The World Famous Paint Doctor

Coating Failure Analysis, Paint Testing, Marine Coatings, Expert Witness, Paint Formulation/Deformulation, Chemical Analysis

GM&A “wrote the book on failure analysis”! That book has now been incorporated as Chapter 69 of the ASTM PAINT TESTING MANUAL, 14th Ed. This systematic approach to the investigation of coating failures is followed by most investigating organizations.

PAINTS and COATINGS

GM&A has considerable experience in elucidation of failure mechanisms stemming from poor coating formulation, faulty manufacturing practices, faulty coatings application procedures or equipment, inadequate or faulty specification, and/or product choice for the service. GM&A has an in-depth knowledge of the chemical and physical evaluation instruments capable of providing the information required to demonstrate the failure mechanisms.  In addition to this GM&A has the sophisticated knowledge of chemistry required to interpret that data. GM&A is familiar with most application techniques and the operating parameters of the application equipment.

POLYMERS and PLASTICS

Using advanced chemical and physical analytical instruments such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM) with both wave length dispersive (WDS) and energy dispersive (EDS) x-ray spectroscopy, thermal analyses (DSC, DTA, TGA), UV/VIS spectroscopy, infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and a specially modified gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) with pyrolysis and cryogenic focusing capability, GM&A can evaluate raw polymers for problems developed during manufacturing or during use, compounded into paints or plastics. Because of strong chemical engineering and manufacturing expertise, GM&A works from a position of knowledge.  Understanding the chemistry of the process, the impact of chemical kinetics and effect of toxins to process catalysts systems, GM&A is able to grasp production problems quickly.

METAL, CONCRETE and PLASTIC INTERFACES

GM&A has a strong understanding of the interfaces from a molecular level.  Most forget that adhesion occurs on a molecular level.  To identify problems at the interface, on a molecular level, very sophisticated surface interrogation instruments are required. These include auger (AES) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ESCA/XPS). The interpretation of the data requires a good knowledge of chemistry at the interface. The surfaces of applied coatings are dynamic, both physically and chemically. Reaction with acid gases can cause future delamination problems and lowering of ultimate cured glass transition temperature, Tg.

Visual, high magnification, microscopic equipment coupled with a closed circuit, high resolution, color video camera allows the production of good visual aids in demonstrating problems and their solutions.

ELECTROCHEMICAL/CORROSION STUDIES

GM&A evaluates coatings on metals using natural weathering in corrosive service as well as accelerated corrosion testing using ASTM salt fog cabinets.

 Fisheye surface defects as in the epoxy flooring below is caused by differences in surface tension  of the freshly applied wet paint.  The cause is usually from surface active materials purposefully formulated into the paint as water repellants or water repellants encountered during coating application.

  Coating failures stemming from osmotic activity, failed adhesion, loss of color and gloss and all others have been investigated and their mechanisms have been explained.  Failures in marine and shore based tank linings have also been investigated.

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