plasticcoated

Plastic-coated describes a material that has had a plastic layer applied to its surface. The coating serves to improve moisture and chemical resistance, reduce wear, modify surface friction, or provide a decorative finish. Plastic coatings are used on a wide range of substrates, including metal wires and pipes, paper, textiles, and wood.

Common plastics and methods

Coatings are often made from PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, epoxy, or fluoropolymers. Application methods include extrusion coating, dip coating, spray coating, and laminating, as well as electrostatic or corona-assisted processes to improve adhesion. Surface preparation such as cleaning, degreasing, and priming helps coatings adhere to non-plastic substrates. The choice of coating and method depends on the substrate, desired properties, and end-use requirements.

Applications

Plastic coatings provide electrical insulation for cables and wires, corrosion protection for metal parts, and barrier properties for packaging. They are used on cookware and kitchen utensils, coated papers and cartons, and coated textiles. In industrial settings, plastic-coated components may reduce wear, improve sanitary conditions, or extend service life.

Advantages and limitations

Benefits include moisture and gas barriers, chemical and abrasion resistance, and improved seeing or handling properties. Limitations include environmental concerns related to plastic production and disposal, the difficulty of recycling laminated or multi-layer coatings, potential delamination under stress, and the possible migration of additives in some coatings.

Environmental and regulatory considerations

Coatings can contain additives such as plasticizers or stabilizers, raising regulatory considerations under frameworks like REACH and RoHS. End-of-life disposal often requires separation of coating and substrate, and laminated materials may be challenging to recycle. Ongoing developments seek recyclable, low-toxicity, and more sustainable plastic coatings.