When a coating is used to protect ships of the U.S. Navy, it must meet stringent requirements. The Naval Sea Systems Command, which is responsible for preparing Navy coating specifications, recently approved the use of Hooker Chemical's Ferrophos enhancer as a replacement for up to 40 percent of the zinc pigment in zinc-rich primers.
The decision was made on results of long-term evaluations conducted by IMCO Laboratories, Inc. of Buffalo, N.Y. According to E.A. Morgenstern of NSSC's Coatings and Corrosion Branch, the results "demonstrated that a 40 percent Ferrophos replacement of zinc pigment provides performance at least equivalent to primers with a total zinc pigment."
Ferrophos enhancer has been used commercially in zinc-rich coatings for more than seven years. Its use offers several advantages to both a paint manufacturer and an end user. The inert pigment is conductive and has the refractory properties of steel. As a result, it improves welding and cutting operations on precoated steel. It also provides excellent intercoat adhesion.
Of special interest to paint manufacturers, when Ferrophos is substituted for up to 40 percent of zinc in a coating system currently approved by the Navy, retesting of the system is not required.
For additional information on Ferrophos, Write 26 on Reader Service Card