Preparation of surface energy controlled automotive clearcoats loaded with functional silicon additives: Studying the resistance against tree gum attack

The aim of this study is enhancing an automotive clearcoat easy-to-clean property against simulated tree gum (Arabic gum) using hydroxyl-functional silicone polyacrylate additives having different hydroxyl contents. The clearcoat surface, mechanical and chemical properties were studied using a contact angle measuring device, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) respectively. It was found that additive with lower hydroxyl content gave rise to better easy-to-clean properties of the clearcoat against Arabic gum. This additive also resulted in lower contact angles and higher cross-linking density, tensile stress and work of break of the clearcoat.