Evaluation of the abrasion resistance of enamel coatings

Vitreous enamel coatings have been used for many centuries to protect metallic substrates from corrosion phenomena and improve the aesthetics of the coated objects. They are manufactured by smelting frits, thus forming an inorganic, adherent and protective layer on the metal. The durability of aesthetic properties is related to the resistance of the surface to mechanical damage. One kind of possible damages is the abrasion which can impair the characteristics of the enamel layer. In this work the abrasion resistance of different enamel samples has been investigated. Low-carbon steel panels were coated with three distinct enamels applied by two different methods: wet dip coating and electrostatic powder coating. The composition of the enamel samples is characterized by refractory mill additions that improve the high temperature resistance for applications as ovens or burners. The abrasion resistance has been studied by the standard abrasion test ISO 10545-7 and the Taber test comparing the level of damage and the morphologies.