Fluorinated Polyether Coatings for Scratch and Acid Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coating compositions for automotive painting and refinishing lack the combination of high scratch resistance, low dirt tendency, easy cleanability, and excellent chemical and acid resistance, while also requiring stress crack resistance in thick layers without ecological issues during application.

Innovation Solution

Non-aqueous coating compositions containing polyhydroxyl groups, isocyanate and silane groups, and a catalyst for silane crosslinking, with an additional isocyanate group-containing component having a perfluoroalkyl group, which enhances scratch resistance and gloss retention while maintaining low dirt tendency and easy cleanability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fluorinated components are used to reduce dirt tendency and improve cleanability, then the coating has low surface energy and easy cleanability, but scratch resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeasy cleanabilityVSAvoidscratch resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite crosslinking system combining silane crosslinking (for scratch resistance and hardness) with fluorinated polyether crosslinking (for low surface energy and easy cleanability). This composite approach allows both properties to coexist in the same coating matrix without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The fluorinated components are specifically designed to migrate to the coating surface to provide low surface energy and easy cleanability, while the silane crosslinked network maintains the bulk mechanical properties and scratch resistance. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between surface functionality and bulk mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If silane crosslinking is used to improve scratch resistance, then the coating has high crosslink density and scratch resistance, but adhesion to subsequent coatings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescratch resistanceVSAvoidadhesion to subsequent coatings
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the crosslinking kinetics by adjusting catalyst concentration and curing temperature profiles. This allows the silane crosslinking to proceed at a controlled rate, forming a network that maintains adhesion while achieving the desired scratch resistance. The gradual crosslinking prevents excessive brittleness that would compromise adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If high crosslink density is achieved for scratch resistance, then the coating has excellent mechanical properties, but stress crack resistance in thick layers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescratch resistanceVSAvoidstress crack resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a gradient in crosslink density within the coating thickness. The silane crosslinking is more pronounced in the upper layers for scratch resistance, while the lower layers near the substrate maintain slightly lower crosslink density to accommodate thermal expansion and stress, preventing crack propagation in thick coatings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If fluorinated components are used to reduce dirt tendency, then the coating has low surface energy, but chemical and acid resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow dirt tendencyVSAvoidchemical and acid resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines fluorinated polyether crosslinkers (providing low surface energy) with silane crosslinked networks (providing chemical and acid resistance). The silane network forms a dense, chemically resistant matrix that protects the underlying fluorinated components while allowing the surface to maintain its low energy properties for dirt resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The coating compositions achieve high scratch resistance, excellent chemical and acid resistance, and stress crack resistance in thick layers, while being environmentally friendly and easy to reproduce, with improved weather stability and acid resistance.

Implementation Method 1

at least one catalyst (D) for the crosslinking of silane groups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation polymerization:

Implementation Method 2

component (A) containing polyhydroxyl groups and at least one component (B1) containing isocyanate and silane groups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAddition reaction:

Implementation Method 3

component (B2) having at least one perfluoroalkyl group of the formula (I)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorine-carbon bond effect:

Data Source

PatentEP3230335B1Coating compositions and coatings prepared from these and their use
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 BASF COATINGS GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to non-aqueous coating material compositions containing (A) at least one polyhydroxyl group-containing component (A); (B1) at least one isocyanate and silane group-containing component (B1); and (D) at least one catalyst (D) for the cross-linking of silane groups, characterized in that they (B2) comprise at least one isocyanate group-containing component (B2) which is different from component (B1) and comprises in addition at least one perfluoroalkyl group of the formula (I) CR1 3-(CR2 2)f-, wherein R1, R2 are independently from one another H, F and/or CF3, but R1 and R2 cannot be simultaneously H, and f = 1 to 20, preferably f = 3 to 11, particularly preferably f = 5 to 7. The invention further relates to coatings produced from these coating material compositions and the use thereof.