Polymeric coatings of acrylic, polyester, polyurethane and silicone were applied on porcelain substrates used as electrical insulators. The coatings were applied as a liquid resin by spraying or as a powder by surface deposition. Contact angle measurements between the surfaces and a water drop were taken with a goniometer in order to characterize the coating hydrophobic behavior. The samples were submitted to tests simulating degradation by saline fog, UV radiation accelerated aging and erosion. Layer thicknesses, surface microscopic alterations as well as surface roughness were also determined. Results showed that silicone coatings presented contact angles ~116º or 35% higher than those of other polymeric coatings. After surface degradation tests, there was a decrease in contact angles, however, the hydrophobic behavior was retained for all polymeric coatings.
coatings; polymers; porcelain; surface; electrical insulators
