On August 5, 2024, PPG (NYSE:PPG) introduced the PPG PRIMERON™ Optimal zinc epoxy powder primer. This patent-pending product features an enhanced zinc formulation, offering superior transfer efficiency compared to standard zinc-rich primers and delivering corrosion protection that meets stringent ISO C5 standards for high humidity and harsh environments.

The PPG Primeron Optimal primer features a significantly lower specific gravity than traditional zinc-rich primers (2.0 vs. 3.6), making it lighter and easier to apply. With a transfer efficiency of 85%, it requires about half the amount of product compared to standard zinc-rich primers, resulting in cost savings and improved sustainability. Furthermore, the PPG Primeron Optimal primer is formulated without solvents that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

“Corrosion protection is crucial for the longevity of a component and represents a major challenge for the coating industry,” said Paul Bradley, PPG Manager of Product Development for Industrial Coatings. “The PPG Primeron Optimal primer provides enhanced adhesion and corrosion resistance, even in coastal environments, and delivers a more balanced set of properties compared to conventional zinc-rich primers.”

Additional advantages include outstanding resistance to corrosion on edges, faces, and scribes, along with excellent adhesion to both smooth and blasted steel, ensuring a robust bond that resists peeling, chipping, and degradation. Laboratory tests showed the primer exceeded 10,000 hours of salt spray resistance on blasted steel. It is designed for use on steel, hot-dip galvanized steel, metallized steel, and aluminum, making it suitable for various applications such as trailers, gas tanks, pipes, automotive parts, and machinery.

“PPG Primeron Optimal primer represents a major advancement in corrosion protection and highlights PPG’s dedication to sustainable solutions and innovations in powder coatings,” said Shelley Verdun, PPG Business Manager for Powder Coatings, Industrial Coatings.

The sustainability advantages include decreased waste and lower material usage. The PPG Primeron Optimal primer can be gelled (partially cured) or applied using a two-coat, one-bake process, resulting in faster, more sustainable, and energy-efficient finishing. This approach can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%.

The PPG Primeron Optimal zinc epoxy primer is a key component of PPG’s new Primeron powder primer series, designed to deliver high corrosion resistance for diverse applications and specific needs based on end use, operating environment, and substrate. The product line, featuring epoxy, polyester, and epoxy polyester formulations, includes:

• PPG Primeron Optimal: Features optimized zinc content for robust corrosion protection, higher transfer efficiency, and a superior balance of properties compared to standard zinc-rich primers.

• PPG Primeron Legacy: A traditional zinc-rich primer providing the highest level of corrosion protection.

• PPG Primeron Auto: Specifically designed for layered production in the automotive and specialty markets.

• PPG Primeron Edge: Delivers top-tier corrosion protection for substrates with sharp edges and is optimized for degassing substrates, ensuring effective bubble release during the curing process.

• PPG Primeron Versa: A versatile primer providing robust corrosion protection for a wide variety of substrates, including aluminum.