Polymerization cured coatings utilize a chemical reaction during the curing process, which is fundamental to the hardening and durability of these coatings. In this process, the components of the coating undergo a transformation at a molecular level, typically involving the reaction of monomers to form polymers. This chemical reaction is often driven by heat, moisture, or a curing agent, depending on the specific formulation of the coating. As a result, the coating not only dries but also forms a robust polymer network that provides superior adhesion, flexibility, and resistance to environmental conditions.
The other options represent aspects of curing processes that are not applicable to polymerization cured coatings. For example, while evaporation of solvents may be relevant to other types of coatings, polymerization relies on a chemical change rather than just solvent loss. Similarly, while the reaction of base and catalyst is important in certain systems, it does not capture the full breadth of the polymerization process, which involves the formation of long-chain molecules. Physical drying, while a method of curing for some coatings, does not apply here because polymerization yields a chemically altered product rather than merely removing liquid components. Thus, the correct understanding of polymerization in coatings emphasizes the transformative chemical reactions that occur during curing.