Organic coatings: the paradoxical materials

Organic coatings in the 21st century exhibit a number of paradoxes: they are ancient and modern, high tech and low tech, well understood and complete mysteries-all at the same time. They are applied by techniques ranging from Stone Age daubing to robotic spraying. They are tested with pencils, fingernails and coins, but also with lasers and by neutron scattering and secondary ion mass spectrometry. They add protective and decorative value far beyond their cost, yet the users continually demand lower prices. Formulas are in a state of flux as technologies evolve to give better properties and lower emissions of less hazardous solvents. This overview discusses current aspects of formulation, manufacturing, application and testing. The emphasis is on automotive coatings, but other products are considered as well. It presents future trends that will be driven by quality, environmental and economic pressures along with competition from other materials. The paper closes with a series of challenges and opportunities for the coatings industry in a number of areas, including price pressures and e-commerce, formulation, color, pigment dispersion, rheology, mechanical properties, and adhesion.