Moisture coatings

In the lower region of the unsaturated zone, immediately above the water table, is the capillary fringe, where water is drawn upward by capillary attraction. Above the capillary fringe, moisture coats the solid surfaces of the soil or rock particles. If the liquid coating becomes too thick to be held by surface tension, a droplet will pull away and be drawn downward by gravity. The fluid can also evaporate and move through the air space in the pores as water vapor. 

Aerosol A moisture-coated, microscopic, airborne particle up to 0.01 millimeter in diameter that is a site for many atmospheric chemical reactions. 

Flexible foams are used in mattresses, cushions, and safety applications. Rigid and semiflexible foams are used in structural applications and to encapsulate sensitive components to protect them against shock, vibration, and moisture. Foam coatings are tough, hard, flexible, and chemically resistant. 

In a recent report (79), a 150—200 mg/cm Parylene C coating provided protection against moisture uptake by three-phase, polyimide, microballoons, and air, syntactic foams. In a previously reported coating of a similar foam, the stated purpose was strengthening (80). 

Shipment, Stora.ge, ndPrices. Methyl vinyl ether is available in tank cars or cylinders, while the other vinyl ethers are available in tank cars, tank wagons, or dmms. Mild steel, stainless steel, and phenoHc-coated steel are suitable for shipment and storage. If protected from air, moisture, and acidic contamination, vinyl ethers are stable for years. United States bulk prices in 1991 for methyl vinyl ether, ethyl vinyl ether, and butyl vinyl ether were listed as about 5.78/kg, 6.28/kg, and 6.08/kg, respectively. 

Where highly poHshed surfaces are manufactured or stored for short intervals between different phases of processing, relative humidity and temperature are both maintained constant to minimise surface moisture films. If these surfaces are shipped or stored for extended intervals, protective coverings or coatings may be required. 

Control of relative humidity is needed to maintain the strength, pHabiUty, and moisture regain of hygroscopic materials such as textiles and paper. Humidity control may also be required in some appHcations to reduce the effect of static electricity. Temperature and/or relative humidity may also have to be controlled in order to regulate the rate of chemical or biochemical reactions, such as the drying of varnishes, the appHcation of sugar coatings, the preparation of synthetic fibers and other chemical compounds, or the fermentation of yeast. 

Lead azide tends to hydrolyze at high humidities or in the presence of materials evolving moisture. The hydrazoic acid formed reacts with copper and its alloys to produce the sensitive cupric azide [14215-30-6] Cu(N2)2- Appropriate protection must be provided by hermetic sealing and the use of noncopper or coated-copper metal. 

Polyimide. Polyimide is a biaxiaHy oriented high performance film that is tough, flexible, and temperature- and combustion-resistant. Its room temperature properties compare to poly(ethylene terephthalate), but it retains these good characteristics at temperatures above 400°C. Its electrical resistance is good and it is dimensionally stable. The principal detriment is fairly high moisture absorbance. The main uses are for electrical insulation, particularly where high temperatures are prevalent or ionizing radiation is a problem. The films may be coated to reduce water absorption and enhance... 

Almost aU ceUophane is coated with either a moisture barrier or heat-sealable coating. This is generaUy done in tower coaters after film production. 

In extmsion coating a polymer is extmded from a slot die into the nip of two roUs where it is bonded to a substrate under pressure (Fig. 6). A corona discharge may be appUed to the substrate just prior to the nip to enhance adhesion. Polyethylene or ionomer are the most common resins used in extmsion coatings. They provide improved moisture barrier (on paper), or sealabUity (on foU, polypropylene, or polyester). When a second substrate is introduced to the nip, laminated stmctures may be produced. 

Cellulose nitrate also has widespread use as an adhesive and coating material. Whereas stabilizers are added to products, eg, sodium carbonate as a neutralizer, many conservators are hesitant to use cellulose nitrate materials because of the inherent instabiUty and the dangers to the object from nitric acid, formed when the nitric oxide combines with moisture. 

Fluorine, the most reactive element known, is a dangerous material but may be handled safely using proper precautions. In any situation where an operator may come into contact with low pressure fluorine, safety glasses, a neoprene coat, boots, and clean neoprene gloves should be worn to afford overall body protection. This protection is effective against both fluorine and the hydrofluoric acid which may form from reaction of moisture in the air. 

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