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.
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.