Page 665 - Handbook of Thermal Analysis of Construction Materials

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16

Paints and Coatings

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Regardless of the type of paints or coatings and the field applica-
tions, a study of their mechanical and chemical properties is necessary to
understand their behavior and predict the performance. For example,
paints (as discussed in Ch. 13) are dispersions of one or more liquid or solid
phases in a liquid or solid matrix. Such materials exhibit very complex
responses to the application of quite small forces. Some paints (thixotropic)
look like solids or very viscous liquids when at rest in the container and
become thin when stirred. They will recover their original appearance when
[1]
allowed to rest. These complex responses are related to the rheological
properties of the material. Resistance to weather is an important perfor-
mance aspect, which affects durability. This is critical for paints applied to
exteriors of houses and buildings, ships, chemical plants, agricultural imple-
ments, and cars.
The mechanical properties of paints and coatings can be studied by
application of various standard mechanical test methods, whereas chemical
characterization can be achieved using a variety of analytical techniques

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