In consideration of the natural environment and conservation of the natural scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, with the objective of decreasing the environmental burden, based on the national government’s Environmental Action Plan, we have been developing a simplified application process paint which we can expect a reduction in VOCs due to the lengthening of time between repainting by using a thicker paint. VOCs stands for volatile organic compound; these are included in materials such as the paint used for painting.

We will introduce the development of environmentally considered paint and high durability paint.

Development of environmentally considered paint and high durability paint

We have been developing a simplified application process paint that can be expected to lessen the burden on the environment as well as being more economical. By having the same durability as top layer, this simplified application process paint has a specification (Thickness 55µm) that allows what previously was the top and intermediate layer to be applied in only one process. We have been investigating the performance based on exposure test at Miyakojima island and test application at an actual bridge.

Exposure test at Miyakojima island

Simplified application process paint

Repainting schedule image of outer surface paint

Result of exposure test

The result of exposure test at Miyakojima island of simplified application process paint, it was confirmed that this paint kept same gloss retention as that of high durable fluoropolymer paint, we have been investigating the thickness reduction.

Gloss retention after 3 years of exposure

Adhesion to existing paint film

One topic that must be addressed in regard to simplified application process paint, which omits the intermediate layer step which has been used until now, is that its ability to adhesion to the existing paint film must be confirmed. Therefore, we have been investigating its performance based on follow-up survey of test application at an actual bridge.

Test applications on an actual bridge