What Does
Thermoplastic Powder Mean?
Thermoplastic powders are powdered polymeric materials that melt when heated. The molten powder is then resolidified without any significant changes to its chemical composition. This property contrasts with thermoset materials that burn rather than melt when heated. For this reason, thermoplastic powders are commonly used for thermal spray coating applications.
Corrosionpedia Explains Thermoplastic Powder
Thermoset powders are usually heated to the desired temperature and then the molten product is applied to the substrate. The cooling process causes the molten material to harden and gain strength, forming a protective barrier on the substrate.
Because thermoplastic powder coatings can be reheated multiple times, they can be easily redistributed along a surface. This attribute allows flaws in coatings made from thermoset polymers to be easily repaired using heat.
Some of the most common types of thermoset powders used in the coating industry include polyamide, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene.