There are some misconceptions out there about automotive coatings. Do you know them well enough to ace this quiz?

 

As an automotive coating formulator, your job is affected by ever-changing trends in consumer preferences for various colors and visual effects. That makes it difficult to balance looks, performance, SKU complexity, sustainability and more — not to mention all the additive choices out there.

Think you know everything there is to know about formulating high-performance automotive coatings? Take the quiz to test your knowledge.

 

Question 1

Is there such a thing as a universal dispersing agent for automotive coatings?

Question 2

You are working with a high-chroma pigment, such as phthalocyanine blue or quinacridone red. Do you need a specialized dispersing agent?

Question 3

Why hasn't solvent-borne technology been completely replaced by waterborne technology in automotive coatings?

Question 4

How do you achieve a more sustainable solvent-borne coating?

Question 5

What properties should you always look for in an automotive coating?

Did you pass the test?
 

Whether or not you passed the quiz with flying colors, automotive coating formulation is a complicated process. BASF's line of EFKA additives makes it easier to streamline your approach while creating sustainable, high-performance coatings.

Feel free to browse the EFKA line here. If you're not sure what works best for your formulations, get in touch with a BASF representative. We'll help you narrow down the best options.

A No – they may claim to be universal, but they are not.

B No, they don't exist at all.

C Yes, and particular brands perform very well.

D Yes, but the performance is subpar.

You got it. It's not a well-known secret, but there are universal dispersing agents that perform very well in the realm of automotive coatings. EFKA PX 4753 has a broad formulation latitude in solvent-borne basecoat systems to help you address the demand for greater variety. DISPEX® Ultra PX 4290 is an option for waterborne basecoat technologies.
Next Question
Actually... It's not a well-known secret, but there are universal dispersing agents that perform very well in the realm of automotive coatings. EFKA PX 4753 has a broad formulation latitude in solvent-borne basecoat systems to help you address the demand for greater variety. DISPEX® Ultra PX 4290 is an option for waterborne basecoat technologies.
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A Yes, you need one that is higher in molecular weight with proper pigment affinic groups.

B No, you could use a general-purpose dispersant.

C No, but you do need to use more dispersant to make it work.

D Yes, you need a much denser dispersing agent.

Correct. For high-chroma pigments like those, you need a dispersing agent that is higher in molecular weight, like EFKA PX 4753. The product also excels as a general dispersant with plenty of versatility. Carbon blacks do better with EFKA PX 4703, a 99 percent active dispersant.
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Nope. For high-chroma pigments like those, you need a dispersing agent that is higher in molecular weight, like EFKA PX 4753. The product also excels as a general dispersant with plenty of versatility. Carbon blacks do better with EFKA PX 4703, a 99 percent active dispersant.
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A Applicators prefer the handling characteristics, performance and lower cost of solvent-borne systems.

B It is possible to formulate for lower VOCs in a solvent-borne automotive coating by using exempt solvents.

C There are other ways to formulate a solvent-borne coating sustainably, such as 100% solids systems that generate fewer VOCs.

D All of the above.

Right! Those statements are all true. While waterborne excels in some industries for its low VOC content, a significant number of automotive coatings users still prefer the great performance of solvent-borne technology. With the right approach, solvent-borne coatings can still be lower-VOC and sustainably made.
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It's more than that. Those statements are all true. While waterborne excels in some industries for its low VOC content, a significant number of automotive coatings users still prefer the great performance of solvent-borne technology. With the right approach, solvent-borne coatings can still be lower-VOC and sustainably made.
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A Ensure the dispersant is close to 100 percent solids. (High solids)

B Make sure the formulation is recyclable.

C Find eco-friendly dispersants, wetting agents, defoamers and rheology modifiers.

D Both A and C.

Exactly. You can use a combination of approaches: find a dispersing agent with 100 percent solids or close to it, and use a range of additives designed for eco-friendliness and sustainability. A BASF formulation expert can help you find the right mix.
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Not quite. You can use a combination of approaches: find a dispersing agent with 100 percent solids or close to it, and use a range of additives designed for eco-friendliness and sustainability. A BASF formulation expert can help you find the right mix.
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A Appearance qualities (such as color, transparency and sparkle)

B Good handling viscosity, stability and color strength

C Resistance to fading and durability

D All of the above

Right on target. That was tricky. While appearance is of prime importance in an automotive coating, other constraints and attributes must also be met. A successful formulation should balance features to meet all of the various properties or aspects listed and meet desired VOC targets.
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Incorrect. That was tricky. While appearance is of prime importance in an automotive coating, other constraints and attributes must also be met. A successful formulation should balance features to meet all of the various properties or aspects listed and more.
Next Question