Hybrid epoxy-polyester powder coatings are of great interest because they offer a balanced combination of mechanical strength and durability. However, the influence of curing conditions on their wear performance has not been studied yet. This study investigates for the first time the impact of curing conditions on the mechanical performance and wear resistance of an epoxy-polyester hybrid powder coating through a systematic and quantitative analysis. To this end, a controlled curing process was carried out at different temperatures/times: 160 °C for 18 min, 170 °C for 10 min, 180 °C for 8 min and 180 °C for 15 min. Different tests were performed to analyze the hybrid organic powder coating properties: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to study crosslinking through the calculation of glass transition temperature (T g ), universal hardness, and sliding and erosion resistance. Sliding wear is impaired as hardness increases. Greater erosion resistance is found in coatings cured at 180 °C due to their higher hardness and stiffness, as a result of the enhanced crosslinking promoted by the higher curing temperature. This study highlights the crucial role of curing conditions in defining the mechanical and wear behavior of hybrid powder coatings. Relevant differences have been found in wear performance depending on small differences in the curing temperature. Depending on the intended application, whether it involves significant erosion or sliding, the curing temperature must be carefully selected to ensure optimal performance and thereby extend the service life of the coatings. • Hybrid epoxy-polyester coatings cured between 160 °C and 180 °C were tested. • Higher hardness and stiffness cause best erosion resistance after curing at 180 °C. • Overcuring at 180 °C reduces erosion wear. • Lower crosslinking improves sliding wear performance due to higher energy absorption. • Curing should be selected based on wear mechanisms to optimize performance.
Calderón-Perea et al. (Fri,) studied this question.