AkzoNobel Introduces Primer for OEM Plastic Part Production

In a significant development for the automotive industry, AkzoNobel, a leading global player in the chemical and coatings sector, has introduced an innovative 2K solvent-borne primer tailored specifically for the production of plastic parts by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This unveiling is poised to tackle the burgeoning challenges associated with achieving proper adhesion on plastic components within the automotive sector.

The automotive landscape has witnessed a notable surge in the use of plastics, particularly materials like polypropylene, in the manufacturing of vehicles. While these materials offer advantages such as weight reduction, their low surface energy and poor adhesion properties have presented considerable challenges for automakers. Components like bumpers, rocker panels, and contrasting features, made from these plastics, have become particularly intricate to coat effectively.

At the forefront of addressing these challenges is AkzoNobel's latest development – the ESP-950 primer. This groundbreaking solution is part of an advanced technology family pioneered by the company. It boasts the capability to enhance adhesion across a diverse spectrum of automotive substrates, including polypropylene grades with over 20% talc and blends containing polycarbonate. The development of the ESP-950 primer signifies AkzoNobel's commitment to innovation and providing solutions that align with the changing dynamics of the automotive industry.

Ed Hilborne, the global product marketing manager for AkzoNobel’s Automotive OEM Coatings business, underscored the industry's evolving focus on weight reduction and emissions. This focus has propelled the increased usage of automotive plastics, concurrently amplifying the complexity of achieving optimal coating adhesion. The ESP-950 primer emerges as a strategic response to this complexity, offering a paint system with expanded versatility in adhesion on plastics. Notably, it achieves this while maintaining a lower dry film thickness during application compared to existing primers.

One of the standout features of the ESP-950 primer is its multi-substrate compatibility. This eliminates the need for product switching during production, streamlining the overall manufacturing process. By simplifying the coating application, this characteristic not only reduces complexity but also contributes to increased efficiency on the paint line. The primer's ability to accommodate a range of substrates aligns with the diverse materials used in modern automotive manufacturing, offering a holistic and streamlined approach.

AkzoNobel's Automotive OEM Coatings business, recognized for delivering high-performance coating solutions for vehicles on a global scale, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to staying ahead of industry trends. With a focus on supporting innovations in radar and connectivity technology, the company remains at the forefront of addressing the evolving challenges faced by OEMs in the automotive sector. The introduction of the ESP-950 primer underscores AkzoNobel's dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that not only meet but exceed the demands of an ever-changing automotive landscape.