Polymer Sealants (Rev)

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Polymer:

Definition [: from the Greek: πολυ, polu, many; and μέρος, meros; part, a chemical compound with many repeating structural unit, or monomers]

Chemical definition [: a polymer is a large molecule (macromolecule) composed of repeating structural units typically connected by covalent chemical bonds. While polymer in popular usage suggests plastic, the term actually refers to a large class of natural and synthetic materials with a variety of properties and purposes]

Polymerization [: the “uniting of two or more monomers to form a polymer.” In other words, polymerization involves the formation of chains of monomers to form a polymer. The nature and relative arrangement of the monomers that form the polymer influences the properties of the polymer]

• Polyurethane coatings are used today as architectural coatings, product finishes, automotive coatings and industrial maintenance coatings, making them among the most versatile coating type available. Polyurethane topcoats were introduced to the industrial maintenance and marine market in the mid-1970s as part of a corrosion protection system. The topcoat provides excellent weathering properties, i.e., good gloss retention and non-yellowing characteristics upon exposure to sunlight. When used in a basecoat/clear coat combination, the weathering performance has been reported to be outstanding. They can also be formulated to provide good abrasion resistance, hydrolytic stability and resistance to a variety of solvents and chemicals. Polyurethane topcoats have evolved over the years into a coating technology that can be formulated to give low-VOC, productivity-enhancing, long-lasting, cost-effective coatings.

There are a very large number of polymer formulations (approximately 30,000) Sealants distinguish themselves by the type of chemically engineered polymer and the emulsions used in the product. The molecular structure of all polymers is based on a chain of carbon atoms, chemically - it is a molecule formed by the chemical union of five or more identical combining units called monomers.

Descriptions such as synthetic polymer or a cross-linked polymer formulation are purely marketing terms. When it comes to product marketing and technical specifications, it is also important to realize that all companies must keep secure their proprietary information and agreements. Without this, no business would have the incentive to develop new products, expand their market, stay competitive, and ultimately - exist. Companies also rely on the fact that most that purchase their product have little or no knowledge of the chemicals used or there effects.

A non-organic based wax formulated from polymers used to seal paint with a thin hard barrier. They are very durable and provide a very bright, but flat silvery shine. This type of product is a compromise as it does provide durability but lacks the properties of a Carnauba wax lacking both colour and depth, and because of a polymer's inherent Covalent (molecular) structure it cannot mimic the properties of a Carnauba wax. (See also Polymer Carnauba wax Differences)

If not properly engineered, polymer sealants may crack, yellow or distort the optics of the paint surface. Most quality polymer based sealants contain amine (reactive alkoxy group) as well as a blend of resins and a small percentage of wax. Sealants distinguish themselves by the type of chemically engineered polymer that is used, and the ingredients formulated in the emulsion system suspending the polymers, as well as the other combination of ingredients in the product.

The development of modern polymeric sealants coincided with the development of the polymer industry itself; sometime in the early ‘30’s.Common sealants include silicones, acrylics, urethanes, butyls and other polymeric types (reference - Wikipeidia on Sealants). Since the bonding or cross-linking of polymers increases the toughness and strength of the material, it makes sense that the cross-linking of polymers is an essential element of modern synthetic automobile sealants.

Polymers used in sealants require a paint surface to form a molecular bond; they don't do well when asked to bond to metal to provide protection. A clear coat (paint) has porosity, so they bond very well and provide the intended protection. Since clear coat paint has porosity, a durable bond is formed and provides the intended protection.

The molecular structure of all polymers are based on a chain of carbon atoms, chemically it is a molecule formed by the chemical union of five or more identical combining units called monomers. A non-organic based wax formulated from polymers used to seal paint with a thin hard barrier. They are very durable and provide a very bright, but flat silvery shine. This type of product is a compromise as it does provide durability but lacks the properties of a Carnauba (Brasil) wax lacking both colour and depth, and because of a polymer's inherent Covalent (molecular) structure it cannot mimic the properties of a Carnauba wax.

What is a polymer sealant? An over-simplified version; it comprises an open linked molecule, which forms a monocular bond with the paint; these open linked polymer molecules join together to create an elongated mesh like effect that reflects light efficiently due to their inherent flat surface. Because they are usually very transparent they transmit the surface colour faithfully, but they have very little depth resulting in what is perceived as a very bright, flat silver glow, polymers (Zaino, Klasse, Rejex, etc) Some paint sealants contain wax; the longevity of a paint sealant is due to the type of silicone (usually amino-functional silicone) that is used in its formulation. Polymers sealants require a paint to form a convalescent (molecular) bond (usually 12-24 hours); they will not bond directly to metal to provide protection The molecular structure of all polymers are based on a chain of carbon atoms, chemically it is a molecule formed by the chemical union of five or more identical combining units called monomers. A non-organic based wax formulated from polymers used to seal paint with a thin hard barrier. They are very durable and provide a very bright, but flat silvery shine. This type of product is a compromise as it does provide durability but lacks the properties of a Carnauba (Brasil) wax lacking both colour and depth, and because of a polymer's inherent Covalent (molecular) structure it cannot mimic the properties of a Carnauba wax.

Silicone (Siloxane) oils - are polymers that include silicone together with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes other chemical elements, which provide an excellent lubricant that when used as a carrier system in polishes and waxes that makes them easier to apply and remove When used in paints and other coatings it ensures an even flow through a spray nozzle ensuring an even product distribution. It not silicone that you need worry about, just the 'type' (what it’s formulated with) you need to be aware of. Silicone oils provide an excellent lubricant that when used as a carrier system in polishes and waxes that makes them easier to apply and remove When used in paints and other coatings it ensures an even flow through a spray nozzle ensuring an even product distribution.

DuPont Teflon® PTFE [: a polymer of the monomer tetrafluoroethylene]

Is not as many people assume a spin-off from space exploration, as it was first discovered in 1938, Teflon® will help ‘spread ability’ (but then so do silicone oils) but it does nothing for durability because of its required application method, although Teflon® is an exceptional product when used as intended; it provides no benefit in a wax or polish. Teflon is a powder that melts at 600.oF or dissolves in fluorinated solvents such as Freon. Those are the only known ways to liquefy Teflon. If it cannot be made into a liquid it cannot stay on a surface.

Polymer sealants - a non-organic based wax formulated from polymers used to seal paint with a thin hard barrier. They are very durable and provide a very bright, but flat silvery shine. This type of product is a compromise as it does provide durability but lacks the properties of a Carnauba wax lacking both colour and depth, and because of a polymer's inherent structure it cannot mimic the properties of a Carnauba wax. (See also Polymer Carnauba wax Differences)

Acrylic (polymer) sealants: The molecular structure of all polymers are based on a chain of carbon atoms, chemically it is a molecule formed by the chemical union of five or more identical combining units called monomers. Polyacrylate - a group of polymers which could be referred to as plastics generally, they are noted for their transparency. Some acrylate monomers (the components of the polymers) used to form acrylate polymers may be acrylic acid, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate or methyl acrylate. With polyethylene-acrylics, there is no reaction and it is more like a lacquer that dries.

These products contain polyethylene-acrylic acid that causes minor etching of the paint, which enables a modified ‘molecular’ bonding with the paint surface, which in turn results in durability versus just using a polyethylene based products. Zaino and Dura Gloss are two examples of acrylic polymers, which produce a ‘clear bright shine’. Klasse or Werkstatt (acrylic polymers) tend to produce a ‘liquid glow’. The acrylic paint solvent carrier system allows the dense molecule to spread and cross-link forming a hard protective surface. Fracture/evaporation temperatures - 265 – 285.oF (130 – 140.°C)

Nanotechnology Coatings: [: extremely small technology at the nanometres scale, 10-9 nm (SI prefix)]

Nanotechnology refers to the study, creation and application of molecular materials. Nanotechnology is usually applied to polymers that enable a very tight monocular bond with the undulating surface of most substrates (paint and metal surfaces) as they all have many micro fissures when viewed under high magnification. These micro fissures allow nanotechnology coatings to form a very secure bond with the surface, enabling durability. Nanotechnology coatings micro-particle size is smaller than that of water, resulting in a hydrophobic (water-resistant) surface

Application

The secret to the application of a polymer product and to obtain optimum results: is to apply it thin (super thin) fill a spray bottle and mist a foam pad for application. It cannot be emphasized enough ‘Apply products very sparingly’ Ease of product removal is inversely proportional (less product easier removal) to the amount used (0.5 – 1.0 oz should be sufficient for most vehicles) Using an ultra soft foam (CCS Gold 100 PPI foam pad) – a very soft, imported foam is ideal for applying an ultra thin coat of polymer sealant, the foam works especially well when applying sealants because it is firm enough to keep the majority of the product on the paint, rather than soaking it up

Cross-linking – requires a porous surface to bond to, polymers initially adhere by surface tension and then after a period in which the solvents /oils in the carrier system vaporize (outgas) the polymers cross-link to form a covalent (molecular) bond to the surface. Chemical cross-linking tends to increase strength and toughness and consists of the formation of chemical bonds between chains, it’s the attachment of two chains of polymer molecules by bridges, composed of either an element, a group, or a compound, that join certain carbon atoms of the chains by primary chemical bonds. Cross-linking has the effect of changing a plastic from thermoplastic to thermosetting. Thus, it also increases strength, heat and electrical resistance, and especially resistance to solvents and other chemicals .A polymer normally requires a period of 24 hours if the ambient (outside) temperature is lower than 70.oF and 6 hours if above 70.oF, before applying any subsequent products.

All (polymer based) sealants require cure time before you can apply an additional coat with good results. The time a polymer takes to form a monocular bond and / or if additional layers can be applied depends on a number of factors, including the type and amount of solvent used, the type of polymers, and other ingredients used in the emulsion system suspending the polymers. If the polymers are not cured you will not achieve durability, it will smear and become difficult to use. Although polymers in Carnauba waxes are not generally of a type that cross-link, categorical statements that Carnauba waxes do not contain cross linking polymers may not be without exception

Time-line - it typically requires a period of between 12 -24 hours to cross-link, meaning that the product forms a covalent (molecular) bond with the surface it’s applied too, it becomes stable and inert so that its chemistry will not be effected by water or the application of other products The polymer layer comprises long molecules that lay on the top of the much smaller paint molecule. A covalent (molecular) bond is formed when polymers cross-link resulting in a solid, durable protective layer.

Reflectivity – a polymer films reflectivity results in a very bright, flat silver glow to the paint film surface. Polymers are hydrophobic, water beading is caused by high surface tension; `water sheeting' is due to the Covalent (molecular) structure of polymers. Polymer sealants also have greater life expectancy and a much higher fracture/evaporation point than Carnauba wax, dependant upon the percentage and type of polymer in the formula With a sound understanding of the technique and a good process can get excellent results even with a mediocre product. A first quality product used without the proper surface preparation or application technique will never obtain a satisfactory result. With the proper methodology (surface preparation, using a quality product, along with the correct application technique) will ensure an excellent result.

Paint cleaning - for a pristine paint film surface after the application of detailer’s clay or polishing, use a chemical paint cleaner (Zaino or Klasse All-In-One) to ensure the surface is clean and the sub-surface is free of any grease or other residue, this will ensure durability

The presence of oil or water - inhibits the cross-linking process of a polymer or linking together of the chains (monomers or building blocks) to form a ‘structure’ by acting as a barrier and will compromise its strength, durability, cross-linking and adherence. Be sure that the surface of the vehicle can be left undisturbed from rain and water (this includes QD sprays as they comprise approx. 90% water) for 12-24 hours to enable cross-linking or the surface protection may be compromised. These components are heat and detergent resistant and anti-corrosive in that they resist the effects of acid rain, airborne pollution and bird excrement. It is applied as a liquid, and works its way into the microscopic gaps and valleys of the paint film surface via the carrier system (solvents).

A Carnauba wax will bond to a cross-linked polymer; conversely if a polymer is applied on top of Carnauba wax the cross-linking / bonding may be compromised. Although I would not state categorically that a product that is formulated with oils will abort the cross linking or bonding process of a polymer just that the process may not be as complete, and its strength and durability maybe affected. (See also Cross-linking and Adherence)

Multiple ‘layers’ - (3-4 is considered optimum) will achieve an even deeper, wetter-looking, ultra high gloss. When you’ve reached the level of enhancement you’re satisfied with you could add a Carnauba wax last step product (LSP) and use a quick detailer (QD) spray for normal maintenance care.

Process - the presence of oil or water may inhibit the cross-linking process of a polymer or linking together of the chains (monomers or building blocks) to form a ‘structure’ by acting as a barrier and will compromise its strength, durability, drying time, and bonding. Polymers sealants require a porous surface to form a convalescent (molecular) bond to (usually 12-24 hours); they will not bond directly to metal to provide protection Ensure that the surface of the vehicle can be left undisturbed and free from rain and water (condensation, dew, etc) until the polymer has cross-linked or the surface protection may be compromised.

To provide a ‘clean’ oil-free paint surface to enable proper cross-linking use a polish that does not leave behind oils, or use an Isopropyl alcohol / distilled water ‘wipe-down’ or a chemical type paint cleaner (AIO) Avoid were possible any moisture as the active ingredients (i.e. what is left behind in the form of a film after application) will be diluted or washed out, negatively affecting its durability. That's why you should avoid rain, even morning dew with any curing sealant layers for at least 12-72 hours (product dependent). So, when you spray water on to a curing sealant, you are compromising its durability.

Fracture/evaporation temperatures - Polymers 350.oF (176.°C) Acrylic resin 265 – 285.oF (130 – 140.°C) The term "melting point" when applied to polymers suggests not a solid-liquid phase transition but a transition from a crystalline or semi-crystalline phase to a solid amorphous phase. Melting temperature though abbreviated as simply Tm the property in question is more properly called the "crystalline melting temperature". Among synthetic polymers, crystalline melting is only discussed with regards to thermoplastics, as thermosetting polymers will decompose at high temperatures rather than melt.

Polymer application- it cannot be emphasized enough ‘Apply products very sparingly’

Ease of product removal is inversely proportional (less product easier removal) to the amount used Using an ultra soft Gold LC CCS primed pad will ensure a micro thin layer (0.5-1.0 oz should be sufficient for most vehicles)

Hazing (Wax / Polymer Sealant) - sSmearing or a dull look to the paint film surface after removing residue usually occurs when there is an excess of product applied in high humidity conditions and moisture is trapped between the fast drying top layer and the lower layer of the hydroscopic wax. Before removing product residue perform a ‘swipe test’ by swiping your finger across the paint surface, if it’s dry and the product doesn’t smear, remove residue by buffing with a clean dry micro fibre towel. The paint films surface temperature being cooler than the outside air accelerates this process by allowing the top layer of wax to harden before the lower level. To avoid this allow more time for the wax to completely set-up (dry) before removal. Alternatively lightly spray the surface with distilled water, the excess wax will adhere to the water droplets and can then be wiped away with 100% cotton micro fibre towel

Carnauba wax over a Polymer sealant - some detailers find that a polymer sealant tends have a flat, silvered mirror look. Adding a Carnauba wax to the surface provides depth of shine, gloss, jetting (the so called ‘wet look’) and a warmth to the paint surfaces overall look. Bear in mind that how a paint surface ‘looks’ is very subjective

Bonding - Carnauba wax will bond to a cross-linked polymer; conversely if a polymer is applied on top of Carnauba wax the cross-linking / bonding may be compromised. Although I would not state categorically that a product that is formulated with oils will abort the cross linking or bonding process of a polymer just that the process may not be as complete, and its strength and durability maybe affected. (See also Cross-linking and Adherence)

Carnauba wax- when applied to a surface will not adhere properly on its own, solvents and miscible oils are added to enable it to spread evenly to the surface. Natural and synthetic waxes initially adhere by surface tension; the balance of the adherence process is that it works its way via the carrier system (solvent and / or oils) into the microscopic gaps and valleys of the paint film surface thereby creating a mechanical anchor, a wax does not form a covalent (molecular) bond to the surface.

Polymer sealant - need a porous surface to bond to, they initially adhere by surface tension and then after a period in which the solvents /oils in the carrier system vaporize (outgas) the polymers cross-link to form a covalent (molecular) bond to the surface. This process usually requires 12-24 hours, which are time and temperature and / or humidity dependent. As can be seen from the above a polymer must form a molecular bond with the paint surface before the application of a Carnauba wax, otherwise the solvent carrier system that are formulated in the wax may compromise the bonding and durability of the polymer sealant (See also Polymer - Carnauba wax differences )

Note - I can only comment on what the product manufacturer states his product contains, and first-hand knowledge of how it performs, otherwise I might be subject to litigation

When it comes to product marketing and technical specifications, it is also important to realize that all companies must keep secure their proprietary information and agreements. Without this, no business would have the incentive to develop new products, expand their market, stay competitive, and ultimately - exist.

[Article revised / updated: 11/24/08]

Information resource

1.The Biology Project , Department of Biochemistry and Covalent (molecular) Biophysics

2.The University of Arizona , Revised: January 28, 2003

3.The Vinyl Institute Information

4.The Royal Society of Chemistry; Cambridge, 1995 Silicon-Containing Polymers Richard, G.Jones

5.Glossary of Chemical Terms - Faculty of Chemical Technology

6.The Basics of Silicone Chemistry - Dow Corning

7.Wikipedia Dictionary - http://en.wikipedia.org/

8.Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition - http://info.britannica.co.uk

9.“Automotive Detailing Inside & Out, A Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist"– by Jon Miller

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