Zinc arc spray vs Zinc-rich silicate or epoxy paint

[KeDuan]

Dear fellow,

I am an engineer and will start work on anti-corrosion coatings for steel structures. I had some limited experience on atmospheric plasma spray of ceramic coatings (hydroxyapatite on titanium hip implants).

Just learned that zinc is used as anti-corrosion coatings in various forms, such as arc sprayed coatings and zinc-rich silicate (or epoxy) paints. Both are claimed to offer very long lifetime (10 to 30 years) of corrosion resistance for steels structures such as plant building frames, bridges, pipes, tanks.....

Therefore, given their different characteristics (thickness, microstructure, equipment, application speed, and probably cost), I am kind of confused what factors primarily decide which type of coating are most suitable for a particular project or situation? Is that cost (or cost/performance ratio)? Duration of protection? availability? Or anything else?

Am wondering if you could advise me. Thanks.

[Stephen Booth]

Hi KeDuan,

In my field experince with TSA, TSZ coatings, I have been trying to promote them to designers, fabricators, and asset owners. In my experience, it seems that the painting industry is so well established in the market, and in the customer, there is very little room for a logical decision on alternatives such as TSA and TSZ.

Seems that TSA and TSZ are often only selected when they are the only technical solution that will solve the problem: CUI, Flare booms, etc..

Hope others will offer advice.