INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH PROGRAM
THERMAL SPRAY PROCESSING OF POLYMERS
Polymer Composites
The inherent process flexibility within thermal spray technology allows the production of composite coatings. Metals, ceramics, or compatible can be mixed with the virgin polymer and subsequently sprayed to either act as a filler or produce specific properties of interest. Functionally gradient materials (FGMs) can also be fabricated by varying the volume percentage of the second constituent from 0 to 100% during the deposition process. The use of recycled and post consumer commingled polymer material (PCCP) has strong potential for use as protective barrier coatings. Commingled polymer also referred to as “curbside tailings” is a mixture of many types of thermoplastics and often contains aluminum and glass particulates as well. It is therefore of considerable interest to use such materials to reduce cost as well as reduce the amount of waste disposal.
last updated 03/15/96 by Dr. J. Karthikeyan
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