Every 90 seconds, globally, 1 tonne of steel turns to rust. Of every 2 tonnes of steel made, 1 tonne is for replacement. One of the solutions to this problem is Polyvinylidenechloride (PVDC) which is a synthetic resin produced by the polymerization of vinylidenechloride.

PVDC emulsions are used to produce primer / finish coatings to protect metals from corrosion. PVDC emulsions can also be used to formulate rust conversion primers. Rust conversion primers contain tannic acid and PVDC emulsion polymer. Tannic acid chemically converts the reddish iron oxides into bluish-black ferric tannate, a more stable material. The conductive ingredient is an organic solvent such as 2-Butoxyethanol that acts as a wetting agent and provides a protective primer layer in conjunction with the PVDC emulsion. Once you have treated your metal surface with a rust converter primer, you can paint over the surface.

Rust converter primers are usually applied to objects which are difficult to sandblast, such as vehicles, trailers, fences, iron railings, sheet metal, and the outside of storage tanks. It may also be used to restore and preserve iron-based items of historical importance. The rust converter primer also provides barrier properties and additional corrosion resistance. Compared to other polymers and resins, PVDC emulsions provide excellent water and chemical resistance, low vapour transmission and good barrier protection. They are also one-component systems.

So, if you need to ‘pimp’ up your old rust-mobile into a gleaming vision of road worthiness, you know what to use!