A statistical study into parameter effects on the coverage of organic coatings on rounded steel edges

The relationships between edge rounding parameters and edge coverage of organic coating systems are systematically investigated. Three organic coating systems for highly corrosive environments are tested. Two edge-geometry related parameters, namely rounding radius (2 levels) and edge rounding process (5 levels), are considered. The edge coverage, as the ratio between dry film thickness at edge and at flat surface, is estimated based on high-resolution microscope inspections on polished cross-sections. The effects are evaluated with a full factorial experimental plan. ANOVA analysis reveals that none of the parameters has a statistically determined effect on the edge coverage. In terms if main effects, rounding process and coating system are more indicative than an edge radius. Larger edge radii do not provide a better edge coverage in general.