Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • MATERIALS
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • RESOURCES
  • EVENTS
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • CONTACT
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Latest News
  • Market Trends & Reports
  • Price Alerts
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
  • Weekly Featured Article
  • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
  • Product News
  • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
  • Additives
  • Resins/Polymers
  • Pigments
  • Equipment
  • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
  • Adhesives
  • Architectural Coatings
  • FINISHING
  • Industrial Coatings
  • Nanotechnology
  • Powder Coatings
  • Solventborne
  • Special Purpose Coatings
  • Sustainability
  • UV Coatings
  • Waterborne
  • FINISHING
  • Finishing News
  • Finishing Technologies
  • Finishing Equipment
  • Finishing Today
  • RESOURCES
  • Columns
  • Blogs
  • Coatings Supplier Handbook
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • PCI Store
  • Classifieds
  • eBooks
  • Sponsor Insights
  • White Papers
  • COATLE Word Game
  • Columns
  • Ask Joe Powder
  • Did you know?
  • Distribution Dive
  • Focus on Canada
  • Formulating With Mike
  • Innovation Insights
  • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
  • Powder Coating Perspectives
  • Target the Market
  • TiO2 Insider
  • Blogs
  • Editor's Viewpoint
  • Industry Insights
  • Podcasts and Videos
  • COAT-IT! Podcast
  • Videos/PCI TV
  • EVENTS
  • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
  • Paint and Coatings Academy
  • Webinars
  • Calendar of Events
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
  • Buyer's Guide
  • Equipment Directory
  • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
  • Current Issue
  • eMagazine Archive
  • China Issue Archive
  • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to eMagazine
  • Subscribe to eNewsletters
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!
FT Archives

A New Hardcoat for Automotive Plastics

By Rob Hayes, Ana Maria Bonadies
December 17, 2007
The automotive industry loves the idea of plastics for their light weight, impact resistance, transparency, flame resistance and design flexibility. However, plastics are susceptible to three potential shortcomings: degradation when exposed to weather conditions for long periods of time, scratching or marring with little force, and susceptibility to chemical and/or solvent attacks. Any of these problems can lead to product failures or consumer complaints. Rently a new hardcoat technology has been developed that can overcome these issues and provide a longer-lasting protective surface for automotive exterior plastic parts.

The new hardcoat system is used on the Toyota® Tundra® garnish, among other applications. Photo courtesy of LexaMar Corp., Boyne City, MI. (Toyota and Tundra are registered trademarks of Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha TA Toyota Motor Corp.)


Figure 1. A headlight coated with UV curable hardcoat silicone.

As the world focuses on fuel efficiency, alternative fuels and the environmental impact of CO2 emissions, the automotive industry is looking for new solutions to reduce vehicle weight. The objective is to replace historically heavy parts with parts made from lighter materials that meet consumers’ demands for aesthetics and satisfy applicable government regulations.

In light of these goals, plastic parts present an attractive alternative. Plastics are relatively light and can have a potentially lower impact on the environment, since weight reduction typically leads to improved fuel efficiencies. Additionally, the versatility of plastic part processing provides the industry with design choices that support product differentiation for consumers. Plastics such as polycarbonate (PC) and polyacrylate demonstrated these benefits when they were selected to replace glass in headlight (Figure 1) and rear lenses.

However, plastics also present a major challenge to the automotive industry and its suppliers. Despite its many desirable features (light weight, impact resistance, transparency, flame resistance and design flexibility), plastic is susceptible to three potential shortcomings: 1) degradation when exposed to weather conditions (UV, heat, water) for long periods of time, 2) scratching or marring with little force and 3) susceptibility to chemical and/or solvent attacks. Any of these potential deficiencies may lead to product failures and/or consumer complaints that the plastic part looks old too soon - consumers expect vehicles to maintain their gloss. As a result, while plastics offer many desirable features for the automotive industry and its suppliers as alternatives for heavier parts, there is no “perfect material” available yet to address the fact that the part needs to last in the car over a long period and still look like new.

Figure 2. Comparison between a hardcoated and non-hardcoated part. Source: Momentive Performance Materials Research Laboratories, Waterford, NY.

As the automotive industry continues to improve plastics for new applications, silicone-based hardcoats have become an enabling technology. Silicone hardcoats potentially provide automotive designers and customers with an added degree of protection for the appliqués, mirror shells, sunroofs, vent grills and polycarbonate (PC) exterior trim sported by many of today’s cars and trucks. These plastic parts have traditionally been susceptible to fading and cracking after extended exposure to harsh in-use environments. Silicone-based hardcoats, particularly thermally cured hardcoats, have enabled many companies to achieve a durable, high-gloss finish, giving a longer lasting protective surface for automotive exterior plastic parts (see Figure 2). Hardcoats help enable the use of plastic without sacrificing durable aesthetics or performance.

General scheme for synthesis of a thermal-cure silicone hardcoat. The TEM image on the lower left is of a cured silicone hardcoat. The nanosilica in the cured coating is shown in the dark spheres in the image.

Hardcoat Advances

Although thermally cured silicone hardcoats have long been available in the marketplace, more demanding performance requirements have led to the development of a two-component silicone hardcoat system consisting of a hardcoat topcoat and a basecoat.* This thermal-cure silicone coating system can provide exceptional protection from ultraviolet light exposure, excellent abrasion resistance and chemical resistance. The system typically produces a high-performance protective hardcoat for polycarbonate that imparts excellent protection for parts, exceeding the protective value of other coating systems currently available on the market.

In general, the synthesis and thermal cure process of a silicone hardcoat can be summarized as shown in Figure 3. The final product of this reaction process is a highly crosslinked silicone resin/nanosilica composite that, when used in conjunction with the thermal cure silicone basecoat, typically has excellent adhesion to plastic (such as polycarbonate) and high resistance to abrasion and scratching. Patented UV absorbers provide the UV screening properties of the coating system. These UV absorbers are among the most photo-stable UV absorbing molecules currently known, and their use in the advanced thermal cure silicone coating system provides the coating with its exceptional performance characteristics.

Figure 4. Outdoor exposure data for 5 degrees (to horizon) south facing in Florida and Arizona. (Test data; actual results may vary.)

Weatherability studies are ongoing for the new hardcoat system. The graphs in Figure 4 show the light transmission and haze variation of samples of clear polycarbonate (Lexan† LS2-111) exposed in Florida and Arizona at 5 degrees, with application of the hardcoat topcoat varying from 4.5 to 8.5 microns and a primer coat thickness varying from 1.5 to 2.5 microns.

Figure 5. Photos of 5 degree weathering samples of polycarbonate coated with the new hardcoat system from Florida and Arizona testing. The top 20% of each panel was not coated and shows the effect of weathering exposure on uncoated PC. (Test results; actual results may vary.)

The data in Figure 4 and the analysis of samples such as those shown in Figure 5 demonstrate that the new hardcoat system retained excellent optical properties without cracking, delamination or adhesion loss after five years of “natural weather” exposure (Florida and Arizona).



Figure 6. Accelerated weathering data. Samples were weathered according to the modified SAE J1960 protocol (Xenon light source with boro/boro filters). (Test data; actual results may vary.)

The weathering performance has been further supported by accelerated weathering test results (Figure 6). These data show that the light transmission and haze of samples of clear polycarbonate (Lexan LS2-111) coated with the new hardcoat topcoat and basecoat system can perform in a fashion similar to that observed in the natural Florida and Arizona testing. As in the natural weathering testing, adhesion was maintained throughout the accelerated exposure testing period. The data in Figure 6 show that PC coated with the new hardcoat system can retain its optical properties up to ~15 MJ/m2 of Xenon exposure, which is equivalent to five years of natural exposure in Florida (5 degrees south facing).

Table 1.

A Durable, High-Gloss Finish

The high-gloss appearance of the advanced hardcoat system can be maintained long-term due to its excellent abrasion resistance and superior chemical resistance. More importantly, this new hardcoat system appears to have the potential of lasting two to three times longer than other commercially available hardcoat systems. The performance characteristics of the new system are summarized in Table 1.

The new hardcoat system is already finding use in the automotive industry. Additional applications are likely as automakers seek new ways to reduce vehicle weight without compromising durability.


For more information, visit www.momentive.com.


Authors’ Acknowledgements
Thanks to LexaMar Corp., Boyne City, MI and USi Inc., Rockford, TN, for their assistance with this article.


*The new hardcoat system is supplied as a topcoat (AS4700) and basecoat (SHP470) from Momentive Performance Materials, Wilton, CT.
†Lexan is a trademark of SABIC Innovative Plastics IP.

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Rob Hayes, Ph.D., is a product chemist for silicone hardcoat technology at Momentive Performance Materials, Wilton, CT, a provider of silicon-based material solutions. He can be reached at 518.233.3591 or Rob.Hayes@momentive.com.
Ana Maria Bonadies is regional marketing manager – SRS – Americas, for Momentive Performance Materials. She can be reached at 011.55.11.3284.1638 or anamaria.bonadies@momentive.com.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • pci1022-Kinaltek-Lead-1170.jpg

    A Novel Pigment Production Technology

    Following an extensive R&D program that demonstrated...
    Paint and Coating Pigments
    By: Jawad Haidar and Nitin Soni
  • pci global top 10

    2025 Global Top 10: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

    The following is PCI’s annual ranking of the top 10...
    Global Top 10 and PCI 25
    By: Courtney Bassett
  • 2025 pci 25

    2025 PCI 25: Top Paint and Coatings Companies

    PCI's annual ranking of the top 25 North American paint...
    Paint and Coating Market Reports
    By: Courtney Bassett
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eMagazine
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

The Coatings Minute: Your Guide to the 2025 Coatings Supplier Handbook

The Coatings Minute: Your Guide to the 2025 Coatings Supplier Handbook

CTT Registration Now Open

CTT Registration Now Open

The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

The Coatings Minute: Your Inside Look at PCInnovations

The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

The Coatings Minute: Print Returns with PCI’s New Showcase Issue

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the PCI audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of PCI or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Modern arapartment complex painted in bright colors.
    Sponsored byEPS - Engineered Polymer Solutions

    Architectural Polymers Leading the Way in Coatings Innovation

  • paint sprayer in a workshop
    Sponsored byallnex

    Enabling Performance and Compliance: allnex Introduces a New Line of VOC Exempt Solvent-Borne Resins

Popular Stories

No. 7 BASF Coatings

BASF Comments on Potential Sale of Coatings Business

No. 3 AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel’s $1.4B Divestment Signals Strategy Shift

PCI voices from the top

eBook | PCI Voices from the Top



PCI Buyers Guide

Submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to suppliers of your choice with details on what you need with a click of a button

Start your RFP

Browse our Buyers Guide for manufacturers and distributors of all types of coatings products and much more!

Find Suppliers

Events

September 3, 2025

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit

The Coatings Trends & Technologies (CTT) Summit is an annual conference for both liquid and powder coatings formulators and manufacturers to discuss innovations in coatings technology. This event combines high-quality technical presentations, a resource-rich exhibit hall, and dedicated networking opportunities to connect scientific minds, foster innovation, and cultivate game-changing new ideas!

January 1, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Longest-running laboratory experiment

What is the longest-running laboratory experiment?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

CTT Summit Short Courses (Live 9/3/25)

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit is expanding its offerings with four short courses. These short courses will offer an extensive day of interactive learning.

See More Products
pci voices from the top ebook

PCI CASE EBOOK

Related Articles

  • Three Nanotech Leaders Partner To Provide High-Performance Liquid Technology Pioneers Collaborate on Radical New Coatings for the Automotive, Metal, Plastics and Electronics Industries

    See More
  • Hyperbranched Polymers for Hardcoat With Superior Performance

    See More
  • New, Three-Dimensional Formable Hardcoat Film

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • auto-paints-and-coatings

    Automotive Paints and Coatings, 2nd Edition

  • social media

    Optimizing Social Media from a B2B Perspective

  • intelligent.jpg

    Intelligent Coatings for Corrosion Control 1st Edition

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • April 23, 2025

    A New Multi-Functional Silicone Emulsion for Durable Exterior Architectural Coatings

    On Demand We will focus on how this functional silicone additive can enhance coating performance over time, without sacrificing other desired properties such as incompatibility, surface blooming and poor dirt pickup that is seen with traditional silicone polymer-based additives.
View AllSubmit An Event
×

Keep the info flowing with our eNewsletters!

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey & Sample
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Youtube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Painting & Coating Industry (PCI) logo Powder coating summit logo
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • Market Trends & Reports
    • Price Alerts
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
    • Global Top 10/ PCI 25
    • Weekly Featured Article
    • COATLE Word Game
  • PRODUCTS
    • Product News
    • Must See Products and Services
  • MATERIALS
    • Additives
    • Resins/Polymers
    • Pigments
    • Equipment
    • Distributors
  • TECHNOLOGIES
    • Adhesives
    • Architectural Coatings
    • FINISHING
      • Finishing News
      • Finishing Technologies
      • Finishing Equipment
      • Finishing Today
    • Industrial Coatings
    • Nanotechnology
    • Powder Coatings
    • Solventborne
    • Special Purpose Coatings
    • Sustainability
    • UV Coatings
    • Waterborne
  • RESOURCES
    • Columns
      • Ask Joe Powder
      • Did you know?
      • Distribution Dive
      • Focus on Canada
      • Formulating With Mike
      • Innovation Insights
      • Moody's Coatings Conundrums
      • Powder Coating Perspectives
      • Target the Market
      • TiO2 Insider
    • Blogs
      • Editor's Viewpoint
      • Industry Insights
    • Coatings Supplier Handbook
    • Podcasts and Videos
      • COAT-IT! Podcast
      • Videos/PCI TV
    • PCI Store
    • Classifieds
    • eBooks
    • Sponsor Insights
    • White Papers
    • COATLE Word Game
  • EVENTS
    • Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit
    • Paint and Coatings Academy
    • Webinars
    • Calendar of Events
    • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Buyer's Guide
    • Equipment Directory
    • Materials Directory
  • EMAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • eMagazine Archive
    • China Issue Archive
    • Editorial Advisory Board
  • CONTACT
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Subscribe to eMagazine
    • Subscribe to eNewsletters
  • SIGN UP!