Abstract
Continued progress in the development and improvements in the properties of plastics places these materials high on the materials of construction lists for the corrosion engineer to consider. To achieve maximum performance and economy in their use— what they are, what their chemical and physical limitations are and how they are best applied and installed must be known. An attempt is made to simplify the task of acquiring general knowledge of the plastics by dividing into three major groups and thirteen “families.” Factors to be considered in order to obtain good performance are presented. These include effect of composition, when to use thick and thin films, importance of surface preparation, testing procedures and design and economics. The effects of polymerization, the use of modifiers, plasticizers, pigments and binders are briefly discussed in relation to corrosion resistance and physical properties. Some “do's and don'ts” on the use of thin and thick films are outlined and illustrated. If more adequate testing procedures are employed, considerable time and money can be saved; a brief outline of some of the more important features are mentioned. Design is important to good performance, whether the plastic is used as a coating, a lining, or a solid installation.
