bonded epoxy powder coatings, typically referred to as FBE Coatings, are epoxy-based technologies that are applied to steel pipe, concrete reinforcing bars (rebar) and on various piping connections, valves etc. to protect them from corrosion. FBE Coatings provide for excellent adhesion and offer superior resistance to cathodic disbondment, which can reduce the overall cost of the cathodic protection program.

Fusion-Bonded Epoxy coatings are thermoset polymers and the name is due to resin cross-linking and the application method, which is different from conventional coatings.

The resin and hardener components in the powder FBE remain unreacted at normal storage conditions. At typical coating application temperatures, usually in the range of 180 to 250 °C (356 to 482 °F), the powder melts and transform to a liquid form.The liquid FBE film wets and flows onto the steel surface on which it is applied, and soon becomes a solid coating by chemical cross-linking, assisted by heat.

This process is known as “Fusion Bonding”. The chemical cross-linking reaction is irreversible and the application of further heat will not “melt” the coating and thus it is known as a “thermoset” coating.

FBE Coatings