Polymer and Steel become one

Fendium pipe is steel pipe with a special polymer protecting it against corrosion both outside and inside. In contrast to paint and powder coating, the polymer protection is formed in a chemical process unifying polymer and steel.

During the manufacturing process, the polymer is formed not only on the outside, but also on the inside of the pipe. Fendium pipe therefore provides smooth surfaces and lasting corrosion protection all around.

The Fendium special polymer protection is produced in several process steps.

After thorough cleaning and pretreatment, the steel pipe to be enhanced is dipped in a tank filled with Fendium polymer emulsion. Iron fluorides contained in the emulsion are continuously supplied to the pipe and provide a release of iron ions on the surface of the steel pipe.

As soon as the positively charged iron ions collide with the polymer particles also contained in the emulsion, they adhere to them and partly neutralize their negative charge. The polymer particles are now able to combine with each other and are attracted to the positively polarized steel pipe surface.

In this way, the polymer protection is developed and the pipe’s roughness is smoothed out. Once the desired level of polymer protection is achieved, this process step is terminated by removing the pipe from the dip tank.

To continue the process, gelling takes place in the pre-dryer. The pipe is warmed up causing the polymer particles to run into each other and the pipe to be smoothened further. Finally, the polymer is baked and cured in the hot-air oven.

The result of the polymer enhancement is a gradual transition from the steel core to pure polymer.

Unifying effects

Polymer and steel are unified by the following effects:

Microstructural interlocking of the polymer with the steel core

Three-dimensional cross-linking of the polymer molecules to one large macromolecule

Forces of attraction between the positively polarized steel core surface and the negative charge carriers contained in the polymer

These effects minimize the risk that the polymer delaminates or flakes which sets Fendium polymer enhancement apart from paint and powder coating, for example.