Solution to masked mobility aid dangers

Citation

(1999), "Solution to masked mobility aid dangers", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 46 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.1999.12846fab.003

Solution to masked mobility aid dangers

Solution to masked mobility aid dangers

Keywords: Plascoat, Coatings

Manchester-based coater Plastic Treatments reports that it has standardised on Plascoat's PPA571 Thermoplastic coating as a way of overcoming hidden dangers to patients and the disabled associated with the use of shower, toilet and general mobility aids such as grab rails.

Around 20 per cent of all the company's work is for the rehabilitation/disability aids manufacturing sector. In this sector any coatings unable to prevent corrosion spread represent major hazards for vulnerable people relying on the integrity of the products.

"PPA571 is a significant advance for us in overcoming this problem", explains Plastic Treatments managing director, Stuart Tidsey. "Nylon was the preferred coating, but was prone to cracking and allowing moisture penetration that eventually led to corrosion and collapse.

"Even in the unlikely event of the PPA571 coating being breached the adherence is such that moisture is unable to spread and the coating is not left masking any area of potential weakness."

Plastic Treatments is typically fluidised bed dipping the Performance Polymer Alloy to provide a coating that is thick as well as attractive. A range of performance characteristics is claimed that include long term adhesion across a wide temperature range, a high level of resistance to impact, stress cracking, abrasion damage, chemicals and pollutants. The company is also electrostatic spraying PPA571ES, in either case applying directly to cleaned mild steel without the need for primer.

Plastic Treatments' experience with PPA571 in the care sector has been transferred to the coating of commercial catering equipment, with one notable success being in the finishing of stands for glass washing machines, previously prone to collapse due to hidden corrosion a the base caused by regular floor cleaning.

Further details are available from Plascoat Systems Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1252 733777.