In the field of color coated aluminum coils, polyester (PE) coating and fluorocarbon (PVDF) coating are two mainstream technologies, and their performance differences directly affect the choice of application scenarios. They are widely used in construction, transportation, electronics and other fields.
The following is a detailed comparison from the dimensions of material properties, weather resistance, processing performance, cost and application fields.
1. Material properties and weather resistance
- PVDF coating
The core advantage of PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) coating lies in the chemical stability of its fluorocarbon bond (F-C), which gives it super weather resistance. According to the 12-year exposure test in Florida, USA, the fading resistance and UV resistance of PVDF coating are 80% higher than those of ordinary coatings, and the warranty period can reach more than 20 years. Its coating structure is dense, and its corrosion resistance and salt spray resistance are excellent. It is suitable for marine climates or areas with severe industrial pollution.
- PE coating
The weather resistance of polyester coating (PE) is relatively weak, and the warranty period is usually 10 years. The ester bond in its resin molecular chain is easily degraded by ultraviolet rays, and long-term exposure to extreme climates (such as high temperature and high humidity) may cause powdering or color difference. However, the PE coating has a higher hardness (slightly poor T-bend performance), which is suitable for non-processed parts that require surface hardness.
2. Mechanical properties and processing adaptability
- PE coating
Excellent flexibility (good T-bend performance), suitable for processing scenarios that require frequent bending and stamping (such as aluminum ceilings, rolling shutters). Its paint film has strong adhesion and is not easy to crack after processing. PE coated aluminum coil is widely used in fields that require complex molding, such as home appliances and packaging.
- PVDF coating
The paint film is softer, and although its wear resistance and impact resistance are better than ordinary coatings, excessive deformation should be avoided during processing. Its advantage is that it can still maintain color stability after long-term use, which is suitable for static building facades (such as curtain walls and roofs).
3. Cost and economy
- PVDF coating
The raw material cost is high (the price of fluororesin is 2-3 times that of polyester), and a high-temperature baking process (high energy consumption) is required, and the overall production cost is significantly higher than that of PE coating. However, its long life (more than 20 years) reduces long-term maintenance costs and is suitable for high-end buildings or projects that require long-term warranty.
- PE coating
The overall cost is low and it is suitable for scenarios with limited budget or short-term use (such as temporary display boards and interior decoration). However, its 10-year warranty period needs to consider the mid-term replacement cost.
4. Differences in application areas
- PVDF coating
Mainly used for building exterior decoration in harsh environments:
Curtain wall and roof systems of large public buildings (airports, gymnasiums);
Projects with high corrosion resistance requirements in coastal areas or chemical parks;
High-end advertising display boards (requires long-term color stability).
- PE coating
More suitable for indoor or mild climate scenarios:
Home appliance panels, electronic equipment housings (taking into account both aesthetics and processability);
Indoor ceilings, partitions and other decorative materials;
Light industrial plant walls (cost-sensitive projects).
5. Environmental protection and surface effects
- Environmental protection
Both meet the B1 flame retardant standard, but PVDF may need to pay attention to specific environmental regulations (such as EU REACH restrictions) due to its fluorine content. Some manufacturers use nanotechnology to improve the environmental performance of PVDF coatings.
- Decorativeness
PVDF coating has rich colors (supports RAL and Pantone color card customization) and maintains stable gloss; PE coating can enhance decorativeness through wood grain and stone grain printing, but it is prone to fading and delamination after long-term use.
PVDF coated aluminum coils have ultra-long life and weather resistance as their core advantages, and are suitable for outdoor projects with high durability requirements; PE coatings are known for their cost-effectiveness and processing flexibility, and are suitable for short-term or indoor scenes. The actual selection needs to be comprehensively evaluated in combination with the project budget, environmental conditions and design life. For example, PVDF-coated aluminum-magnesium-manganese plates are suitable for anti-corrosion roofs of chemical plants, while PE coatings can be given priority for indoor decorative ceilings to reduce costs. With technological advances, some manufacturers have introduced a "double coating" process (bottom layer PE + surface layer PVDF), which takes into account both economy and weather resistance and has become an emerging solution.