Weathering Performance Advantages of Mold-In-Color Acrylic Versus Coated Plastics for Exterior Trim Applications

摘要

Traditional exterior automotive trim parts manufactured from painted metal had previously been replaced by coated plastic for weight savings and design flexibility. Unfortunately, these systems have many problems such as environmental concerns and they often display poor weathering performance. This paper will explore the actual outdoor weathering performance of multiple plastic technologies used for exterior trim including various coatings and Mold-In-Color acrylic. Five-year-old parts from the field were photographed alongside new parts to visualize change in appearance. Next the specimens were analyzed for change in color and specular gloss. Finally the parts were analyzed for changes in surface chemistry via infrared spectroscopy. This paper shows that technologies used to protect plastics that are not weatherable may experience deterioration after 5 years of outdoor usage. Besides superior weathering performance, environmental advantages of Mold-In-Color acrylic include the elimination of the VOC emissions associated with painting or coating. Mold-In-Color acrylics also allow easy recycling of both manufacturing scrap and post-consumer parts.