There is a general requirement for improved abrasion resistance in applications such as plastic glazing, automotive and aerospace parts, various electronic screens, industrial components such as pipelines etc. One approach to improving abrasion resistance is to apply a hard coat.


Amine acrylate silsesquioxane (Ladder)

The incorporation of silsesquioxanes into a hard coat improves abrasion resistance in a number of ways:

  • The structure of the molecules confers ceramic-like properties to the coating, including hardness
  • The highly functionalised oligomer enables full chemical bonding of the molecule within the network
  • Increased cross-link density stiffens the coating structure

In trials on polycarbonate, Taber Test results emphasise the superior performance of VitolaneTM containing coatings. Results show:

  • 50% increase in haze for uncoated polycarbonate
  • 10% increase in haze when a premium hard coat is applied
  • 3% increase in haze for a VitolaneTM containing coating