed (evaporation of solvents under specified test conditions), primarily binders and pigments.
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SOLVENTS
Substances capable of dissolving or diluting gases, liquids or solids without causing chemical reactions between the dissolved substance and the solvent. Liquids such as water and fluid organic substances are generally used to dissolve other substances. Although solids are also able to dissolve other substances.
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SURFACE ENERGY
Surface energy can be described as the energy required to break the chemical bonds when a new solid or liquid surface is created. The surface energy is the energy required to create one unit of surface area.
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SURFACE STRESS
Property of the surface (boundary layer) between a liquid and a gas, i.e. air. The surface of a liquid behaves similarly to a stretched elastic film. This results in the formation of water droplets, for example, and also explains why some insects are able walk on water and why a coin will float on water.
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SURFACTANTS
Substances that significantly lower the surface tension of a liquid, enabling the removal of dirt. What makes surfactants special is their ability to combine immiscible liquids such as oil and water. Surfactants are also surface-active substances that play a major role in detergents and cleaning products along with emulsion paints and dispersion varnishes.
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SWEEP BLASTING
Sweep blasting is a surface treatment with a non-metallic, angular abrasive for roughening galvanised steel, for example.
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SYNTHETIC RESIN COATINGS
Varnishes and paints produced using synthetic resin binders. Often encountered in the painting and DIY sector.
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TERPENES
Volatile natural components derived from conifer resins, particular from the pine species (spruce and pine, etc.). These resins can often be found as binders in bio-based paints.
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THERMOPLASTICS
Any plastic polymer materials that become pliable at a certain elevated temperature and solidify upon cooling. In particular, thermoplastics can be found in emulsion paints and varnishes, which become pliable when heated.
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TITANIUM DIOXIDE
The most important pigment used to give paints and varnishes whiteness.
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TOP COAT
Top layer of a coating structure. The top coat determines the colour and gloss of a coating along with ensuring mechanical and chemical resistance. Single-layer top coats are pigmented. By contrast, in two-layer top coat systems, a clear varnish is applied onto a coloured base layer.
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TREBITT WOOD STAIN
Solvent-based, transparent wood stain with a particularly high solid content produced by Jotun. The stain is extremely weather-resistant and contains Chinese wood oils that stabilise weathered wooden surfaces. Trebitt wood stain is suitable for all exterior wood, including boarding, roof gables, roof undersides, window shutters, fences, timber framing, windows and doors.
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TURPENTINE OILS
Various oil compositions made from resin obtained from wood.
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TWO-COMPONENT COATINGS
Coating materials whereby the chemical reaction that results in hardening happens so quickly that the hardener is supplied separately and is only mixed with the master batch right before use. Polyisocyanates that cross-link with the base coat to form highly durable polyurethane coatings are typical hardeners for two-component coatings.
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UV ABSORBERS
Transparent pigments capable of filtering out or absorbing high-energy UV light from the non-visible spectrum.
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UV CURING
The intentional cross-linking of binders under high-energy UV light. UV curing is an extreme process and is used to manufacture furniture along with other tasks.
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VARNISH REMOVERS (OR PAINT STRIPPER)
Chemical compounds used to remove old coats of paint and varnish (e.g. on wood). This process is called varnish/paint ‘stripping’ or ‘removal’.
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VISCOSITY
The ‘thickness’ of a liquid. Semi-fluid coatings are referred to as highly viscous, whereas thin coatings have low viscosity.
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VOC
Volatile organic compound. VOC refers to volatile organic compounds, i.e. classic solvents, and also plasticisers. The total content of VOCs in certain paints and varnishes is severely limited by EU directives.
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WALL PAINT
A good wall paint has two tasks, namely providing adequate coverage for the substrate and producing an even surface after painting. Opacity is classified on a scale ranging from 1 to 4. Opacity class 1 offers the best coverage. When applying paint, the difference in quality is clear as paints with lower coverage require several coats, costing both time and money! Achieving even, opaque coverage with lower quality paints can be a timely and material-intensive endeavour, particularly with high contrast substrates.
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WASH PRIMERS
A wash primer is a coating that usually contains at least 0.5 per cent phosphoric acid by weight. The primer is applied directly to untreated metallic surfaces to provide corrosion protection and adhesive properties. They are often used as weldable primers and pickling agents for galvanised metal and zinc surfaces.
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WATER GLASS
Commonly produced by roasting glassy, water-soluble sodium, potassium and lithium silicates or their aqueous solutions and their subsequent solidification. Depending on the concentration of sodium, potassium or lithium silicates, the water glass in question may be referred to as sodium water glass, potassium water glass or lithium water glass.
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WATER HAZARD CLASSES
Substances hazardous to water can be categorised in the following three classes: WHC 1 = slightly hazardous to water. WHC 2 = hazardous to water. WHC 3 = very hazardous to water.
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WATER-BASED COATINGS
Coatings whereby water is used as a dispersing and thinning agent in the product process and application. The Blue Angel ecolabel can be awarded by the German Environment Agency to water-based coatings in the architectural coatings sector with a solvent content below 10%. Industrial water-based coatings can either be physically drying, oxidatively drying, thermal cross-linking coatings or two-component coatings.
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WEATHERING TEST
Synthetic, standardised laboratory test that simulates an outdoor climate to present the primary ageing factor under UV radiation.
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WHG CERTIFICATION
According to the Water Resources Act (WHG), work on installations tasked with handling substances hazardous to water may only be carried out by correspondingly certified specialist companies. The technician responsible for the work needs to have the required qualification that ensures compliance with the requirements of the WHG. In order to be certified as a WHG specialist company, the technician responsible for the work must prove that they have successfully passed a WHG introduction course (provided by TÜV, for example) and a WHG specialist course.
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WOOD PRESERVATIVES
Active substances or preparations containing active substances designed to prevent wood or wood-based materials from being attacked by wood-destroying or wood-staining organisms, or to fight attacks.
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WOOD STAINS
There are three categories of wood stains used for different applications, namely thin-, medium- and thick-layer stains. Thin-layer stains deeply penetrate the wood and do not form a film. Paint does not peel and subsequent touch-ups are quick and easy. Thin-layer stains are ideal for non-dimensionally stable components, like fences and boarding. The consistency of medium-layer stains ranges from viscous to thin. Medium-layer stains penetrate deeper into the wood than thick-layer stains and let less moisture through than thin-layer stains. They are ideal for protecting the wood of components with limited dimensional stability, like window shutters and half-timbered structures. Thick-layer stains are viscous and form a film. They stop the substrate from absorbing moisture and are ideal for dimensionally stable components, like windows and doors.
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WRAP AROUND
The wrap around effect refers to the result of an electrostatic charge that is generated when a coating is applied via spraying or dipping onto a metallic surface. This effect allows the coating particles to reach otherwise difficult to reach areas of the surface to be painted. It is caused by the insulation of the surface resulting from the applied paint. This causes the electric field lines to shift to the conductive areas of the surface that are yet to be coated. The coating particles then follow this electric field.
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XYLENE (DIMETHYLBENZENE)
Along with toluene, the most important aromatic hydrocarbon solvents used to coat materials, for example.
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ZINC CARBONATE
White zinc salt produced when carbonic acid is formed when CO2 reacts with water.
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ZINC CHROMATE
A chemical compound used mainly as a yellow colour pigment and corrosion inhibitor.
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ZINC OXIDE (ZnO)
A chemical compound of zinc and oxygen, which either forms colourless, hexagonal crystals or a white powder due to the refraction of light in tiny crystals. It is used often as an ingredient in medical skin and wound treatment products due to its antiseptic effect.