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.

Contact a rep

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.
Next Question

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.
Next Question
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.
Next Question

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.
Next Question
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.
Next Question

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.
Next Question
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.
Next Question

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.
Next Question
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