Projects / Programmes
Formulation of powder coatings with high pressure process
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.12.03 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Electric devices |
Integrated propulsion systems |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T350 |
Technological sciences |
Chemical technology and engineering |
dense gasses, supercritical fluids, micronization, powder coatings, polymers, design of high pressure process
Researchers (7)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
08249 |
MSc Anton Hrovat |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2007 - 2010 |
19 |
| 2. |
02619 |
PhD Željko Knez |
Chemical engineering |
Researcher |
2007 - 2009 |
2,028 |
| 3. |
25011 |
Marko Krainer |
Chemical engineering |
Technical associate |
2007 - 2010 |
4 |
| 4. |
26322 |
Lucija Majhenič |
Chemical engineering |
Researcher |
2007 - 2008 |
10 |
| 5. |
30607 |
PhD Elena Markočič |
Chemical engineering |
Researcher |
2009 |
60 |
| 6. |
21690 |
PhD Amra Perva |
Chemical engineering |
Researcher |
2007 - 2009 |
91 |
| 7. |
11865 |
PhD Mojca Škerget |
Chemical engineering |
Head |
2007 - 2010 |
765 |
Organisations (2)
Abstract
The aim of the research work in the frame of the project is to develop new high-pressure process for production of powder coatings. The new high pressure process will be based on high pressure micronization process with CO2 named PGSS (= Particles from Gas Saturated Solutions). Due to nature of compounds for powder coatings, some modifications of the process will be necessary. Production of fine particles with PGSS micronization process is highly interesting for production of crystalline and amorphous particles with narrow and controlled size distribution and morphology and has several other advantages compared to conventional processes.
The work in the frame of the project will include:
- study of phase equilibria of powder coatings compounds (resins and additives) and their mixtures in presence of CO2 what includes determination of the courses of melting curves under pressure of gas in PT phase diagram,
- investigation of influences of various cosolvents on phase behavior and viscosity of powder coating compounds in presence of CO2,
- performing lab scale PGSS micronizations and optimization of the process (influence of process parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow of Co2, flow of suspension, cosolvents, concentration of suspension, type of nozzle, influence of adding pigments,…),
- Pilot scale production, characterization of sample from pilot scale production and preparation of technical documentation.
Significance for science
Processing of polymers by using supercritical fluids (SCF) has been investigated intensively during the last two decades. Due to their unique properties, SCF can be used as excellent agents and can replace organic solvents. Different processes such as polymer separation, polymer synthesis, formation of particles, fibers, foams and blends, impregnation of polymers, polymer modifications and polymorphic transformations, are being intensively investigated worldwide. Systems polymer-CO2 are highly nonideal, the physical-chemical data of the systems are usually not available in the literature. The research work in the frame of the project is therefore of high scientific importance; the results contribute to the knowledge of phase equilibria and transport properties in systems polymer-CO2. Beside, the knowledge and better understanding of the influence of high pressure of gas (CO2) during processing on the properties of polymers such as amorphous / crystalline form, inter- or intra- molecular interactions, have been be gained.
Significance for the country
Application of SCF in the coatings industry has become highly interesting in last years, due to European regulations and restrictions regarding the use of organic solvents. Consecutively, the development in the industry of paints and lacquers is directed toward water dispersion systems and powder coatings, which have become the fastest growing market segments of industrial coatings in Europe and world-wide. Powder coatings are environmentally-friendly as they do not contain organic solvents which represent from 20 to 80 % of ingredients in standard paints and lacquers. The conventional production includes following processes: mixing, homogenization and dispersion in extruder, grinding and sieving. Several practical problems can occur during processing, what can influence the quality of the product, homogenicity, particle size and particle size distribution.
Investigations within the frame of the project will result in innovative high pressure technology for production of powder coatings by using supercritical CO2, which has a huge potential as a »green« solvent. The new technology has several advantages over existing classical methods, e.g. absence of harmful organic solvents or, when necessary, the efficient extraction of solvents from the product, the mild processing conditions, continuous operating mode, higher capacities, less processing stages, easier cleaning, flexible production, obtaining products with specific properties, etc. and therefore enables larger production scales and increased competitiveness on global market.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
