corrosion resistant non - polar polymer coatings and method for applying the coatings to substrates is described , wherein a source of non - polar polymer powder is deposited as a coating onto the surface of a substrate by high temperature thermal spray , wherein the non - polar character of the powder and any additives thereto is substantially preserved during the high temperature thermal spray by using a mixture of a non - oxidizing shielding gas or reducing gas , or combination of the two , at one or more locations along the thermal spray to displace or react with ambient oxygen .