Since the introduction of powder coatings in North America in the 1960s, it has been growing as a popular environmental compliance alternative for metal surface finishing. By 2024, the global powder coatings market is expected to reach USD 16.55 billion. Powder coatings are used as decorative and protective coatings on many products we use daily, representing about 15% of the total industrial finishing market in the North America, with the estimated value of more than USD 1.79 billion. Powder coating producers and end users continue to specify powder coatings because of their excellent corrosion protection and outdoor durability to meet the rising demand of high quality and high film build. Powder coatings are also specified for their ease of achieving a wide range of color and texture finishes.
There are multiple resin technologies behind these coating systems, and they vary in their properties and performance characteristics. These resin types include epoxy, epoxy-polyester hybrid and epoxy-acrylic hybrids used for indoor applications. Polyester and acrylic technologies are used for outdoor applications. Acrylic technology is used for special applications. Polyester with acid functionality can be crosslinked with triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) or hydroxyalkylamide (HAA), while polyester with hydroxyl functionality can be crosslinked with either blocked or unblocked isocyanate. Polyester resins are available in a standard and super-durable technology.