For our clients who do not understand the details about the difference between internal reinforcements and coating resins, we have prepared a brief primer on the subject:

What are "Resins"?

Resins are engineered polymers which form the main solid component of any coating. Unlike solvents, which evaporate during curing, resins are left behind permanently. These resins are safe for food contact, and are inherently quite soft. When you scrape a nonstick coating with a sharp metal spatula, it is actually the resin that you are scraping.

What is an “internal reinforcement”?

An “internal reinforcement” refers to a very hard particle which is built internally into the liquid non-stick coating. The point of internal reinforcements are to help harden the soft resins so that the coating can stand up to metal utensil use. Examples of internal reinforcements are titanium, tungsten, or even diamond flakes. The process of internally reinforcing coatings is well known to all coatings manufacturers, with the only difference being what specific hard particles are used.

Are all “internally reinforced” coatings basically the same?

Yes, to the extent that they all just utilize varying hard substances to try and make up for the weakness of the soft resins. This is the problem, because there is a very low threshold past which the hard particles are useless. To make a slightly exaggerated analogy, imagine suspending many small 24 karat diamonds in a tray of Jell-O and then scraping the surface with a spatula—the diamonds will not stop the cutting and scraping because the Jell-O is so soft. The Jell-O is somewhat similar to a normal nonstick resin, displayed in the following video clip. As you can see, the hard reinforcing particles are just scraped off the cookware along with the soft resins when metal utensils are used.

As you can see, the hard reinforcing particles are just scraped off the cookware along with the soft resins when metal utensils are used.

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is the science of controlling matter on an atomic and molecular scale, and has been used to create breakthroughs in medicine, energy production, and electronics. By using nanotechnology, GMM has pioneered a method of hardening the resins used in non-stick coatings system, resulting in the breakthrough of DURAMAX®.

How good is DURAMAX®?

To continue the slightly exaggerated analogy used above, imaging taking the tray of Jell-O with the diamonds suspended in it, and then transforming the Jell-O into concrete! This is the power of nanotechnology, which results in the hardest and longest lasting nonstick coating ever made. In the following video clip, the performance of DURAMAX® is shown:

DURAMAX® is a coating system which will retain excellent food release and scratch resistance for years and years- up to the life of the cookware itself. In fact, many of GMM’s customers that are using this technology actually encourage the use of metal utensils on their cookware. GMM’s DURAMAX® will meet every need of both the highest quality cookware manufacturer and the most accomplished chef.

Is DURAMAX® available as a bakeware coating?

Yes, GMM has designed a special 2-coat version of DURAMAX® that is suitable for high end bakeware. Please click HERE for information on that system.