Block Copolymer Topcoat for Enhanced Chromaticity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multilayer coatings in the automotive industry do not consistently achieve excellent coloristic properties, particularly in terms of chromaticity and chroma values, and often require multiple steps and additional layers, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer coating system comprising a first coating layer and a topcoat layer formed from a block copolymer with distinct blocks and side chains, applied using a method that includes a pigmented basecoat and a clearcoat composition containing the block copolymer, which enhances chromaticity and reduces the number of necessary steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional multilayer coatings are used, then basic coating coverage is achieved, but chromaticity and chroma values are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the topcoat by incorporating block copolymers with specific polymeric moieties (polysiloxane, polystyrene, polyether, polyester, poly(meth)acrylate) to enhance chromaticity. This changes the material parameters to achieve C*average chroma values of at least 40, resolving the contradiction between basic coverage and superior coloristic properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite block copolymer structures combining different polymeric moieties (e.g., polysiloxane with polystyrene, or polyether with polyester) in a single topcoat formulation. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of excellent chromaticity, transparency, and color stability without requiring additional coating layers.
2Reliability
If multiple coating layers and conventional clearcoat are applied, then adequate protection and coverage are achieved, but the number of steps and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the topcoat and conventional clearcoat into a single topcoat layer containing block copolymer. This eliminates the need for a separate clearcoat application step while maintaining both protective functions and enhanced chromaticity, reducing the total coating process from multiple steps to a simplified sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The block copolymer topcoat performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the base color layer, delivers superior chromaticity (C*average ≥ 40), maintains transparency in the visible spectrum, and provides protective clearcoat functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized layers, reducing process complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a multilayer coating system present on a substrate and including at least two coating layers L1 and L2 different from one another, namely a first coating layer L1 applied over at least a portion of the substrate, and a second topcoat layer L2 applied over the first coating layer L1, where the topcoat layer L2 is formed from a coating composition including at least one block copolymer containing a backbone and at least two blocks B1 and B2 and side chains S1 and S2 including different polymeric moieties M1 and M2. Also disclosed herein are a method of preparing said multilayer coating system, a coated substrate obtainable therefrom, and a method of using a coating composition including the block copolymer for improving, in particular for increasing, the chromaticity of the multilayer coating system.