Surveying recent developments in coating polymers and plastics, this book examines materials selection, basic processing mechanics, and process selection based on cost and coating mechanics, molding, and performance and durability assessments. It highlights techniques for salvaging plastics from used vehicles, and compares North American and European techniques for coating plastics in the automotive industry.

Coatings of Polymers and Plastics discusses various plastics processing technologies used to produce component parts; the conversion of raw materials to plastics; the theory, chemistry, formulation, preparation, and testing of plastics for paint adhesion; the appraisal of painted parts prior to commercialization to optimize appearance, physical properties, durability and performance; procedural and economic considerations in coatings for automotive plastics in Europe, and more.

From the Preface: “...This book was born out of the preceived need for a comprehensive work to address decorated plastic components as systems rather than as independent parts. The interplay of resin chemistry, processing technology, and decorating scheme is a complex mix of interrelated events. Treating each event separately often leads to insurmountable issues, from potential decohesion of the plastic to potentially aesthetically displeasing appearance, and even to potential adhesion problems in the field...”

Target Audience: Materials, chemical, mechanical, corrosion, industrial, and civil engineers; coatings and plastics scientists and technologists; and upper-level students in these disciplines.

Table of Contents:

Overview of the Automotive Plastics Market

Plastics Processing

Formulating Plastics for Paint Adhesion

Polymers for Coatings for Plastics

Performance and Durability Testing

Painting Problems

Recycling of Automotive Plastics

Alternatives to Coatings for Automotive Plastics

Trends in Coatings for Automotive Plastics and Rubber in North America and Europe

Automotive Plastic Coatings in Europe

Index