Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia, 3rd. They are also applied by electrostatic methods to give deocorative coatings similar in function and appearance to conventional coatings. Coating powders are available in both thermoplastic and thermoset grades. They are prepared by melt-mixing or dry blending. By 1985, total volume is expected to reach over 46,000 metric tons.
Powder coatings represent a potential explosion hazard.
However, with proper design, equipment, and personal safety measures, powder coatings should be an environmentally acceptable and safe method of industrial finishing.