In-mould coatings for outdoor applications

After intensive development and extensive testing of new raw materials, the manufacturer of colour pastes and coatings for the plastics industry ISL-Chemie has now successfully developed an in-mould coating product for outdoors applications, featuring positive characteristics during processing and in the end product that satisfy the high demands of the outdoor segment. Special attention has been given to enhancing the Isothan product series to achieve the higher durability, resistance to physical and chemical stresses and good UV resistance that are essential for use outdoors.

ISL-Chemie in-mould coatings are used in the maritime domain, for example, to give buoys a special finish. High exposure to UV light and constant contact with salt water drastically shorten the life span of uncoated polyurethane buoys. According to the company, applying Isothan in-mould coatings significantly prolongs the service life of these products. In-mould coatings are currently being tested for outdoor application in the automotive industry as well. In this field, the coating exhibits impressively high impact strength and excellent resistance to outside influences, says ISL-Chemie.

Complex geometrical shapes and surface structures can perfectly be reproduced using the in-mould process. Using an in-mould coating also eliminates the time-consuming steps involved in subsequent coating, such as the cleaning of the moulded parts.

ISL-Chemie says the Isothan product series comes with more benefits beyond its quality characteristics. The company's In-Mould-“Complete” service provides a special advantage for customers. From development to demoulding of the product, ISL-Chemie personnel from the laboratory, application technology and sales accompany the customer in the path to a perfectly coated and protected surface. The Isothan product series is available in both water-based and solvent-based versions.