THE SOUTH AFRICAN PAINT INDUSTRY TRAINING INSTITUTE
SAPMA PAINT TECHNOLOGY COURSE
MODULE 3 - SOLVENTS AND MEDIA

Deals with the nature, properties and characteristics of solvents and of non convertible and convertible media.

The basic chemistry and reaction mechanisms of the common binder types are studied in broad outline, and are related to their performance in practice. Convertible media are studied further in Module 7.

The study material comprises written text, divided into 13 Lessons.

There are eight practical exercises in this Module, and the student is expected to plan and implement these with minimum guidance from the Counsellor. Wherever possible, use is made of SABS or BS Standard Methods, and students are expected to evaluate the method used, and to identify and discuss the critical parameters of the test.

WHO SHOULD STUDY THIS MODULE ?

This Module is essential for those who are following a technical career path, and in particular those in a laboratory environment.

PREREQUISITES FOR THE MODULE

Successful completion of Module 01 and Module 11, some tertiary study of organic chemistry- i.e. a first year University or Technikon chemistry course, or Paint Chemistry N3 available through Technisa RSA.

Although the chemistry in this Module is at a fairly basic level, the student needs to be familiar with the terminology and nomenclature used in organic chemistry, and must be capable of understanding the various reaction mechanisms and of learning the relevant reactive groups.
Prospective students who do not have the necessary knowledge of organic chemistry should be encouraged to upgrade their knowledge in order to qualify them for enrolment.

SUMMARY OF SYLLABUS

A. INTRODUCTION

Differences between convertible and non-Convertible binders
Revision of Module 01 work

B. SOLVENTS

Properties and characteristics
Classification
Health and safety hazards and precautions
Determine the distillation range of a solvent
Determine the flashpoint of a solvent
Determine the evaporation rates and times of solvents
Determine the relative density and the refractive index of solvents, and to determine the composition of a solvent mixture

C. NON CONVERTIBLE MEDIA - NATURALLY BASED

Properties and applications
Cellulose and derivatives
Chlorinated rubber
Bituminous media

D. NON CONVERTIBLE MEDIA - SYNTHETIC

Properties and applications
Acrylic resins
Vinyl resins
Dispersions

E. CONVERTIBLE MEDIA - VEGETABLE OILS

Composition, properties and drying behaviour
Thermal and oxidative polymerisation
Nature and function of driers
Identify an unknown oil by determining acid value, iodine value, saponification value, relative density and refractive index

F. CONVERTIBLE MEDIA - OLEORESINOUS VARNISHES

Nature, manufacture, composition and properties

G. CONVERTIBLE MEDIA - ALKYD RESINS

Nature, manufacture, composition and properties
Influence of oil length and type
Calculation of yield and oil length
Vinyl and urethane modified alkyds

H. CONVERTIBLE MEDIA - OTHERS

Epoxy esters, urethane oils, moisture cured urethanes
Nature, composition and properties
Compare the properties of three different binders

I. CONVERTIBLE MEDIA - TWO PACK COATINGS

Epoxy resins
Urethane prepolymers
Nature of reactions
Characteristics of coatings

J. CONVERTIBLE MEDIA - STOVING FINISHES

Amino resins
Nature and reactions
Characteristics of coatings
Compare the properties of U.F and M F resins when blended with alkyd, epoxy and acrylic resins

ASSESSMENTS

8 Multiple choice tests -
8 Written reports on practical work
1 hour written exam midway through module
2 hour written exam at end of module

PASS MARK

A minimum of 50% in each of the three modes of assessment is required for a pass.

A merit pass is awarded for an overall mark of 80% or above, and a distinction is awarded for an overall mark of 90% and above

DURATION AND TIME INVOLVED

The Module takes 18 weeks to complete. The average student would spend the following time on the various aspects :-
Theoretical study - 45 hours
Practical exercises - 15 hours
Report writing - 10 hours
This averages out to just under 4 hours per week

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