New Coating System Protects Aluminium Formwork
Researchers developed a durable Michael addition-cured coating to resist the alkaline environment of fresh concrete.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Chemistry
In 2026, researchers introduced a new high-solid coating system designed to protect aluminium alloy formwork from the corrosive effects of wet concrete. The material leverages a β-ketoester-functionalised epoxy donor to create a resilient barrier.
Why it matters
Aluminium alloy formwork is highly susceptible to degradation from the strongly alkaline pore solution of fresh concrete. This new system offers a more efficient alternative to conventional coatings that often require high-temperature curing or present other performance limitations.
The TMPTA-based coating achieves a tensile strength of 41.5 MPa and an elongation at break of 23.6 %. It maintains a glass transition temperature of 43.8 °C and demonstrates corrosion resistance values of 10⁸-10⁹ Ω·cm² after 48 hours of immersion.
The players
European Coatings
This organization serves as a major trade publication and publisher providing technical analysis on coating innovations.
The details
The coating is synthesized using a Michael donor derived from E51 epoxy resin, crosslinked with TMPTA to provide enhanced protection against fresh concrete with a pH range of 12.5 to 13.5. This development improves upon traditional powder coatings, which typically require curing temperatures between 180 °C and 200 °C.
Timeline
The research study was published in 2026.
The Big Picture
This research marks a departure from legacy industrial powder coating standards by eliminating the requirement for energy-intensive, high-temperature curing. By refining the crosslinking process, the study provides a path to more sustainable, lower-temperature material protection.
This material advancement could lead to more durable construction components that require less energy to manufacture and maintain. Future applications may result in more resilient aluminium alloy structures for high-alkaline environments.
The takeaway
The research demonstrates that chemical crosslinking can create robust protective barriers without relying on the high heat typical of traditional coatings. Engineers and construction firms may benefit from these lower-temperature application methods to improve the longevity of aluminium tools.
Further reading
Learn more about new chemical processes and material science at Chemistry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by European Coatings.
