The scratch resistance of automotive clear coats has been investigated by using a new type of single scratch test apparatus. The testing was performed by applying a progressive indenter load during scratching. The data of both the reflow phenomena as well as the onset of brittle fracture were used as characteristic features of the coating failure. The scratch pattern and failure varied systematically with the type of coating. The differences between the coatings performance could be correlated with characteristic physical and mechanical properties of the bulk coating materials. The results infer the potential of the combination of single scratch data with bulk material properties for the understanding of the scratch (mar) resistance of coatings.
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