Characterizing physical properties of coating surfaces : Mar resistance and surface structure

Mar resistance and surface structure (appearance) are two of the most important physical properties to characterize the mechanical and optical quality of a coating system. In this paper the relevant measuring techniques are discussed using typical examples reflecting the current status of application in the automotive and coatings industry. Especially the techniques to determine the mar resistance were recently improved (single scratch tests) giving additional results in characterizing the mechanical behavior of coatings. In addition, surface structure measurements on coatings for plastics are shown. These investigations are of particular interest due to the fact that plastics are more and more used as exterior car parts.