Our coated steel panels have successfully gone through 5,000 hours of Salt Fog Exposure (ASTM B 117) and Cyclic Weathering (ASTM D 5894) tests, and our coated aluminum panels have gone through over 3,000 hours. 5,000 hour is the maximum testing hours range under ASTM B 117 standard. Tests on aluminum panels with longer period of time are still under way. We will update this page once new test results have been received.

Tensile adhesion (pull-off strength) was measured in accordance with ASTM D 4541, "Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers," Annex A4, "Self-Aligning Adhesion Tester Type IV." Adhesion Strength Tests are performed following 1,100 Hours of Cyclic Weathering.

All our tests and result data used below are provided by KTA-Tator, an American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) approved Independent testing lab with over 60 years of experiences. It's located in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania U.S.A.

Panel Preparation Method

The panels (3'' x 6'') were scribed on the coated side by the testing company with a single incision down the center (lengthwise) of each panel, extending to approximately one inch from the edges. The scribing tool used was a tungsten carbide thread cutting lathe tool bit with a cutting tip having a 60° included angle as described in ASTM D 1654, "Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Painted or Coated Specimens Subjected to Corrosive Environments." The backsides were coated with a material provided by the testing company, and the edges of each panel were protected from edge effects with vinyl tape.

Results

Blistering and rusting are rated on a scale of 0 to 10.    A "10" indicates no blistering or rusting or less than 0.01% of rust observed. Subsequential ratings indicate progressively larger blisters or rusted areas. Blistering is additionally rated according to frequency (Few, Medium, Medium Dense, Dense). Rusting is additionally rated according to type: Pinpoint, General, or Spot rusting. Undercutting is the distance of corrosion creep extending from the scribe line (visual determination only).

For the adhesion test, the force (in psi) required to remove each pull-stub was recorded along with the location of break and approximate percentage of each. The location of break is defined as adhesive (a split between layers), cohesive (within a layer), or glue failure (coating strength exceeds glue strength). Good Painting Practices (by SSPC) says 200 psi or better is considered good adhesion. Our results of 700-800 psi range would be considered good or very good. The results of the testing can be found in the table below.

Photographs

Below are pictures of sample panels taken after the tests. Click images to see enlarged views.

Salt Fog Exposure & Cyclic Weathering

Adhesion Tests

Our Environment-Friendly Anti-Corrosion Coating Technology

We are introducing the Environmentally Friendly High Performance Anti-corrosion Coating Technology, which does not employ conventional toxic/carcinogenic heavy-metal anti-corrosion pigments such as chromates and lead compounds, not even less toxic but sacrificial zinc/zinc compounds while providing heavy-duty corrosion protections to a wide range of metals besides iron/steel, such as zinc and aluminum. Our technology provides an excellent solution to the urgent needs of Hexavalent Chromium-free anti-corrosion coatings for aluminum and its alloys. For steels, our technology provides a smarter solution with higher effectiveness, friendlier to the environment, scratch tolerant, lower cost, and much longer performance life. If you would like to test our anti-corrosion technology, please contact us to request coated sample panels. Currently we are seeking partners to licensing/commercialize this new technology. Read more about the features, specifications, and usages of this coating technology.

If you are interested in our anti-corrosion technologies or having questions/comments, please Contact Us.

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