The effect of polyurethane-isophorone microcapsules on self-healing properties of an automotive clearcoat

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to prepare a catalyst-free microcapsules as self-healing agent in an automotive clearcoat to improve the scratch resistance of coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, microcapsule with isophorone diisocyanate (IDPI) core and polyurethane shell were prepared and used in self-healing coatings. Microcapsules synthesised were characterised by thermal gravimeter and infrared spectra. The microcapsules were dispersed in an acrylic-melamine clearcoat, and the scratch resistance was evaluated.

Findings

The triplex product and the formed polyurethane bonds were confirmed by thermal gravimeter and infrared spectra. In addition, smooth spherical particles with a diameter of 1.5 to 1.7 micronmeters were observed by a scanning electron microscope. The microcapsules dispersed in an acrylic-melamine clearcoat increased the scratch resistance of coatings. Also, the self-healing feature of those coatings was proved.

Research limitations/implications

The size of microcapsules can affect its dispersion in the clearcoat and consequently affect the properties of the cured films.

Practical implications

The self-healing coatings are interested for many industries such as building and automotive industries. The reported data can be used by the formulators working in the R & D departments.

Social implications

Self-healing systems are considered as one of the smart coatings. Therefore, the developing of its knowledge can help to extend its usage to different applications.

Originality/value

The application of microcapsules in the coating as healing agents is a great challenge, which has been hardly investigated so far. In the current research, the effect of polyurethane-IDPI microcapsules in an automotive clearcoat as a self-healing coating was investigated.

Citation

Kardar, P. (2016), "The effect of polyurethane-isophorone microcapsules on self-healing properties of an automotive clearcoat", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 45 No. 2, pp. 73-78. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-03-2015-0033