Influence of weather conditions on the durability of acrylic-polyurethane car coatings in an industrial area

Abstract

The influence of weather conditions on the durability of acrylic-polyurethane car coatings during their exposure to industrial plants (Grupa Azoty, Zakłady Chemiczne "Police" SA) was investigated. The surface structure and the general appearance of the paint coatings (after 16 months of the test) were examined using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope, an optical profilometer and a gloss meter. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study the composition and chemical structure of the coatings. Convex spots of various sizes were observed on the surface of the tested coatings. Quantitative profilometric analysis showed a clear increase in surface roughness. However, the results of the XPS and FTIR tests did not confirm the chemical degradation of the tested samples. It was shown that the convexities observed on the surfaces of the aged coatings were atmospheric deposits consisting mainly of oxygen, calcium, phosphorus, iron, silicon and carbon. Thorough cleaning of the surfaces resulted in their complete removal.