High-performance coatings manufacturer LORD recently began supplying HPC-5C to Brazil-based energy provider Petrobras. The product protects rubber artifacts against ozone attack, preventing the cracking of materials derived from elastomers. Based on hydrogenated nitrile (HNBR), HPC-5 was developed to protect parts from continuous and periodic exposure to petroleum oils as well as ozone. The coating is also reportedly tough and highly abrasion resistant.
Over the past two years, HPC-5C was tested by CENPES, Petrobras’ research and development unit, in the UK-based independent laboratory Merl. The coating will be reapplied by Petrobras every three months, due to the typical aggressiveness caused by the marine environment.
“Compared with other coating options for rubber, HPC-5C had the best performance in accelerated tests performed in an ozone chamber,” says Bruno Fragoso, New Business Development manager for LORD.
“We developed a highly technological solution customized for the oil and gas market,” Fragoso says. HPC-5C will initially be produced in LORD’s Cary, NC, headquarters, but it may start being manufactured in Jundiaí (Brazil), where the company has been operating an industrial complex since 1973, according to Fragoso. Additional product applications include mounts for absorbing vibration on shaker tables, engine mounts, muffle hangers, engine compartment hoses, offshore rubber parts, etc. The product will be available worldwide. The oil and gas market has become LORD’s primary consumer. Recognized worldwide as one of the most important suppliers of solutions for the automotive, aerospace and defense sectors, the company intends to take its expertise to the deepwater drilling segment.
