Anti-scratch coating provides surface protection against damage through specialized microscopic materials. These protective layers shield objects from cuts and scratches while maintaining optical clarity and functionality[1].
Core Technology and Applications
Anti-scratch coatings employ three key components: binders, additives, and filters that form a thin protective film measuring just nanometers to micrometers thick[1]. The automotive, optical, and electronics industries rely heavily on these coatings to preserve product value and performance[1].
Automotive Protection Systems
Modern vehicles use dual-layer protection combining a polyolefin-resin primer with a clear coat containing siloxane and erucamide. These coatings now deliver 15 newtons of protection, up from 10 newtons previously, countering the reduced scratch resistance of lightweight materials like aluminum and plastics[1].
Optical Applications
Vision-critical items like eyewear receive specialized treatments including diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings that mirror diamond’s scratch resistance. Hybrid coatings combine scratch protection with anti-reflective properties, even enhancing naturally resistant materials like polycarbonate and CR-39[1].
Material Composition
Advanced Binding Agents
The coating’s structure relies on ceramic and resin-based binders that provide both protection and a foundation for other components. Key materials include:
- Polysilazanes
- Diamond-like carbon
- Epoxy compounds
- Polycarbonate
- Polyethylene[1]
Protective Elements
The coating incorporates specialized additives like siloxane and eruamides in concentrations under one percent. These work alongside filters like aluminum oxide hydroxide to enhance scratch resistance while maintaining optical clarity[1].
Performance Factors
Resistance Mechanisms
The coating fights damage through three main approaches:
- Controlling plastic deformation through high-ductility materials
- Preventing micro-cracks with tensile-strength enhancing compounds
- Managing elastic deformation through optimized elasticity and ductility balance[1]
Surface Engineering
Coating effectiveness depends on precise application techniques including spray, dip, spin, roll or flow methods. Surface smoothness proves crucial, as reflection angles over 3 percent make scratches visible[1].
Maintenance
These protective layers can be maintained using non-ammonia glass cleaners and soft cloths, preserving their protective properties while maintaining clarity[1].
Citations:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-scratch_coating
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.