Durability prediction of p‐urethane clearcoats using infrared p(hoto) a(coustic) s(pectroscopy)

Abstract

The durability of topcoats is dependent on a large number of factors as polymer composition, stabilization package and the conditions during the weathering process. For obvious reasons prediction of the long-term (5-10 year) durability of coatings is very important. The rate-determining factor for the degradation of PUR coatings is photo-oxidation. The photo-oxidation rate is controlled by the polymer structure but also stabilizers as HALS has a large influence. The prediction of the durability of clearcoats is based on tracing of the photooxidation rate and of the HALS longevity during exposure. The photo-oxidation rate is measured using FTIR-PAS. The results show that degradation can be detected much earlier compared with classical methods as gloss loss. Moreover detection of differences between systems after short exposure times as well as prediction of the long-term durability are possible.