Glossary
A
Abrasion resistance Resistance to mechanical wear
Abrasive The agent used for abrasive blast cleaning, for example sand or grit
Absorption Process of soaking up, or assimilation of one substance by another
Accelerator Catalyst, hardener, accelerator, curing agent, reactor; a material which accelerates a reaction
Acid Number A numerical index of free acid in an oil or resin
Activator Catalyst, hardener, accelerator, curing agent, reactor; a material which reacts with another material to turn a liquid coating to a solid coating.
Adhesion Bonding strength; the attraction of a coating to the substrate
Adsorption Process of attraction to a surface; the retention of foreign molecules on the surface of a substrate
Air cap Air nozzle; perforated housing for atomizing air at head of spray gun
Air drying Dries by oxidation or evaporative drying by simple exposure
Air entrapment Inclusion of air bubbles in paint film
Airless spraying Spraying without atomizing air, using hydraulic pressure
Alkyd Resins prepared by reacting alcohols and acids
Alligatoring Surface imperfections of paint having the appearance of alligator hide
Ambient temperature Room temperature or temperature of surroundings
Amine sweat A thin sticky film which forms on the surface of a epoxy coat caused by inadequate curing temperatures and/or high humidity
Anchor pattern Profile, surface roughness
Antifouling Bottom paint; Paints formulated especially for below-water-line surfaces and structures to prevent the growth of barnacles and other organisms on ships' bottoms
B
Barrier Coat Coat used to allow application of a paint which is not compatible with an existing scheme
Base Refers to the usual larger volume size of a two-pack system - usually the non-activator part. May also refer to any bare surface to be painted
Binder Resing, Film Binder , Vehicle
Biocide-free or Non-toxic Antifouling biocides are active chemical ingredients that are released from an antifouling paint film to inhibit the settlement and growth of organisms such as weed and barnacles on the bottom of a boat. Biocide-free paint does not contain any active ingredients in the formulation which act in this way. Such products control the growth of organisms by other non-chemical means, such as by physical surface effects (e.g. non-stick surfaces, continuously eroding surfaces), making the surface too difficult to attach to.
Bituminous Coating Coal tar or asphalt based coating
Blast Angle Angle to nozzle with reference to surface ; also angle of particle propelled from wheel with reference to surface
Blast Cleaning Cleaning with propelled abrasives
Bleeding Discolouration of finished paint due to migration of unwanted species through the paint coating.
Blistering Bubbling in dry or partially dry paint film
Blooming Whitening, moisture blush, blushing
Body Viscosity; middle or under (coat)
Bonding Adhesion
Bottom Paint Antifouling; Paints formulated especially for below-water-line surfaces and structures to prevent the growth of barnacles and other organisms on ships' bottoms
Boxing Mixing by pouring from one container to another
Bridging Forming a skin over a depression
Brittleness Degree of resistance to cracking or breaking by bending
Brushability Ease of brushing
Bubbling A term used to describe the appearance of bubbles on the surface while a coating is being applied
Bulking agent Filler, extender ; ingredients added to paint to increase coverage, reduce cost, achieve durability, alter appearance and influence other desirable properties
C
Carbon Footprint A measure of the impact our greenhouse gas emissions have on the environment, and in particular on climate change. It can be calculated for a particular product, for a manufacturing site or for any activity we undertake. It is a measurement of all the greenhouse gases produced in units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent. AkzoNobel has a clear Carbon Policy setting out targets and ambitions to be achieved by 2015 and 2020
Carbon neutral A commonly accepted terminology for something having net zero emissions of greenhouse gases (for example, an organisation or product). As the organisation or product will typically have caused some greenhouse gas emissions, it is usually necessary to use carbon offsets to achieve neutrality. Carbon offsets are emissions reductions that have been made elsewhere and which are then sold to the entity that seeks to reduce its impact. In order to become carbon neutral it is important to have a very accurate calculation of the amount of greenhouse gas emissions which need to be offset – requiring calculation of a carbon footprint
Catalyst Hardener, activator, accelerator, curing agent ; a material which starts a reaction but is not actually consumed in that reaction
Cat-eye Hole shaped like a cat's eye; cratering
Cathodic Protection Corrosion prevention by sacrificial anodes, usually a zinc alloy
CFC or Chlorofluorocarbons These are materials which traditionally had many applications, such as use as propellants in aerosols and as coolants in refrigeration units. Known to deplete the ozone layer in the Earth’s stratosphere , most uses have been severely restricted or banned under international treaties e.g. Montreal protocol
Chalking Powdering of surface
Checking Slight V-shaped breaks appear in a paint film due to uneven shrinkage through the cross section of a coat of paint
Chipping 1. Cleaning steel using special hammers 2. Type of paint failure
Chlorinated Rubber A particular film former used as a binder made by chlorinating natural rubber
Cissing Fish eyes; small causer-like depressions in a paint film
Cleaner Solvent for cleaning paint equipment
Coat Tar Epoxy Paint Paint made of a combination of coal tar with epoxy resin
Coat Tar Urethane Paint Paint made of a combination of coal tar with urethane resin
Cobwebbing Premature drying causing a spider web effect when spraying, (paint dries before it hits the substrate)
Color Retention Ability to retain original colour
Compatibility Ability to mix with or adhere properly to other components
Copper-free Copper is used in antifouling paint as a biocide. Copper-free paint does not contain any copper (either as a pigment or as part of the polymer)
Corrosion Decay; oxidation, deterioration due to interaction with environments
Coverage Rate Non technical number that tells you how much area you can paint with a given volume of material
Cracking Splitting; disintergration of paint by breaks through film
Cratering Formation of holes or deep impressions in paint film
Crawling Shrinking of paint to form uneven surface
Crazing A pattern of tiny cracks in the surface of a gelcoat
Cross-linking A particular method by which chemicals unite to form films
Curing Hardening
Curing Agent Catalyst, hardener, activator, accelerator, reactor ; a material that reacts with another to convert a liquid coating to a solid coating.
Curtaining Sagging; excessive flow of paint on vertical surfaces causing imperfections with thick lower edges in the paint film, not as excessive as runs
D
Degradable biocides Biocides are chemical ingredients in paint that inhibit the settlement and growth of organisms such as weed and barnacles on the bottom of a boat. Degradable biocides are biocides that break down in water into harmless constituents, for example via hydrolysis or photo degradation. Biodegradable biocides are broken down by microbes in water and sediments
Degreaser Chemical solution for grease removal
Dew Point Temperature at which moisture condenses, making painting impossible
Dilatant A type of viscosity that increases as you agitate the product
DOI Distinction Of Image; measurement of the clarity of the coating by its ability to reflect the image of a given object
Dow Jones Sustainability Index Launched in 1999, DJSI is a global index for tracking the financial performance of the leading (best 10%) sustainability-driven companies worldwide. AkzoNobel is selected as a member of the DJSI since September 2005
Dry Film Thickness (DFT) The film thickness of paint after all of the solvent has evaporated from the wet paint
Dry to Handle Time interval between application and ability to pick up without damage
Dry to Recoat Time interval between application and ability to receive next coat satisfactorily
Dry Spray Overspray, bounce back; sand finish due to paint particles being partially dried before reaching the surface
Drying Time Time interval between application and final cure
Dulling Loss of gloss or sheen
E
Eco-Efficient The term was coined by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in 1992. It is based on the concept of creating more goods and services while using fewer resources and creating less waste and pollution. The reduction in ecological impacts translates into an increase in resource productivity, which in turn can create a competitive advantage. Critical aspects of eco-efficiency are:
- A reduction in the material intensity of goods or services
- A reduction in the energy intensity of goods or services
- Reduced dispersion of toxic materials
- Improved recyclability
- Maximum use of renewable resources
- Greater durability of products
- Increased service intensity of goods and services
Eco-Premium Eco-premium solutions are competitively-priced, high-end products that have more environmental benefits than their mainstream equivalents. This eco-efficiency can happen at any stage of a product’s lifetime – from the extraction of natural resources to manufacturing, end-use and final waste management. For AkzoNobel, as much as 18 percent of our revenue comes from eco-premium products. Our aim is to increase this figure to 22 percent in 2009 and 30 percent by 2015
Ecotoxic Environmentally toxic. Ecotoxic substances have potential to cause severe damage if released into the environment or into a specific ecosystem in toxic quantities
Ecological Footprint or Environmental Footprint A measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems. It compares human demand with planet Earth's ecological capacity to regenerate. While the term ‘ecological footprint’ is widely used, methods of measurement vary, although calculation standards are emerging
Electrostatic Spray Spraying with electric charge attracts paint on surface
Emissions This refers to pollutants such as chemicals, particulate matter and other pollutants that enter the atmosphere, e.g. Volatile organic compound (VOCs, emitted as paint dries/cures) or exhaust fumes from internal combustion engines. AkzoNobel new product development programmes are focused on minimising the emissions of VOC and biocides from our antifouling coatings
Emulsion Paint Water based paint with an emulsified resin vehicle
Enamel Pigmented varnish; any hard, glossy coatings
Environmental Impact An assessment of the possible impact - positive or negative - that a proposed activity such as a new project may have on the environment. The purpose of making such an assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the ensuing environmental impacts when deciding whether to proceed with a project. The International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) defines an environmental impact assessment as "the process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made."
Environmentally Friendly (also eco-friendly, nature friendly, and green) Goods and services considered to inflict minimal or no harm to the natural world. Labelling of products as ‘Environmentally Friendly’ is largely governed by voluntary codes. In some cases the use of these terms can cause confusion if they are not clearly defined
Erosion Wearing away of paint films
Evaporation To change from a liquid or solid state to a vapour
Extender Filler, bulking agent; ingredients added to paint to increase coverage, reduce cost, achieve durability, alter appearance and influence other desirable properties
External Mix Spray equipment in which fluid air joins outside of aircap
F
Fade Reduction in brightness of colour
Fadeometer Device for measuring colour retention or fade resistance
Fallout (Spray) Overspray
Feather Edge Tapered edge
Filler Extender, bulking agent; ingredients added to paint to increase coverage, reduce cost, achieve durability, alter appearance and influence other desirable properties
Film Any single coat or layer of paint applied to a surface, rather than a 'paint scheme'
Film Build Dry thickness characteristics per coat
Film Former A substance which forms a skin or membrane when dried from a liquid state
Film Integrity Degree of continuity of film
Film Thickness gauge Device for measuring film thickness above substrate; dry or wet film thickness gauges are available
Fish Eye Cratering
Flaking Disintegration in small flakes
Flashing Non-uniform sheen is noted in irregular areas caused by inadequate and non-uniform priming and resultant loss of vehicle into substrate
Flash Point The temperature at which a flammable liquid produces sufficient vapour to allow ignition by a small external flame or spark
Flash Rusting Rapid surface rusting of freshly prepared steel usually caused by rainwater, condensation or grit blasting
Floating Separation of pigment colours on surface
Force Drying Acceleration of drying time by increasing the temperature and forced air circulation available
Fuel Efficient Antifouling Reduced fuel consumption (like-for-like vessel usage) relative to when a typical or mainstream antifouling used
G
Galvanising The coating of iron and steels with a layer of zinc and iron-zinc compounds, by immersion in a bath of molten zinc.
Galvanic Corrosion Corrosion of dissimilar metals in electrical contact
Gel Coat Protective outer resin layer on glass reinforced polyester laminates (GRP)
Gel Time The time for a liquid to turn to a solid during a chemical reaction.
Gloss Sheen; ability to reflect ; brightness.
Gloss Reaction Ability to retain original sheen.
Greenhouse Gas These are gases in an atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation within the thermal infrared range. They include gases such as methane, Carbon Dioxide and Ozone . They are essential to the planet in order to maintain temperature; without them the earth would be considerably cooler. However in recent times human activities have increased emissions of these gases, which has lead to the ‘Greenhouse Effect’; where thermal energy is retained in the atmosphere and average temperatures are increasing
Greenwash The practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly, such as by presenting cost cuts as reductions in use of resources. Examples:
- Focus on one environmental benefit whilst ignoring numerous harmful impacts
- Appearing to claim external approval when no verification is possible
- Vague claims, such as 100% natural, even when some components, though natural are actually hazardous
- Irrelevant claims such as CFC-free, 20 years after CFCs were effectively banned
- Making false claims, lying
- Contradiction, e.g. describing a hazardous pesticide as ‘Environmentally friendly’
Grit An abrasive obtained from slag and various other materials.
H
HAPS or Hazardous Air Pollutant Name given by the US authorities to the most potent ‘air toxics’, which are thought to cause serious health and environmental problems, such as cancer and/or birth defects in humans etc. The term originated from the US 1990 Clean Air Act, introduced to reduce emissions of certain air toxics from industry
HAPs free Product does not contain or emit materials defined as Hazardous Air Pollutants
Hardener Curing agent, catalyst, activator, accelerator, reactor ; non technical term used to describe the usual smaller part of a two pack system that is added to the "base" to initiate a cure
Hardness The agent used for abrasive blast cleaning, for example sand or grit.
Hazardous Describes a material, substance or activity with the potential to cause harm to man and/or the environment
Heavy Metal Any metal with a specific gravity of 5.0 or greater. Especially one that is toxic to organisms, such as lead, mercury, copper, and cadmium
High Build Coatings Paints that can be applied at comparatively high wet film thicknesses.
High Solids More than 60% of the product is solid matter that will not evaporate in to atmosphere
Holiday Pinhole ; skip ; discontinuity.
Humidity Level of moisture in the air.
I
Impact Resistance A measure of resistance to a blow ; ability to resist deformation from impact.
Intercoat Adhesion The ability of each coat of paint to stick to the preceding coat.
Intercoat Contamination Presence of foreign matter between coats.
J
K
Kreb Unit
Units of viscosity
L
Lacquer Coatings that dry by solvent evaporation.
Lapping Uneven colour or sheendifference in dried paint film
Leafing Orientation of pigment flakes in horizontal places.
Legislative Bodies Persons that make, amend or repeal laws
Lifting Wrinkling of top coat or lifting of undercoat. Like the action of a solvent paint remover
Low Copper Leaching Leaching refers to the rate at which a biocide, such as copper, is released from the paint film in order to inhibit the growth of organisms on the bottom of a boat. Antifouling which leaches copper in salt water at less than a steady state leaching rate of less than 10 μg per cm2 per day may be described as low copper leaching or low copper antifouling1 1 Leaching rate as determined by calculation using a mass balance approach
Low odour Indicates that a paint produces less odour than a standard or mainstream alternative. There are no standards for categorising a paint as low odour
Low solar absorption A coating designed to absorb less solar energy than standard coatings, typically via the use of low solar absorption pigments. A topcoat designed in this way and used on the exterior of a yacht will result in reduced temperature of the exterior surfaces and of the interior compartments, reducing the load on the vessel’s cooling systems
Low Surface Energy Coating that repels water molecules (hydrophobic), smooth and/or has elastic properties to which fouling organisms cannot easily attach
Low VOC Indicate that a product produces less VOC than the alternative or mainstream products available for the same use. We consider paints that comply with the most stringent current legislation (i.e. Southern California) to be low VOC as below:-
Antifouling.......................................330g VOC/litre wet paint as applied Wood Sealer..................................490g/l Varnish............................................340g/l Extreme High Gloss Finish ........490g/l High Gloss Finish.........................420g/l Interior Finish.................................340g/l Finish Primer / Surfacer...............420g/l Primers and Undercoats.............340g/l
M
Mandrel Test A physical bending test for adhesion and flexibility
M & R Abreviation for Maintenance and Repair
Metamerism A colour that displays different tones (usually a red / green shift) under daylight and synthetic light.
Milage Coverage rate ; square feet per gallon at a given thickness.
Miscible Capable of mixing or blending uniformly
Mist-Coat Thin coat
Mix Ratio The (usually volume) mixing ratio for a two or more part product.
MSDS Abreviation for Material Safety Data Sheets.
Mud-cracking Irregular cracking as in a dried mud puddle
N
Natural Products A chemical compound or substance that is produced by a living organism. Often natural products are considered to be benign or harmless, although this is not necessarily the case. For example, snakes produce highly toxic venoms, and certain fungi are poisonous due to presence of toxins inside their tissues
Non-flammable Incombustible
Non-persistent biocide Biocide that breaks down in to harmless substances in the environment
Non-toxic See Biocide-free
Non-volatile Solid ; non-evaporating ; the portion of a paint left after the solvent evaporates.
O
Opacity Hiding power.
Orangle Peel Dimpled appearance of dried film ; resembling orange peel.
Osmosis Transfer of liquid through a paint film or other membrane.
Overcure Condition caused by excessive addition of a curing agent to a two-component paint, causes brittleness or amine sweating.
Overspray Paint deposited on a surface or object during spraying of another surafce or object.
Oxidation Rusting ; combination with oxygen.
Ozone friendly This term is often found on labels and in literature. It typically means that the product does not contain CFC [Chlorofluorocarbon] gases that contribute to the ozone layer depletion
P
Peeling Failure in which paint curls from substrate.
Pickling A dipping process for cleaning steel and other metals ; the pickling agent is usually an acid.
Pigments Solid colouring agent.
Pimpling Small blisters resembling 'goose pimples'.
Pin-holing Formation of small holes through the entire thickness of a coating.
Pot-life Time interval after mixing during which liquid material is usable with no difficulty.
Primer First complete coat of paint of a painting system applied to a surface. Such paints are designed to provide adequate adhesion to new surfaces or are formulated to meet the special requirements of the surfaces.
Product Stewardship Programme employed by the Marine, PC and Yacht Business Unit of AkzoNobel that aims to protect its employees, customers, the public and the environment by:-
- Making protection of health, safety and the environment an early and integral part of our product development process
- Providing high quality and relevant information on the safe use and disposal of our products
- Being responsive to the concerns of the community, customers, employees and other stakeholders
- Complying with all legal requirements affecting our operations and our products in the countries in which we do business
- Actively participating with industry associations in the development of equitable and attainable standards throughout the world
Profile Surface contour as viewed from edge.
Profile Depth Average distance between tops of peaks and bottom of valleys on the surface.
Q
R
Reactor Curing agent, catalyst, activator, accelerator, hardener.
Recyclable A material that can be reprocessed and reused following its initial use. Many metals and plastics are recyclable and many regions have the infrastructure in place to reprocess the materials
Reflectance Degree of light reflection
Resin A material, natural or synthetic, contained in varnishes, lacquers, and paints ; the film former.
Runs Paint film defects in the form of sagging paint in narrow ribbons flowing downwards on vertical surfaces, usually caused by applying the coating above the recommended film thickness or overthinning.
Rust A reddish-brown oxide coating forming on iron or steel by the action of oxygen and moisture.
S
Sacrificial Anode An electropositive metal, such as zinc, that protects a more important electronegative part by corroding when attacked by electrolytic action.
Sagging Curtaining ; Excessive flow of paint on vertical surfaces causing imperfections with thick lower edges in the paint film, not as excessive as runs.
Sealer Paint used to seal the substrate or previous coats and prevent interaction between subsequent coats applied.
Settling Caking ; sediment.
SG Ratio between the weight of a substance and that of the same volume of water.
Shade Degree of gray tone in a colour.
Sheen Gloss level between 10-30% when measured on an 85° head.
Shelf Life Maximum interval in which a material may be stored in usable condition.
Skinning The formation of a tough, skin-like covering on liquid paints and varnishes when exposed to oxygen.
Societal Concern A rather vague term that may mean different things to different people. UK Health & Safety Executive define as "...the risks or threats from hazards which impact on society and which, if realised, could have adverse repercussions for the institutions responsible for putting in place the provisions and arrangements for protecting people, e.g. the Government of the day. These are often associated with hazards that give rise to risks which, were they to materialise, could provoke a socio-political response. More simply theses are substances in products where public concern exists over their use or where such concern over their use can be anticipated in the future
Solvent A liquid in which another substance may be dissolved.
Solving Entrapment If solvents do not evaporate before a paint film cures, they can become trapped within the coating scheme, causes soft paint films, poor gloss and splitting.
Splitting Defect where a paint coating fails owing to poor cohesive (internal) strength, rather than poor adhesion. Usually caused by solvent entrapment and/or undercure.
Spot Priming The priming of small areas of a previously painted surface where the substrate has been exposed.
Spray Cap Front enclosure of spray gun equipped with atomizing air holes.
Substrate Surface to be painted.
Sustainability The capacity for the planet to replace the resources consumed. A sustainable business implies that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. At AkzoNobel we are committed to reducing our impact on the planet and delivering more sustainable products and solutions to our customers
Synthetic Manufactured; not occuring naturally.
T
Tack Degree of stickiness.
TDS Abreviation for Technical Data Sheet.
Thermosplastic Mobile or softens under heat.
Thermosetting Becomes rigid under heat and cannot be remelted.
Thinner A liquid used for reducing the viscosity of paints.
Thixotropic Defines a type of viscosity that thins as it is stirred or agitated and then sets up again when that agitation stops.
Tie Coat A coat of paint applied to a previous coat to improve the adhesion of subsequent coats or to prevent other surface defects e.g. bubbling of a subsequent coating.
Tooth Profile, mechanical anchorage, surface roughness.
Touch Dry The stage during drying when the coating no longer feels sticky when lightly touched.
Turpentine Distilled pine oil, used as a cleaner, solvent or thinner for oil-based and alkyd coatings
Two-pack Paints based on binders which cure by the chemical reaction between two components.
U
Underatomized Not dispersed or broken-up fine enough.
Undercure Condition where a paint coating fails to cure properly due to incorrect mixing or application in cold/damp conditions. Paint will stay soft with poor gloss.
Urethane An important resin in the coatings industry. A true urethane coating is a two-component product that cures when the catalyst prompts a chemical reaction that unites the components.
V
Varnish A preparation consisting of a solvent, a drying oil, and usually resin, rubber, bitumen, etc., for application to a surface where it polymerizes to yield a hard glossy, usually transparent, coating.
Vehicle Liquid barrier, binder; anything dissolved in the liquid portion of a paint is part of the vehicle.
Viscosity A measure of fluidity.
Viscosity Cup A device for measuring viscosity
VOC The volume of volatile organic solvents in a product. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases or vapours emitted by various solids or liquids. Paint and paint strippers, along with many domestic products often contain VOCs which are emitted when they are applied or used. VOCs are essential in many Yacht coatings. Topcoats are a key example as they are expected to have excellent aesthetics and hence require excellent flow properties
Volatility The defining quality of a liquid that evaporates quickly when exposed to air.
Volume Solids The volume percentage of a paint that is solid matter.
W
Water based / Low VOC coating Coating where primary solvent is water and VOC is less than 150 g/lt of liquid product. (theoretical value, assuming worst case) Benefit: Reduced emissions to air / impact on the environment. No solvents required for clean up of equipment, VOC compliance (where applicable). Aids compliance with SED (where applicable). Low odour. Improved working environment (especially when indoors)
Water Blasting Blast cleaning using high velocity water.
Water Spotting A surface defect caused by water droplets.
Weld Slag Deposits formed during welding.
Weld Splatter Beads of metal left adjoining a weld.
Wet Edge Keeping the paint wet enough when it is applied by brush so it can be brushed back into without showing lines of demarcation from one painted area to the next.
Wet Film Thickness (WFT) The thickness of paint when it is first applied before solvent evaporation takes place.
Wet Rot Decay of timber by fungi that thrive in moist wood and poorly ventilated areas.
Wet Spray Spraying so that surface is covered with paint that has not started to dry.
White Copper Normally referring to an alloy of copper and nickel or copper and zinc, more recently it is being used simply to describe Copper Thiocyanate, which is a white or grey powder used in some antifouling paints as a biocide. Benefit: Antifouling products containing copper thiocyanate often leach copper from antifouling more slowly than those containing a similar quantity of copper oxide
Wrinkling Film in drying stages shrinks into tiny crests and valleys in irregular pattern caused by poor application.
X
Y
Yellowing
Yellowing of white paints caused by certain gases, cleaning agents, cooking, ammonia washes and by poor selection of pigments and vehicles
Z
Zinc Spraying
Similar to galvanising, molten zinc is sprayed on prepared steel using a special heated spray gun. Zinc sprayed surfaces are difficult to paint satisfactorily