Development of a multi-functional acrylic urethane coating with high hardness and low surface energy

This study developed multi-functional acrylic urethane coating materials with anti-graffiti, anti-contamination, and anti-adhesion properties. The newly-developed coating was synthesized by high glass transition temperature (Tg) acrylic polyol and low-viscosity single-end-type silicone oil. The coating materials were chemically bonded and reacted with isocyanate to form acrylic urethane. The hardness, surface energy, color difference value, and anti-adhesion properties were examined using nanoindentation, a contact angle analyzer, a color difference meter, and a universal tensile test machine, respectively. In addition, the degradation of the coating was evaluated using an accelerated weathering test, taking into account various degradation factors (UV, humidity, high temperature, and water). In general, the properties of the coating degraded due to the loss of silicone oil after the accelerated weathering test. However, the degradation was retarded when high Tg acrylic polyol and low-viscosity single-end-type silicone oil were chemically bonded. The newly-developed multi-functional acrylic urethane coating exhibited long-term stability against an accelerated weathering test of 120 h. The developed coating will be useful in broad applications, including harsh environments such as underground walls, heritage, facilities, and subways.