What does co-reaction in coatings refer to?

Co-reaction in coatings primarily involves the curing process that occurs through polymerization, where at least two different chemicals react to form a solid material. This process is crucial for many coatings as it leads to the development of the final properties of the film, such as durability, adhesion, and resistance to environmental factors.

In this context, polymerization typically involves a resin and a hardener, which chemically react to form a three-dimensional network. This network significantly enhances the coating's overall performance characteristics. The understanding of co-reaction is essential for coatings inspectors, as it directly relates to the formulation and application of different coating systems.

The other options touch on relevant processes but do not accurately define co-reaction. Curing by exposure to sunlight pertains more to photochemical curing, which is not necessarily indicative of co-reaction. A reaction between various solvents is not a standard definition of co-reaction within the coatings industry. An interaction with ambient air describes how certain coatings may be affected by atmospheric conditions but does not encapsulate the essence of co-reaction itself, which focuses on the interaction between chemical components during the curing phase.