Chemical Reaction in Metal Protective Paints^⋆

In this symposium on corrosion resistant paints considerable data have been presented in regard to various formulas for specific purposes. One of the basic reasons there are so many formulations is that the drying and weathering of a paint film is a complex subject. It seems simple but the drying of a linseed oil paint may involve more than two- score different chemical reactions. There is the oxidation reaction with subsequent formation of peroxides, aldehydes, ketones and short chain aliphatic compounds. Hydrolysis of the oil or dried film may take place to produce free fatty acids and diglycerides. Various types of polymers are formed. Esterfication of free fatty acids, neutralization of the short chain aliphatic compounds, some reaction with the atmospheric elements and complex soap formations. From this partial list of chemical reactions it is evident how tremendously complex is the simple phenomena of drying and weathering of a paint...