Coatings World - March 2017

Automotive OEM Coatings

In addition to color trends, Fischer added that the OEM’s regulatory requirements for fuel economy drive light weighting and safety continues to drive changes in the materials and construction methods, which in turn impact what is required from the coating system.

“Ultra-high strength steels, aluminum and magnesium alloys, more plastics and composites including carbon fiber continue to grow and evolve as a percent light vehicle content,” he said. “New alloys and compositions are being developed in each of these categories to create lighter, stronger, more formable materials and each is being targeted where they are able to contribute the most value in terms of weight reduction. This results in multiple materials being used on a given vehicle.

As the material content changes and alloys evolve, coatings must be adjusted to meet the needs of corrosion protection as well as providing a uniform class A finish across the vehicle, Fischer said.

“How these materials react to paint shop conditions such
as thermal expansion needs to be accounted for either in the
design of the vehicle or future paint shop conditions. The dif-
ferences in electric potential of these materials is also a concern
resulting in new methods of joining and fastening to eliminate
galvanic corrosion.”
BASF’s McKeon said that a primary area of focus for the
company is additional functionality of the coatings them-
selves. This includes features such as increased scratch resis-
tance or surfaces that are easier to clean. Heat management
is another important topic, he said, especially when it comes
to electro mobility.

“Our Cool Coatings technology reflects infrared light and
in so doing, reduces the temperature on the automotive surface
and interior,” McKeon said. “This passive temperature manage-
ment reduces heating of the car surface by up to 20°C, which
leads to a reduction of 4°C in the interior of the vehicle. Due to
the savings in air conditioning, fuel consumption can be reduced
or the range of electric cars can be extended. We use the
technology to support our customers in optimizing their
vehicles’ fuel and energy efficiency.”
Paul Czornij, Head of Design
for BASF’s Color Excellence
Group, North America, said
that additional new trends
look to focus both on tradi-
tional and newer, more spe-
cialized developments.
“The colorant optimiza-
tions for higher depth and
brilliance continue to push
color saturation to new lev-
els and meet the ever-rising
consumer interest in more
brilliant looking vehicles.
Innovation in colors con-
tinue to make use of flaked
effect pigments to capture
either a sophisticated elegance with a fine, satiny smooth
look, or with a more pronounced dazzle and three-dimen-
sional appearance. These effect pigments may be optimized
particles in terms of their construction, purity, or particle
uniformity, all of which provide the necessary means for
color designers to combine them in such ways to stay in line
with trending moods and preferences. Recent developments
in pigment-coated synthetic platelets, be they glass, mica, or
other, expand the concept of ‘metallic and pearlescent effect’
to new heights.

“Still another arena is the exploration of pigment functionality to bring out another aspect of trends,” he continued. “Whether by modifying surface texture and gloss, or acting a certain way to invisibly affect a coating’s behavior for heating up in sunlight, pigments that have these properties fall into increased interest as car makers look to meet the more stringent technical demands of carbon footprint reduction, low toxicity, or new transportation means. Ride sharing, self-driving, and eco-efficient vehicles not only mean potential for new color shades, but those that have the ability to provide more than just looks. Look to see color and special effect trends to remain in step with these demands and continue to both beautify and protect.”

Performance needs

Automotive coatings are driven by performance and durability. In order to meet the needs of customers, Fischer said better UV protections along with the ability of coatings to withstand hard road environments – which can inevitably scratch or mar coatings – are a major area of focus. “We focus on ever-improving our clear coats to achieve these objectives,” he said.