Independant Supagard Polysilazane Glass Coating Longevity Tests

​The testing was conducted by FERRO Surface Technology LLC, an independent laboratory-based in Florida, USA. They used the following methodology to carry out the longevity tests:
  • The test was conducted on Q plates painted with BASF OEM Automotive paints and finished in BASF SUPER 1K high bake clear coat to colourfastness and gloss test AS-51-50. Panels coated to OEM specification.
  • ​Using the Colourmuki Photo Spectrophotometer, the colour of aluminium plates are measured before and after application of the Supagard Polysilazane coating.
  • Supagard Polysilazane was applied and left to cure for 24 hours to the surface of the panels.
  • Measurements were taken (Gloss and LAB colour) and then weathered for 500-hour intervals according to ASTM G154-06 CYCLE 6
  • The contact angle was measured using a triangular prism mirror and a dissection microscope/digital camera.
  • The contact angle is a good measure of whether the coating is present.​
​The instruments used were:
  • BYK 60 DEG Gloss meter. Calibrated before each use ISO2813.
  • Colourmuki Photo Colour Spectrophotometer - Calibrated before each use.
  • Q-UV spray. Calibrated every 500 hours - ASTM G154-06 Cycle 6.
Hours
Gloss
L
A
B
Contact Angle
0
91
87.4
-1.3
-0.3
108 degrees
500
91
87.4
-1.3
-0.1
108 degrees
1,000
91
87.4
-1.3
0
107 degrees
2,000
91
87.4
​-1.3
0
107 degrees
3,000
90.5
87.2
-1.3
0
104 degrees
4,000
90.5
86.8
-1.3
0
102 degrees
5,000
90.25
85.8
-1.2
0.1
98 degrees
6,000
90
85.4
-1.2
0
92 degrees
Each 400 – 500 hours is equivalent to 6 months of Florida sun, humidity and rainfall.

Conclusion

​The contact angle, a measure of hydrophobicity, dropped to 92 degrees after 6000 hours (approximately 6 to 7 years) meaning that the coating was beginning to degrade. It was determined, however, that the coating was 100% effective from 0 to 5000 hours (approximately 5 to 6 years) in conditions equivalent to Florida's tropical climate.

​Independant Supagard Polysilazane Glass Coating Scrub Test

​The testing was conducted by FERRO Surface Technology LLC, an independent laboratory-based in Florida, USA. They used the following methodology to carry out the longevity tests:
  • The scrub resistance of Supagard's Polysilazane product was determined using a BYK-Gardner scrub abrasion tester model AG-8100 with a nylon brush.
  • The contact angle was measured using a dissection microscope fitted with a camera and a mirror to view de-ionized water droplets side on.
  • The coating was applied and allowed to cure for 24 hours to an 8x2 inch painted Q plaque painted with BASF OEM automotive paints and finished in BASF SUPER1K bake clear coat to colourfastness and gloss test AS-51-50. Panels coated to OEM specification.
  • The initial contact angle was measured and then the plate was subjected to the scrub tester for n cycles. The contact angle was measured again using de-ionized water droplets.
  • This was performed 3 times with different non - abrasive solutions, as per ASTM D2486: Firstly, a PH-neutral solution, then an alkali cleaner, and finally an acidic cleaner.
The instruments used were:
  • BYK - Gardner scrub abrasion tester model AG-8100.
  • Q- Plaque painted with BASF OEM automotive paints.
Cycles
0
500
1,000
2,000
​5,000
Uncoated paint panel
78
78
78
77
75
​Universal cleaner (PH7) to coated panel
107
107
107
106
106
Alkaline cleaner (to PH8.5) to coated panel
107
107
105
102
99
Acidic cleaner (to PH1.3) to coated panel
107
107
107
105
104

Conclusion

​The performance of Supagard's Polysilazane Glass Coating was virtually unaffected by the PH of the solutions. Hydrophobicity was also largely unaffected by repeated scrubbing, even up to 5000 cycles.