Plastics Engineering, Vol.65, No.5, 6-6, 2009
Coating Alternatives for Plastics Optical coatings and VOC-free technologies are becoming clearer options
Plastics often must demonstrate their Value more at the surface of a part, rather than just with their bulk physical properties. But given the surface-quality limitations of raw molded plastics, some parts simply must be coated to meet requirements. Coatings can enhance surface aesthetics, but they carry with them issues regarding costs, durability, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Fortunately, more coating alternatives are aval or allowing new plastic applications, for replacing traditional coatings, or for reducing VOCs.