16.07.08
For speed of application and quick turnaround, Zipcoat has it covered
Zipcoat from Corrocoat is a single coat, fast cure product which is already revolutionising the coating of steel structures across the globe.
For many years, multi-coat systems (mainly epoxy-based) have been specified to protect steel bridge structures. These usually consist of three products - a primer for corrosion protection, an intermediate coat and a topcoat for UV protection.
The time factor involved with applying this kind of system is significant, with extended overcoating times required to achieve optimum performance. By contrast, Zipcoat achieves long term protection with just one coat, and – unlike epoxy coatings – will cure at sub-zero temperatures and can be applied at temperatures as high as 45oC.
Once Zipcoat has been applied, items can be moved within two and a half hours of coating, which is of enormous benefit to fabricators.
Zipcoat provides excellent edge coverage, reducing the need for stripe coating and in many cases eliminating the process altogether.
Rigorous testing has served to underline the immense potential for Zipcoat. Scientifics in Derby have subjected the product to a range of tests which meet both Highways Agency and Railtrack requirements for glass flake coating systems. 5000 hours of testing have been carried out and Zipcoat has passed all the stringent tests, accelerated weathering including UV resistance, natural weathering, salt spray, resistance to humidity and sulphur dioxide. Also, test work has been carried out on behalf of the Highways Agency. Corrocoat put 4 systems forward in 1993 and all 4 have passed the rigorous testing procedure.
Zipcoat is not a new concept and is already tried and tested in many areas. Indeed, the material was used as a departure from standard on the A13 Gateway bridge in 2001, and has been specified for immersed and non-immersed applications including ships’ hulls, decking, superstructures and structural steelwork.
Corrocoat confidently predicts a design life well in excess of 25 years, even in aggressive immersed seawater environments. Additional benefits include good UV resistance plus all the advantages of extended maintenance intervals and favourable life cycle costs.
Zipcoat is a multi-monomer unsaturated polyester coating containing micronised glass flakes, providing long term protection in aggressive environments. The coating combines high mechanical strength and robust performance with extremely low solvent emissions, guaranteeing reduced environmental impact in line with developing legislation in this area.
For applications demanding long term corrosion protection, quick application rates and low life cycle costs, Zipcoat provides a fast, cost effective solution
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