In-situ nanoparticle formation in polymer clear coats

Abstract

Methods and compositions for forming a transparent clear coat characterized by a desired property, such as a color effect, resistance to UV light-induced degradation and/or scratch resistance, on a substrate are detailed according to embodiments of the present invention. Particular compositions and methods for producing a transparent clear coat layer include nanoparticles formed in-situ during curing of a transparent clear coat. Curable clear coat compositions are described according to embodiments of the present invention which include one or more substantially dissolved nanoparticle precursors.

1 . A composition for forming a transparent coating layer on a substrate, the transparent coating having a color effect, resistance to UV light-induced degradation and/or scratch resistance, comprising:
 a curable clear coat material comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of: aminoplasts, melamine formaldehydes, carbamates, polyurethanes, epoxies, polycarbonates, alkyds, polyamides, polyolefins, phenolic resins, polyesters, polysiloxanes; and combinations of any of these, the curable clear coat material having a first nanoparticle precursor substantially dissolved therein.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a second nanoparticle precursor. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the first nanoparticle precursor is a metal salt. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the first nanoparticle precursor is HAuCl 4 . 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 3 , wherein the metal salt comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of: Al, Au, Ag, Bi, Ce, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pt, Sb, Se, Sn and Ti. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the first nanoparticle precursor is a silicate. 
     
     
         7 . A composition for forming a transparent coating layer on a substrate, the transparent coating having a color effect, resistance to UV light-induced degradation and/or scratch resistance, comprising:
 a curable clear coat material comprising a first nanoparticle precursor, wherein the precursor comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of: Al, Au, Bi, Ce, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pt, Sb, Se, Sn and Ti.   
     
     
         8 . An article comprising a substrate having a transparent coating on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the transparent coating comprises: a cured clear coat polymer comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of: aminoplasts, melamine formaldehydes, carbamates, polyurethanes, epoxies, polycarbonates, alkyds, polyamides, polyolefins, phenolic resins, polyesters, polysiloxanes; and combinations of any of these; and a plurality of in-situ formed nanoparticles, wherein the transparent coating confers a color effect, resistance to UV light-induced degradation and/or scratch resistance to the substrate. 
     
     
         9 . The substrate of  claim 8 , wherein the substrate is an automotive body panel. 
     
     
         10 . The substrate of  claim 8 , wherein the substrate comprises a multilayer laminate, the multilayer laminate comprising at least an innermost primer layer adjacent the substrate and an outermost coating layer, wherein the transparent coating is the outermost layer.