Perhaps the most widely used protective materials are in the field where metal is actively used. For example, the operation of various kinds of machines is ensured due to the fact that their elements are made of materials that have high resistance to wear and corrosion.
Galvanic protective equipment
As for the wear of machine parts, for example, most often this happens due to the constant friction of the elements against each other. The surrounding work area may also affect this. In order to significantly increase the wear resistance of such parts, protective materials are used. For example, they are very widely used to protect cylinders in an internal combustion engine. The most effective way to preserve a metal surface is to apply a galvanic coating.
Using these coatings as protection helps in the following:
- wear of parts is reduced;
- the decorative look improves if a protective and decorative coating is used;
- already worn out elements are restored;
- adhesion strength increases.
Chrome plating
As a protective material can use chromium. Chrome plating of parts is the application of a decorative protective layer. This procedure can significantly increase the wear resistance, as well as restore already worn parts if the porous chromium plating procedure is used. However, it is worth noting that this procedure is not always relevant. The use of chromium as a protective coating for the restoration of parts becomes irrational if the wear exceeds 0.7-1 mm.
In addition, coating with this alloy significantly increases the corrosion resistance of the metal. For this reason, those that are made on the basis of chromium are considered the best anti-corrosion agents for a car. There are two types of parts that require chrome plating:
- Elements requiring increased wear resistance if they experience abrasion during operation.
- Also, chrome plating can restore the size of a part that has been understated during mechanical processing.
Protective insulation materials
Today, the use of protective materials of thermal insulation type is quite widespread. Their choice is considered rather difficult, since substances have a huge number of characteristics. For this reason, each substance can be used in a specific environment, based on its parameters.
As for the choice of such a protective agent, it is necessary to pay attention to the following points:
- scope and purpose of the material;
- fire resistance value of the product;
- resistance to moisture and harmful insects;
- possible effects on microclimatic conditions or on human health;
- price.
Moisture protection properties
One of the main properties of protective materials is moisture resistance, especially when it comes to insulation coating. In this case, the less moisture the material absorbs, the better. This is due to the fact that water completely destroys the quality of the insulating material, as it is an excellent conductor. In addition, in areas of joints, there is a high risk of mold or rot with low moisture resistance. Therefore, any docking area must be completely dehydrated.
It should also be understood that moisture is not only a liquid. Water vapor, for example, is also quite dangerous. Therefore, it is very important to take into account the high vapor impermeability of this type of protective material. Due to the fact that the humidity on the street and in the room is usually different, there is a tendency to level it. Typically, moisture enters through ventilation. However, steam can penetrate even through the exterior walls of the building. In this case, the steam will cool and condense, which will lead to moisture on any structure.
Chemical properties and resistance to insects
It is very important that the protective materials do not cause corrosion on the surrounding products in contact. However, the protective coating must be resistant to the substance with which it will come into contact. This is most important if different chemical compositions are used.
Today, modern protective materials are highly resistant to insects, which in some cases can also cause significant harm. Most of all, such a protective coating is necessary for such materials and products from them as peat, straw, reed. Nesting pests in this case is a fairly common occurrence. A small protective coating for them can be done even with your own hands. Slaked lime is perfect.
Human health
Many people wonder how and whether a protective substance affects human health. It is worth noting that the exact answer to this question is quite problematic, since the manufacturers of these substances usually do not disclose the full list of the substances used, as well as the creation technology, which, in principle, is understandable.
In this case, it is worth paying attention to the main substances that are used to create such materials. Usually these are plant and mineral components. There is no harmful effect of these substances on human health. Of greater doubt is the use of a variety of synthetic components. For this reason, you must make sure that such products undergo special treatment, which should reduce the harmful effects on human health.
For example, when creating a protective agent, mineral components are processed to such small particles that, when used normally, when inhaled, they will enter the body, causing a deterioration in well-being. Therefore, you need to make sure that the composition contains a binder that will prevent the mineral components from entering the air when used. In this case, the protective agent can be considered safe.
Environment and processing
In addition to the impact on the human body, it must be remembered that these substances should not have a strong impact on the environment. For example, the use of protective equipment in construction is limited to a certain period, since any composition, even the highest quality, will "grow old" sooner or later. When this happens, such items are removed. They are transported to certain landfills, where they are burned. All this leads to the fact that it is preferable to use mineral or plant components for the protective agent, since they will not emit harmful substances during combustion.
The last thing you can add about conventional protective equipment is that they are all attached or applied in different ways. Most often, the coating is attached using nails, screws or screws. For example, if the protective coating is presented in the form of a plate, then it is punched with nails, after which it is veneered with an adhesive.
Composite materials
Composite materials are substances that consist of several components. Typically, the structure looks like this: there is a base or matrix of plastic form, which is additionally reinforced with a variety of fillers. Depending on this filler, you can create a more durable, tough, resistant to corrosion or moisture coating. In other words, the use of a composite material as a protective agent is more advantageous, since protection against various influences can be achieved.
As for the structure of such substances, several of the most common are usually used. These include fibrous, layered, nanocomposite and other structures. Fiber-type composites are usually reinforced with fibers of the desired substance. The layered structure is in the form of a "pie", where the matrix and the filler follow each other in layers.
It is also worth saying that radiation protective materials also most often belong to the composite type, since here maximum protection against many negative influences is required immediately.