BASF Develops Innovative Clearcoat For Automotive Application

BASF, a chemical company, has developed iGloss clearcoat that offers higher gloss and fewer scratches for an automotive finish when compared to conventional coatings.

Standard clearcoats used for cars are entirely made of organic materials known as polymers. However, iGloss combines organic and inorganic materials in a hybrid nanostructure. Depending on the application areas, 90 to 95% of the hybrid structure includes organic material, which mainly forms the paint matrix. This composition contributes to the elasticity and flexibility of a car finish and offers a superior weathering resistance. The clearcoat also consists of 5 to 10% of the inorganic material, which is implanted in the organic matrix. The silicate nanoclusters are hard and include a small number of atoms, which are spread all over the coating in a dense and homogenous manner. The nanostructures help to achieve a significant level of long-term scratch resistance. The organic and inorganic materials are bonded elastically, allowing the innovative iGloss clearcoat to instantly spring back to nearly 90%, when it is hit by any external factors like bristles of a wash brush. This effect is known as instant reflow or elastic recovery.

BASF's new clearcoat produces microscratches that are considerably flatter and less visible. In addition, the iGloss coating provides excellent resistance to rain, sun and temperature fluctuations. Tests have revealed that the car surfaces coated with BASF's iGloss retains its glossy finish for nearly twice as long as coated with conventional clearcoats. Thus, with the use of BASF's clearcoat, cars can retain their new glossy appearance for a longer time and also allows vehicles to maintain their value for an extensive period. iGloss can be used with the existing paints without making any changes in its composition.

SOURCE: BASF