A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CONVENTIONAL AND NANO-MODIFIED POWDER COATINGS: MATERIALS, PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT, AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Abstract The solvent-free nature and high efficiency in coating have led to powder coatings becoming popular in industries as an alternative to traditional liquid coatings since they offer an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to liquid coatings. This review includes a summary of the traditional and nano-modified powder coating with particular focus on the material composition, performance, and industrial applications. Traditional powder coatings, such as thermoset and thermoplastic finish types, are characterized by excellent resistance to corrosion, mechanical stability and aesthetic flexibility, but fail in severe service environments. Integration of nanomaterials has greatly enhanced the performance of coating through increase in mechanical strength, wear and corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and functional characteristics e.g. UV protection and antimicrobial activity. Such enhancements are mainly explained by fined microstructure, better interfacial bonding, and better barrier mechanisms. The major areas of application and the current challenges posed by nanoparticle dispersion and implementation on a large scale are also described in the review. Altogether, nano-modified powder coatings are an alternative solution to high-performance sustainable and high-protection surfacing requirements.