What Is TGIC Powder Coat?
TGIC powder coat refers to polyester powder coatings that use TGIC (Triglycidyl Isocyanurate) as the curing agent. This system is widely recognized in the industry for its excellent outdoor durability, UV resistance, and balanced mechanical performance. TGIC powder coats are used in architectural, automotive, industrial, and heavy-duty applications where long-term exposure to sunlight, weather, and abrasion demands a highly stable coating.
When heated during curing, TGIC reacts with carboxyl-functional polyester Resin to form a dense, durable crosslinked network. This chemical structure gives TGIC powder coats their well-known resistance to chalking, fading, corrosion, and chemical attack. For manufacturers, TGIC powder coat represents one of the most reliable systems for producing stable, high-performance coatings that can withstand harsh exterior environments.
PCOTEC provides high-quality TGIC Curing Agents such as TK-902 and TK-906, engineered for consistent curing behavior and strong compatibility with polyester resins used in TGIC powder coatings.
Table of Contents
What TGIC Powder Coat Is Made Of
A TGIC powder coating contains several key components, but the two most essential are polyester resin and TGIC curing agent. These materials work together to produce a durable, UV-resistant film.
Main ingredients include:
Carboxyl-functional polyester resin
TGIC curing agent (Triglycidyl Isocyanurate)
Titanium dioxide for whiteness and hiding power
Pigments for color
Additives for flow, leveling, and stability
Fillers to adjust mechanical properties and cost
TGIC is the reactive component that enables the crosslinking necessary for strong outdoor performance.
How TGIC Powder Coat Works
When the powder is applied and heated, several processes occur simultaneously:
1. Melting
The powder melts to form a uniform film.
2. Flowing & Leveling
Resin and additives ensure smooth surface formation.
3. Chemical Reaction
TGIC reacts with the carboxyl groups in polyester resin.
4. Crosslinking
A strong, three-dimensional network forms.
5. Solidification
The result is a hard, durable coating with excellent exterior stability.
TGIC’s three epoxy groups allow high crosslink density, creating a coating capable of long-term outdoor protection.
Key Features of TGIC Powder Coatings
TGIC systems offer a broad set of performance advantages that make them suitable for demanding exterior applications.
Core features include:
Outstanding UV resistance
High gloss and color stability
Strong mechanical hardness and flexibility
Excellent chemical and corrosion resistance
Reliable curing behavior under industrial conditions
Smooth, defect-free film appearance
Long-term resistance to chalking and fading
These characteristics explain why TGIC systems remain the industry standard for exterior-quality powder coatings.
Technical Performance Summary
| Property | TGIC Powder Coat Performance |
|---|---|
| UV Resistance | Excellent |
| Gloss Retention | High |
| Weathering Resistance | Very strong |
| Mechanical Strength | High hardness & impact resistance |
| Chemical Resistance | Strong |
| Curing Temperature | Typically 180–200°C |
| Outdoor Durability | Outstanding |
TGIC powder coats deliver robust, stable performance across a wide range of environmental conditions.
Applications of TGIC Powder Coatings
TGIC powder coats are used in nearly all industries that require long-lasting protection and visual stability.
Common application fields:
Architectural aluminum profiles
Outdoor furniture and equipment
Industrial machinery
Automotive exterior accessories
Fencing, railings, and doors
Agricultural and construction equipment
Electrical housings and lighting components
General industrial metal coatings
Their versatility and durability make them suitable for practically any exterior metal surface.
Advantages of TGIC Powder Coats
TGIC-based coatings outperform many other systems in outdoor conditions.
Key advantages:
Excellent weathering performance under intense sunlight
Resistance to fading, chalking, and discoloration
Excellent adhesion to metal substrates
Balanced hardness and flexibility
Good impact resistance for outdoor use
Strong resistance to chemicals and humidity
Wide curing window, suitable for industrial oven settings
Good formulation stability and dependable production performance
For manufacturers seeking reliability, TGIC powder coat is a proven choice.
Limitations of TGIC Powder Coats
Despite their strengths, TGIC powder coatings also have a few limitations:
Limitations include:
Higher curing temperature than some low-temp systems
Not suitable for eco-label requirements that ban TGIC
May not be ideal for MDF or heat-sensitive materials
Slightly higher material cost compared with HAA systems
Even with these limitations, TGIC remains the preferred option for most exterior metal applications.
PCOTEC TGIC Grades for Powder Coatings
PCOTEC supplies curing agents specifically designed to support high-performance TGIC powder coats.
Our TGIC Grades:
TK-902 – High purity, stable melting behavior, excellent durability
TK-906 – Improved surface flow and gloss stability
Benefits of PCOTEC TGIC:
Predictable reactivity and smooth curing
Excellent compatibility with PCOTEC polyester resins
Strong outdoor performance and color stability
Reliable quality controlled through MES and DCS systems
Stable supply for high-volume industrial operations
These curing agents are widely used in architectural, industrial, and automotive powder coating formulations.
Conclusion
TGIC powder coat refers to polyester powder coatings cured with Triglycidyl Isocyanurate, a powerful crosslinking agent widely recognized for its outdoor durability. TGIC systems create strong, UV-resistant, and weather-stable coatings capable of withstanding harsh sunlight, moisture, and environmental stress. Because of their high gloss stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, TGIC powder coats remain the industry benchmark for architectural and industrial applications.
PCOTEC provides high-purity TGIC curing agents such as TK-902 and TK-906, ensuring consistent curing performance and reliable compatibility with polyester resin systems. For manufacturers seeking durable and long-lasting powder coatings, TGIC powder coat continues to be one of the most trusted and effective solutions.