Preface
Coatings are widely used for many purposes. It is difficult to think
of
an item that does
not have
a
coating of one type or another. Coatings are applied to protect materials from
corrosion and other detrimental effects of the ambient atmosphere. They are used to beau-
tify by changing surface properties such
as
gloss, color, slipperiness, and general appear-
ance. Adhesive coatings are used in laminating and preparing composites. Other coatings
serve as barriers for gases and liquids. Coatings. inks, and adhesives use many of the same
raw materials, making then1 more similar than different. The wide range of application
techniques, coating types, and purposes makes coating technology an extremely diverse
field.
As
general technology pushes the envelope, new coatings and applications are
needed.
Coating technology is transferable from one application to another. It
also
draws
from other technologies. This comprehensive handbook will be of interest and value to
both those already involved
in
coatings and those who plan to work with coatings. A
person practicing one aspect may not be familiar with techniques or materials used for
other applications. Awareness and understanding of these techniques and materials will
help solve problems and improve levels of technology.
This handbook has been expanded by adding new chapters that include discussions
of
more diverse techniques, processes, and materials used for coatings, increasing the
realm of knowledge.
We gratefully acknowledge the many contributors and the staff
of
Marcel Dekker,
Inc., without whose work this book would not have been possible.
D.
Sotus
Arthw
A.
Tracton
iii