Atlantic Ocean - Latest test for Plascoat PPA 571
A popular children's playground on the beach at San Sebastian in Spain has been given a new lease of life with Plascoat PPA 571, a protective coating proven to stand the test of time.
Although the imaginative steel structure was providing enjoyment to more than 3000 children a week, the effects of saltwater corrosion soon became apparent.
The playground, which was previously coated in epoxy-polyester, stood little chance against the harshness of the elements. During the winter months it had no protection from salt, sand and water corrosion from the Atlantic rollers that crashed over the exposed site. In the summer intense UV rays added to the deterioration with rust becoming a serious problem. The damage was so bad that the playground had to be closed for repair and refurbishment in October 2000.
The town planners were delighted when they were informed about the protective qualities of Plascoat PPA 571, a thermoplastic coating which has repeatedly proved itself in just these sorts of harsh environments. Subsequently the playground was restored and completely recoated with PPA 571.
Two years on the playground's condition has remained outstanding. A spokesman said "Plascoat PPA 571 is now becoming a standard for structures requiring a durable coating in San Sebastian".
PPA 571 has been successfully used in a number of major construction projects including the Hong Kong Airport and the Channel Tunnel.
The key benefits of PPA 571 include long-term adhesion (without the need for a primer), excellent edge coverage and extremely high levels of resistance to impact, abrasion, stress cracking, weather and pollutants.
PPA 571 is available for both fluidised bed and electrostatic spraying.
Plascoat's PPA 571 provides princely protection in Monaco
Plascoat System's PPA 571 has played an important part in the improvement of Monaco's Port Hercule harbour with the involvement in the construction of a new breakwater.
A major construction project was launched by Prince Rainier in 2002, aimed at increasing the protection for Port Hercule, to improve the capacity for pleasure craft and to allow the docking of larger cruise liners at the popular Monaco marina..
The project, which consists of a 352 metre long, partially floating breakwater and a fixed counter jetty has been responsible for turning Monaco into one of the most important pleasure boating ports in the Mediterranean.
Safety and long term maintenance played a vital part in the development of the construction. Safety, because swimmers and divers needed to be protected from the dangerous undercurrents that could potentially drag them into the hollow concrete structure. As a result, the sub-surface of the breakwater contains a series of steel rods and mesh, that act as a protective grill, preventing swimmers from being caught inside. PPA 571 has been used to provide essential long-term durability for the submerged steel elements of the structure because of its successful track record in this type of environment.
PPA 571's composition means that it does not actively support the growth of barnacles, therefore long-term maintenance costs of the structure are kept to a minimum. With worldwide food and water approvals, PPA 571 is widely used in marine environments and both the US Navy and Royal Navy have benefited from its use amongst their fleets.
PPA 571 has always performed excellently against salt and sand abrasion. The durability and lifespan of PPA 571 is achieved because of its barrier properties to water, vapour, gasses, microbe and chemicals. The key benefits of PPA 571 include long-term adhesion (without the need for a primer), excellent edge coverage and high levels of resistance to impact, abrasion, stress cracking, weather and pollutants. PPA 571 is available for both fluidised bed dipping and electrostatic spraying.
Brisbane Bay Street Furniture - corrosion protection using PPA 571
Australia's Brisbane Council has recently completed a project to refurbish water front street furniture and a children's' playground using Plascoat PPA 571.
The city planners were delighted when they were informed about the protective qualities of Plascoat PPA 571, a thermoplastic coating that has repeatedly proved itself in just these sorts of harsh environments. Subsequently the playground was restored and completely recoated with PPA 571.
PPA 571 was the industry's first thermoplastic polymer alloy coating to provide a long-lasting tough coating for exterior applications. PPA 571 has over the years, proved beyond doubt its capability to withstand the harsh effects of coastal salt, intensive UV rays, high levels of humidity and extreme ambient temperatures.
Another key feature of PPA 571 critical in such an environment is a coating's ability to offer some protection against graffiti. Street furniture has for years been a target. Graffiti paints can easily be removed from the coated surface using either a plain cloth or common solvents.