Metals tend to deteriorate much faster with increased pollution levels necessitating a need for surface treatment for protection. Coatings, which act as barrier to prevent the corrosive environment to come in contact with metal surface, can be an effective tool to mitigate corrosion. In this interview, Sujit Sinha, President - Paint Division, Grauer & Weil (India) Ltd, explains importance of surface treatment and role played by coatings in corrosion prevention.

 

Why corrosion protection and surface treatment are important for industries?

The surface preparation, treatment and coating sector has gained major importance in recent years due to the value addition it provides in terms of finish, life and lower maintenance. The loss of assets due corrosion is estimated to Rs 2 lacs crores annually. With increased pollution levels, metals tend to deteriorate much faster which necessitates a better protection of surface treatment for modern and complex materials used in equipment and machines which may need a delicate process for coatings.

 

What products & solutions do you offer for corrosion protection and surface treatment?

Grauer & Weil (India) Ltd is known for their immense contribution to the industry since it has developed various technology which otherwise were a dominant area for global multinational companies. We offer specialty products like solvent free epoxy, novolac epoxy, vinylesters, polyesters, zinc silicates, solvent free food grade epoxy and products related to corrosion under insulation. These products have been major area of success. We have developed new range of lining and coating for structures, pipes and tanks. Recently, we have made special rapid cure epoxy paint which can be applied under water with minimal surface preparation. We have also developed chrome free products confirming to MIL standards for aerospace industry. We are working on fluro-polymers, nanotechnology and products that will last for 25 years under saline conditions.

 

With a rich legacy of almost six decades, the company is a formidable force that offers a diverse product blend including anodizing, phosphating, pre-treatment and topcoats, engineering plants, effluent treatment and waste recovery systems, industrial lubricants, high performance protective paints and coatings for the automotive and marine industry. It is now a one-stop solution provider for protection of all types of substrates across various industrial segments.Our major clients are from sectors like oil & gas, power, space research, auto OEM, defense, marine, etc.

 

How important is the role of coating in corrosion prevention?

The application of a paint coating is a cost-effective way of preventing corrosion. Paint coatings act as corrosion inhibitors and barrier 

to prevent the corrosive environment to come in contact with metal surface underneath. Another possibility is applying a powder coating. In this process, a dry powder is applied to the clean metal surface. The metal is then heated which fuses the powder into a smooth unbroken film. A number of different powder compositions can be used, including acrylic, polyester, epoxy, nylon, and urethane.

 

Growel is a renowned company which is involved into the business of providing industrial coatings which have high durability owing to properties like being highly anticorrosive and strong barrier effect. The marine coatings of Growel are highly resistance to microbial attack and prevent fouling when applied under sea water areas of hull.

 

What are some of the emerging trends in surface treatment Industry? 

India is an emerging economy which is growing at a GDP of 7 per cent. The paints and coatings industry are expected to grow double digit in the next couple of years. The government’s positive mindset towards business investment and boost to local manufacturing under Make in India campaign has recently prompted global giants like IKEA, ARAMCO etc to take note of the Indian market. Projects in oil and gas segment and emphasis on water and gas distribution by government will bring excitement to the industry.