Physical and structural analyses for batch-to-batch consistency of epoxy paints: a case study on epoxy coatings for oil and gas industry in Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Batch-to-batch consistency of two-component epoxy paint by means of physical (volume solids, specific gravity and volatile organic content), performance (adhesion, dry film thickness and salt spray tests) and structural test [Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis] was investigated. All physical tests fulfill the required specifications. With the availability of many FTIR spectrometers, quality assurance personnel do not want to rely on specific FTIR. We analysed the FTIR spectra of intermediate two-components epoxy paints that had been obtained from two spectrometers (Intrument I and II), using specific commercial Softwares utilising high sensitivity Compare function. Results show that the two-component epoxies are homogeneous within the mixing tank, with r (degree of similarity) values above 0.898 (high degree of similarity). Different paint formulations yield r values far below 0.898 (low degree of similarity). The r values obtained from Instrument II are slightly higher to that of Instrument I, but they are not statistically different.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical test
• performance test
• FTIR
• epoxy coatings

Acknowledgements

Authors are also immensely grateful to Research Instruments (M) Sdn Bhd and Perkin Elmer (M) Sdn Bhd for the complimentary FTIR analyses.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Chin Han Chan http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0990-0155

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in parts by the Knowledge Transfer Programme grants [100-CAN (ICAN/AIC.37/2/14] provided by Ministry of Education.