Anti-scratch coating is a type of protective coating or film applied to an object's surface for mitigation against scratches. Scratches are small surface-level cuts left on a surface following interaction with a sharper object. Anti-scratch coatings provide scratch resistances by containing tiny microscopic materials with scratch-resistant properties. Scratch resistance materials come in the form of additives, filters, and binders. Besides materials, scratch resistances is impacted by coating formation techniques. Scratch resistance is measured using the Scratch-hardness test. Commercially, anti-scratch coatings are used in the automotive, optical, photographic, and electronics industries, where resale and/or functionality is impaired by scratches. Anti-scratch coatings are of growing importance as traditional scratch resistance materials like metals and glass are replaced with low-scratch resistant plastics. [1]
Automotive, Optical, and Electronics are major sectors of anti-scratch coatings.
Anti-scratch coatings in the automotive industry maintain a car's appearance and prevent damage of a car's anti-corrosion layer. The anti-corrosion layer protects car metals from environmental harm. Automotive anti-scratch coatings are becoming stronger (from 10 newtons to 15 newtons of protection) to counter scratch resistance lost due to the industry shift from steel to lightweight, but low-scratch resistant plastics and aluminium. Currently, scratch-formation is decreased with a primer and clear coat. The primer is made of polyolefin-resin, while the clear coat contains the additives siloxane and erucamide. [2] [3]
Scratch-resistant coatings are added to glasses due to scratches' extreme ability to impact a wearer's vision. Even when optical glasses are made of high scratch-resistances glass, polycarbonate, or CR-39, coatings are still used. Optical coatings include diamond-like carbon (DLC) and anti-reflective-scratch hybrid coatings. Diamond-like Carbon is a coating that shares diamonds' extreme scratch resistance. Anti-reflective Scratch hybrid coatings contain scratch-resistant additives with anti-reflective coating materials. [4] [5]
In the electronics industry, scratches-resistances coatings are applied to electronic screens to prevent primary fingernails scratches. Screens are made of either polycarbonate (the highest Scratch-resistant plastic) or higher-end glass. Electronics Industry Anti-Scratch coatings often contain the anti-scratch additives siloxane, and the anti-Scratch filters TiO2 (titanium dioxide) and SiO2 (silicon dioxide). The additives and Filters are combined with a Fluorocarbons resin. Fluorocarbon resin is an oleophobic material. Oleophobic materials are materials that repel oils caused by fingerprints. [6]
Anti-scratch coatings are often used on plastic products wherever optical clarity, weathering, and chemical resistance are required. Examples include optical discs, displays, injection-molded parts, gauges and other instruments, mirrors, signs, eye safety/protective goggles, and cosmetic packaging. These coatings are usually water-based or solvent-based.[ citation needed ][ citation needed ]
Scratch-resistant materials are present in anti-Starch coating either as binders, additives, and/or filters. Binder, additives, filters make up Anti-Scratch coating's Thin-film, a thin nano-meter to micro-meter layer applied to a substrate (an object's surface). [7]
In anti-scratch coatings, binders (coatings' glue-like cohesive structure) provide scratch resistance or/and provide structure for scratch resistant additives and filters. [8]
Binders that offer scratch resistances and structure include:
Scratch-resistant coatings use special Scratch-resistant fillers. Fillers are particles that enhance specific functional properties of coatings with/or with binders. Common Scratch-resistant fillers include:
Anti-scratch coatings use additives with specific Scratch-resistant properties. Additives are particles dispersed in a thin film in quantities of less than one percent.
Additives that decrease scratch visibility include:
Additives that lower friction, an important part of Scratch resistance, include:
Additives that control for micro-cracking, a micro-sized step in Scratch formation, include: [13]
Anti-scratch coatings change the substrate's Tribological (Properties resulting from surface-environment interaction) and Mechanical (a material's physical properties) properties. Changed Tribological and Mechanical properties impact Scratch's deformation Mechanisms (microscopic effects of deforming a material), Scratch visibility, friction, and other additional considerations. [14]
Scratch-resistant coatings lessen the impacts of scratches three primary deformation mechanisms: Ironing, micro-cracking, and plowing.
The dislocation of atoms into weaker Atomic planes due to Plowing's plastic deformations. Plowing is when an indenture breaks a material's surface and leaves scratch marks. Anti-Scratch coatings contain filter-based materials with high ductility (ability to withstand plastic deformations) to limit plowing. Plastic deformations occur when the atomic bonds holding atomic planes break, causing the planes to dislocate into weaker positions. Control for plowing is important as every additional plowing event leaves a scratch and greater risk for internal damage, which will decrease products lifespan. [15]
Micro-cracking is micro-sized cracks that form on brittle surfaces due to the jerking indentor movement known as stick-slip. Anti-scratch coatings control for Micro-cracking by containing either filters, binders, or additives with high tensile strength. Recently, anti-scratch research is focusing on nano-cracking, the nanotribical version of microcracking by creating nano-specific additives. [15] [16]
Anti-scratch coatings control scratch ironing by either prolonging or preventing elastic deformations. Elastic deformations are non-permanent stretching of atomic bonds occurring before plastic deformation.
Anti-scratch coatings control elastic deformations, which causes a short-term grooving effect, by decreasing elasticity and increasing ductility. Decreasing elasticity, however, must be balanced since low elasticity causes micro-cracking.
Scratch resistance can also be increased by prolonging the ironing period with yield point materials. Yield point is the point a materials change from elastic to plastic deformations. Higher yield point materials decrease permeant plowing, by increasing non-permeant ironing. [17]
Scratch resistance coatings contain low friction, the sliding resistance force, surfaces. Low friction surfaces are smooth. Smooth surfaces are important since rougher surfaces are scratches prone: as shown by the Archard Wear Equation. [18]
Archard equation:
W: volume of Wear created during a scratch event.
S: The distance during which both objects were in contact with each other.
N: normal force or amount of pressure applied by the indenting object.
H: Hardness of the material, measured by a given coefficient.
K: The Archard Wear dimensionless constant value of 1x108.
Scratch-resistant coatings applied to substrates control for Plastic low-Scratch-Hardness by being coated with non-plastic materials. Plastics contain low-Scratch-Hardness due to plastic's high viscoelasticity (highly viscous and elastic deformations) and low crystallinity (High ordered Structure). [17]
Scratch visibility is impacted by surface grooving. Grooving surrounding a scratch site changes the angle of reflection (direction of light causing waves). When the angle of reflection is greater than 3 percent, scratch's become visible. [17] Anti-scratch coatings control scratch visibility by having a low grooving surface. Besides friction, low grooving surfaces depend on the topology (surface) factors of surface texture (lay) and spacing of irregularities (waviness). Topology is controlled by extreme precision during the coating formation process. [19]
Main section coating formation
Coating formation is the process of coating-substrate adhesion(attachment). Anti-scratch coatings are generally applied via spray (hand or automated), dip, spin, roll or flow coating. Coating Formation uses "Precision factor" to affect topology-dependent Scratch properties. "Precision factors" include additive concentration, coating thickness, and Viscosity.
Most coating types can be cleaned with a non-ammonia based glass cleaner and a soft cloth. [10]
ASTM International, American Society for Testing and Materials, set material testing standards for materials, including Anti-scratch coatings. Most scratch-resistant coatings fall under ASTM standard D7027 - 20 (See External Links). Standard scratch resistance tests involve scratching coatings with a diamond indentor. [20] [21]
A ceramic is any of the various hard, brittle, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant materials made by shaping and then firing an inorganic, nonmetallic material, such as clay, at a high temperature. Common examples are earthenware, porcelain, and brick.
A lubricant is a substance that helps to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact, which ultimately reduces the heat generated when the surfaces move. It may also have the function of transmitting forces, transporting foreign particles, or heating or cooling the surfaces. The property of reducing friction is known as lubricity.
A corrective lens is a transmissive optical device that is worn on the eye to improve visual perception. The most common use is to treat refractive errors: myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Glasses or "spectacles" are worn on the face a short distance in front of the eye. Contact lenses are worn directly on the surface of the eye. Intraocular lenses are surgically implanted most commonly after cataract removal but can be used for purely refractive purposes.
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is the synthetic polymer derived from methyl methacrylate. It is used as an engineering plastic, and it is a transparent thermoplastic. PMMA is also known as acrylic, acrylic glass, as well as by the trade names and brands Crylux, Hesalite, Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, and Perspex, among several others. This plastic is often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It can also be used as a casting resin, in inks and coatings, and for many other purposes.
A thermoplastic, or thermosoftening plastic, is any plastic polymer material that becomes pliable or moldable at a certain elevated temperature and solidifies upon cooling.
Wear is the damaging, gradual removal or deformation of material at solid surfaces. Causes of wear can be mechanical or chemical. The study of wear and related processes is referred to as tribology.
Polycarbonates (PC) are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, tough materials, and some grades are optically transparent. They are easily worked, molded, and thermoformed. Because of these properties, polycarbonates find many applications. Polycarbonates do not have a unique resin identification code (RIC) and are identified as "Other", 7 on the RIC list. Products made from polycarbonate can contain the precursor monomer bisphenol A (BPA).
Bulletproof glass, ballistic glass, transparent armor, or bullet-resistant glass is a strong and optically transparent material that is particularly resistant to penetration by projectiles. Like any other material, it is not completely impenetrable. It is usually made from a combination of two or more types of glass, one hard and one soft. The softer layer makes the glass more elastic, so that it can flex instead of shatter. The index of refraction for all of the glasses used in the bulletproof layers must be almost the same to keep the glass transparent and allow a clear, undistorted view through the glass. Bulletproof glass varies in thickness from 3⁄4 to 3+1⁄2 inches.
A cermet is a composite material composed of ceramic and metal materials.
Galling is a form of wear caused by adhesion between sliding surfaces. When a material galls, some of it is pulled with the contacting surface, especially if there is a large amount of force compressing the surfaces together. Galling is caused by a combination of friction and adhesion between the surfaces, followed by slipping and tearing of crystal structure beneath the surface. This will generally leave some material stuck or even friction welded to the adjacent surface, whereas the galled material may appear gouged with balled-up or torn lumps of material stuck to its surface.
Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is a class of amorphous carbon material that displays some of the typical properties of diamond. DLC is usually applied as coatings to other materials that could benefit from such properties.
A coating is a covering that is applied to the surface of an object, usually referred to as the substrate. The purpose of applying the coating may be decorative, functional, or both. Coatings may be applied as liquids, gases or solids e.g. Powder coatings.
Physical vapor deposition (PVD), sometimes called physical vapor transport (PVT), describes a variety of vacuum deposition methods which can be used to produce thin films and coatings on substrates including metals, ceramics, glass, and polymers. PVD is characterized by a process in which the material transitions from a condensed phase to a vapor phase and then back to a thin film condensed phase. The most common PVD processes are sputtering and evaporation. PVD is used in the manufacturing of items which require thin films for optical, mechanical, electrical, acoustic or chemical functions. Examples include semiconductor devices such as thin-film solar cells, microelectromechanical devices such as thin film bulk acoustic resonator, aluminized PET film for food packaging and balloons, and titanium nitride coated cutting tools for metalworking. Besides PVD tools for fabrication, special smaller tools used mainly for scientific purposes have been developed.
Nanotechnology is impacting the field of consumer goods, several products that incorporate nanomaterials are already in a variety of items; many of which people do not even realize contain nanoparticles, products with novel functions ranging from easy-to-clean to scratch-resistant. Examples of that car bumpers are made lighter, clothing is more stain repellant, sunscreen is more radiation resistant, synthetic bones are stronger, cell phone screens are lighter weight, glass packaging for drinks leads to a longer shelf-life, and balls for various sports are made more durable. Using nanotech, in the mid-term modern textiles will become "smart", through embedded "wearable electronics", such novel products have also a promising potential especially in the field of cosmetics, and has numerous potential applications in heavy industry. Nanotechnology is predicted to be a main driver of technology and business in this century and holds the promise of higher performance materials, intelligent systems and new production methods with significant impact for all aspects of society.
Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are advanced materials systems usually applied to metallic surfaces on parts operating at elevated temperatures, such as gas turbine combustors and turbines, and in automotive exhaust heat management. These 100 μm to 2 mm thick coatings of thermally insulating materials serve to insulate components from large and prolonged heat loads and can sustain an appreciable temperature difference between the load-bearing alloys and the coating surface. In doing so, these coatings can allow for higher operating temperatures while limiting the thermal exposure of structural components, extending part life by reducing oxidation and thermal fatigue. In conjunction with active film cooling, TBCs permit working fluid temperatures higher than the melting point of the metal airfoil in some turbine applications. Due to increasing demand for more efficient engines running at higher temperatures with better durability/lifetime and thinner coatings to reduce parasitic mass for rotating/moving components, there is significant motivation to develop new and advanced TBCs. The material requirements of TBCs are similar to those of heat shields, although in the latter application emissivity tends to be of greater importance.
Filler materials are particles added to resin or binders that can improve specific properties, make the product cheaper, or a mixture of both. The two largest segments for filler material use is elastomers and plastics. Worldwide, more than 53 million tons of fillers are used every year in application areas such as paper, plastics, rubber, paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. As such, fillers, produced by more than 700 companies, rank among the world's major raw materials and are contained in a variety of goods for daily consumer needs. The top filler materials used are ground calcium carbonate (GCC), precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), kaolin, talc, and carbon black. Filler materials can affect the tensile strength, toughness, heat resistance, color, clarity, etc. A good example of this is the addition of talc to polypropylene. Most of the filler materials used in plastics are mineral or glass based filler materials. Particulates and fibers are the main subgroups of filler materials. Particulates are small particles of filler that are mixed in the matrix where size and aspect ratio are important. Fibers are small circular strands that can be very long and have very high aspect ratios.
Dry lubricants or solid lubricants are materials that, despite being in the solid phase, are able to reduce friction between two surfaces sliding against each other without the need for a liquid oil medium.
In materials science ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are a subgroup of composite materials and a subgroup of ceramics. They consist of ceramic fibers embedded in a ceramic matrix. The fibers and the matrix both can consist of any ceramic material, including carbon and carbon fibers.
Surface integrity is the surface condition of a workpiece after being modified by a manufacturing process. The term was coined by Michael Field and John F. Kahles in 1964.
A superhydrophobic coating is a thin surface layer that repels water. It is made from superhydrophobic (ultrahydrophobicity) materials. Droplets hitting this kind of coating can fully rebound. Generally speaking, superhydrophobic coatings are made from composite materials where one component provides the roughness and the other provides low surface energy.