In recent years, the growing demand for metals with advanced corrosion resistance has increased significantly, especially due to their widespread use in the automotive, construction, and marine sectors.
This has led to an increased need for protective primers, making more standardized and optimized production processes indispensable.
Both industry and consumers are seeking materials that are not only highly effective but also easy to use and quick to apply. The industry needs new reliable solutions for protecting metals against corrosion.
In this presentation, ELANTAS will introduce Elan-tech® EP500 and Elan-tech® EP501, innovative epoxy binders for anticorrosive primers.The developers specifically created this to produce single-component primers with, rapid drying times, and ease of use in production cycles for the production of exceptional anticorrosive primers.
Innovative Epoxy Component
The innovative modification of the epoxy component in Elan-tech® EP500 and Elan-tech® EP501 ensures exceptional flexibility and adhesion, eliminating the need to dissolve additives and solid polymers in the primer formulation.
This advancement simplifies the production process and enhances the overall performance of the primers. The first-generation Elan-tech® EP500 guarantees superior adhesion to many substrates.
The second-generation product evolution consists in toluene-free grade Elan-tech® EP501. It uses an alternative solvent mixture and the same polymer composition as Elan-tech® EP500. The two products offer comparable performances in terms of adhesion, flexibility, and corrosion resistance.
Application and Results
The presentation will illustrate the application of this new primer in single-component coating formulations.
Two metal panel substrates have been coated with a case study formulation of one-component primer based on 30–35% of Elan-tech® EP500 epoxy binder.
Comparison tests between the two panel specimens will highlight the effective superior properties of the anticorrosive primer prepared with Elan-tech® epoxy binders.
Anticorrosive Properties
Humidity Test
The two panels were placed as a comparison test in the climate chamber for thirty days with a high level of humidity. The test results were positive, showing a complete absence of blistering, cracking, flaking, staining, softening, or wrinkling. Evaluation was done following ISO 4628.
The team performed the humidity test following the UNI EN ISO 6270 norm (continuous condensation method). This widely recognized method simulates real-world conditions where materials are exposed to continuous moisture.
- Liquid used: Water
- Water bath temperature: 40°C ±2°C
- Ambient temperature: 23°C
- Thickness of the coating applied: 110 microns
Salt Spray Resistance Test
A test in the climatic chamber in corrosive atmosphere has been taken for thirty days.
At the end of the test, the first panel only with the one-component primer showed a blistering effect with a density of 2 and size of 2, with rust advancement of 2–3 mm from the engraving point. No cracking or flaking occurred.
The second panel, with the additional polyurethane topcoat, showed a blistering effect with a density of 2 and size of 1. With rust advancement of 5 mm from the engraving point. No cracking or flaking occurred. The evaluation followed ISO 4628
The salt spray resistance test was performed following the ISO 9227 norm. This test is essential for evaluating the resistance of anticorrosive epoxy primers in corrosive environments like marine and industrial settings.
- NaCl solution: 5%
- Temperature: 35°C
- Pressure: 0.56 atm
- pH: 6.2–7.2
- Thickness of the coatings: 100 microns + 40 microns topcoat (second panel)
Conclusion
Elan-tech® EP500 and EP501 binders offer rapid drying times, and ease of use, making them ideal for various industrial applications, in particular for anticorrosion protective coatings.
The positive results from humidity and salt spray resistance tests confirm the reliability and effectiveness of these primers.
The innovative modification of the epoxy component significantly boosts their performance, making them a valuable addition to ELANTAS’s portfolio.
This advancement marks a significant leap in the field of anticorrosive primers, enriching ELANTAS’s range of special coatings. Also, this provides robust support to the specialty chemicals sector within the coatings industry.
The development of Elan-tech® EP500 and EP501 underscores ELANTAS’s dedication to innovation and excellence in delivering high-quality chemical solutions in the protective coating industry.
To make sure you don’t miss ELANTAS’ talk on this topic, don’t forget to register for Paint & Coatings Italy 2025 and attend the Elantas TechFocus session, taking place on October 8, 2025, at 9:30 AM.