The Use of a Fluoropolymer Containing Primer to Enhance Adhesion of Rotolined Fluoropolymer Coatings

Abstract Fluoropolymers such as PFA and ETFE are often used in rotolining applications. A common source of failure for rotolined coatings is delamination from the metal substrate. Extensive thermal cycling of the coated part, permeation of the contained liquid to the substrate, or a combination of both thermal cycling and permeation causes this. Rotolined coatings are typically applied directly to the metal part. It has been found that applying an aqueous fluoropolymer based primer to the metal substrate prior to applying the rotolined resin increases the time before delamination is observed. The primer is applied by conventional spray techniques and can either be force dried at low temperature or air-dried under ambient conditions. The primer consists primarily of a fluoropolymer such as ETFE or PFA and a bonding agent such as polyamide-imide, polyphenylene sulfide, or polyether sulfone. After the primer is applied to the metal part, the fluoropolymer in the primer melt blends with the fluoropolymer rotolining resin during the rotolining process. The bonding agent enhances the adhesion of the entire coating system to the metal part. This extends the lifetime of the rotolined coatings.