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Degradation of solar coatings observed by scanning electron microscopy

Journal Article · · J. Coat. Technol.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6485949

To study the degradation of absorptive coatings used in solar energy systems and thereby aid the development of durability-related test methods for these coatings, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were performed on three solar coating systems and substrates. The coating systems studied were urethane topcoat over epoxy primer on zinc phosphate-treated steel, polyvinylidene fluoride over epoxy primer on galvanized steel, and epoxy topcoat over phenolic butyrate primer on anodized aluminum. The first system was subjected to both exposure to condensing moisture and adhesion tests, the other two systems to high humidity at elevated temperature. The findings show that moisture is a primary factor affecting the durability of the coatings and that SEM is a valuable tool in studying degradation. In addition, the technique of metallographic polishing of galvanized steel with alcohol as a suspension medium is shown to produce microstructure free of metallographic defects.

Research Organization:
National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
OSTI ID:
6485949
Journal Information:
J. Coat. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Coat. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 52:664; ISSN JCTED
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English