Economical Corrosion Resistance: Enhancing Rotolining Efficiency with PolyStik™

By admin on May 10, 2023

Overview

In a continuous pursuit of performance and practicality, PolyStik™ is an innovative chemically modified polyethylene-based material tailored for rotolining – a specialised technique that bonds polymer linings to the internal surfaces of pipes, tanks, and vessels. This lining process creates a protective barrier against corrosion and chemical degradation. While traditional materials like PTFE and ETFE offer outstanding resistance, they are often cost-prohibitive for less demanding applications. PolyStik™ bridges this gap, offering a smart and economical solution for industries seeking moderate resistance with maximum value.

At Polymer Link, we pride ourselves on our commitment to optimising polymer performance across applications, delivering reliable and cost-efficient materials for real-world challenges.

The Challenge

Balancing Performance and Cost in Rotolining Applications

High-performance fluoropolymers, at a premium

Materials such as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) and ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) are the standard bearers in rotolining due to their exceptional chemical and thermal resistance. However, in applications where such high-level resistance is unnecessary, these materials present an uneconomical option.

Need for an affordable alternative for moderate exposure

There was a clear market gap for a mid-tier solution – a rotolining material that could offer adequate protection without the high cost of fluoropolymers. The challenge was to identify or engineer a material that maintains good adhesion and moderate resistance while keeping processing simple and cost-effective.

The Solution

Introducing PolyStik™ – Chemically Modified Polyethylene for Rotolining

Adhesive-capable polyethylene

Standard polyethylene lacks the ability to bond directly to metal substrates. Through chemical modification, PolyStik™ is engineered with adhesive properties, eliminating the need for primers and enabling a one-system solution. This not only simplifies the process but also reduces material and labor costs.

High Melt Flow Index (MFI) for optimal processing PolyStik™ is designed with a high melt flow index, ensuring excellent processability and uniform coating during the rotolining process.

The Solution

Introducing PolyStik™ – Chemically Modified Polyethylene for Rotolining

Adhesive-capable polyethylene

Standard polyethylene lacks the ability to bond directly to metal substrates. Through chemical modification, PolyStik™ is engineered with adhesive properties, eliminating the need for primers and enabling a one-system solution. This not only simplifies the process but also reduces material and labor costs.

High Melt Flow Index (MFI) for optimal processing PolyStik™ is designed with a high melt flow index, ensuring excellent processability and uniform coating during the rotolining process.

Process

A Controlled Three-Step Rotolining Approach

To ensure consistent quality and adhesion, a three-step rotolining process was implemented, addressing challenges in temperature control and material behavior:

1. Pre-heat Phase

Promotes uniform heat distribution across the pipe or vessel to prepare for even polymer coating.

2. Polymer Melting Phase

Oven temperatures are slightly increased to facilitate the melting and coating of the internal surface by PolyStik™.

3. Polymer Curing Phase

A further temperature increase enables full curing, allowing PolyStik™ to reach its optimal adhesion and mechanical integrity.

The final result

Using basic surface preparation, including rust removal through polishing and solvent cleaning, PolyStik™ successfully achieved uniform liners up to 5mm in thickness. This result underscores PolyStik™’s potential as a cost-effective, technically sound alternative for rotolining in less aggressive environments, delivering protective performance without the high price tag of fluoropolymers.

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