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Polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) have seen rapid growth in recent years as alternatives to their solvent-based analogs. They offer the advantages of enabling low VOC formulations while providing superior appearance and mechanical properties. Polyurethane-acrylic hybrids combine the advantages of a polyurethane dispersion with the benefits of an acrylic emulsion. This synergistic combination offers properties such as good hardness development and chemical resistance in addition to enhanced mechanical properties. In this paper, we discuss new PUD-acrylic hybrids that are NMP and solvent-free, have a pendulum hardness of 100 oscillations compared to a standard acrylic emulsion that has 80; and offer excellent scratch and chemical resistance equivalent to that of an acrylic system. In addition to these, the new polyurethane dispersions provide good haptic qualities and have excellent adhesion to plastic substrates such as ABS, PC and PVC.

Transmission of light through automotive topcoat and primer layers can lead to degradation of the underlying electrocoat layer and to topcoat delamination. In order to protect against this, it is critical that transmission of both ultraviolet wavelengths and certain visible wavelengths be effectively blocked by the topcoat and primer layers. The clearcoat, basecoat and primer each have their own role and combine to protect against light transmission. The transmittance of these combined layers is typically measured by the Integrating Sphere UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. It would both simplify measurement of the topcoat systems and allow better system modeling if these layers could be measured separately and combined mathematically. We demonstrate here that absorbing and reflecting pigments can be effectively modeled using the Beer-Lambert law while results for scattering pigments are consistent with the Kubelka-Munk theory.

2k clearcoat is the progressive step that is keeping coatings for elastomeric fascia in pace with the current automobile design, performance, and durability demands. Initially, rigid 2k coatings were applied over plastic for low temperature cure. Over metal, 2k rigid clearcoat produced a dramatic improvement in appearance and durability. Flexibility is the key attribute that a 2k clearcoat engineered for use over fascias must posses. Utilizing the same basecoat and primer, 2k flexible clearcoats are being successfully applied to flexible fascia, generating excellent appearance and outstanding durability.

An assessment of automobile painting at General Motor's Lake Orion, Michigan, USA assembly facility from a life cycle perspective was conducted. The Orion Facility produces the new Oldsmobile Aurora and Buick Riviera models. Improvements in on-site pollution prevention, energy conservation and regulatory barriers to technology innovation were identified. The environmental implications of auto body substrate material choice were analyzed. A life cycle inventory framework was developed for paint suppliers and other parts of the auto painting life cycle. An Alternative Regulatory System was proposed for the entire U.S. auto industry that will, if implemented, facilitate the integration of environmental management into core business strategies and planning.

The history and state of the art use of pigments known as transparent titanium dioxides in automotive coatings is described. This pigment, also known as microfine TiO2, produces a unique and patented color effect in combination with Al flake pigments via Rayleigh light scattering. The potential for styling new “effect colors” has been investigated extensivley at BASF Corporation. Early feasibility and durability problems have been resolved with a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for color effect and film degradation in sun light. Florida exposure data in both solventborne and waterborne coatings systems has shown this pigment to be very durable when used within certain formulating guide lines. Critical is the choice of pigment particle size and encapsulation chemistry. First used in 1989 in a color styled for the Ford Motor Company, production colors have expanded to other US and Japanese car manufacturers.

Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is used extensively in the automotive industry. Various methods have been used to improve paint adhesion properties. New adhesion promoter technologies offer significant improvements in solvent emissions and final product appearance. These adhesion promoters are designed to allow the use of various topcoat technologies. Waterborne basecoats offer the ultimate appearance with the lowest VOC.