Cheryl Roberts

scanning electron microscopy

Application of Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) in the Analysis of Coating Failures

For clear, magnified images and quick, targeted analyses of elemental composition, SEM-EDS is the method of choice. Introduction. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) can be used to examine samples at very high magnifications – up to 1 million times!  The analysis of coating failures with an SEM typically only uses magnifications up to 10,000X, however, …

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gloss retention

Measuring Gloss Retention in the Coatings Industry

Background The gloss level of a coating is selected primarily for aesthetics. Choices can range from flat to egg shell, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. Industrial protective coatings are not always available in each of these five levels. The gloss of a protective coating changes over time; these changes may be caused by aging of the …

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permeability

The Significance of the Permeability of Paints

Permeability of Applied Paints & Coatings… Do I want a permeable coating or not? The answer to the question posed is based on the substrate and the service environment. All paint and coatings are permeable to water, just to different degrees. A high resistance to permeability is likely desirable for lining applied to the interior …

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measuring color difference coatings

Measuring Color Difference in the Coatings Industry

Background Color is used in the coatings industry for safety (e.g., safety yellow), identification (e.g., pipes coated blue indicate gas flowing through them) and for branding (e.g., company color schemes). The color of a protective coating changes over time; these changes may be caused by aging of the coating and/or exposure to solar radiation (ultraviolet …

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