Elastomers are a new generation of coatings that protect the surfaces of vehicles – from cars and motorcycles to boats and airplanes. 

The basic difference between elastomers and ceramic or quartz coatings is that ceramics are largely composed of quartz and are therefore relatively hard, but due to their stiffness they have little ability to absorb impacts, tend to micro-crack and do not have the ability to self-repair. However, as the name suggests, elastic by nature elastomers, in addition to trace amounts of silicon, have very long, tangled polymer chains, where silicon is a small part of them and is combined with hydrocarbons and other elements. 

The most well-known type of elastomer is rubber. 

When such a material is subjected to pressure, the elastomer chains straighten, absorbing the energy generated by scratching or impact. At the appropriate softening temperature, the elastomers twist again, causing the coating to return to its original shape. Some elastomers, even after cutting, have the ability to re-crosslink the structure and regain continuity. 

We are talking about two completely different properties related to elasticity – self-leveling and self-healing.  The first property is revealed after reaching the softening temperature and, obviously, the higher the temperature, the faster the elastomer will return to its original shape and will be less susceptible to deeper damage. The self-healing process takes longer because it requires re-crosslinking/connecting the elastomer chains. It can take up to several weeks, and the temperature plays an equally important role here (raising it above 60-70 degrees can be counterproductive).  

Thus, the first phenomenon is a mechanical process and the second is a chemical process. 

It happens that we hear the opinion that ceramics also demonstrate elasticity and are able to bend and return to their previous form. If we look at this phenomenon at a microscopic level, it turns out that about a quarter-micron layer of quartz bends at most with the varnish layer, and it is the varnish itself that demonstrates little elasticity/self-leveling. In the case of elastomer, with similar material consumption, we have 1 to 2 microns (correctly – micrometers) and a much greater thickness of protection and the actual ability to regenerate itself. 

A certain type of elastomer is also used on the top layer of the PPF film. However, in order to stick such a film, we have to stretch it in many places, which significantly weakens the mechanical parameters of such a coating. 

The stretched elastomer can no longer absorb stress and is subject to micro-cracks, which allow dirt to get in. In addition, such a layer cannot heal because the torn fragments no longer have contact with each other. This explains the relatively rapid loss of film parameters, including its smoothness and hydrophobicity. 

In the case of applying a liquid form of elastomer to the foil, we obtain a uniform protective layer with identical parameters. Additionally, it is not burdened with compromises resulting from the need to combine with the foil in the production process and the creation of waste. Some elastomers are suitable for application to PPF and PPS foil, significantly improving the parameters of its top layer, especially resistance to insects. 

Elastomers often do not require solvents for their application, and the curing process, or rather cross-linking/glassing, occurs thanks to moisture and heat. This has a significant impact on comfort and safety of work, and the efficiency of the material and the thickness of the coating is on average four times greater. 

Proper design of elastomeric coatings involves selecting their parameters in such a way that they retain the ability to return to their original dimensions for a long time, while maintaining flexibility and the ability to absorb energy. It is not difficult to guess that when a material bends instead of abrading, cracking or chipping, it is much more durable. 

These properties and chemical composition provide a whole range of other benefits. 

One of the most important is the exceptional chemical resistance ranging from 1 to 14 pH. This, in turn, combined with the self-leveling ability of the coating, provides very high resistance to bird droppings, which are no longer a chemical or mechanical problem. It is important to remember about proper care. The same applies to insects, which have no way to permanently stick to the surface, this also applies to water spots – minerals dissolved in water are not able to permanently combine with quartz, because it is basically not present on the surface of the elastomer. 

Additionally, chemists, by manipulating the composition of the elastomer, have an influence on several important parameters of the coating, giving the detailer a choice of specific properties. 

And so we can achieve a large wetting angle (dropleting) and high gloss with a slight loss of elasticity. On the other hand, people who value durability and are satisfied with good tiling can use a very thick – up to 12 micrometers – multi-layer coating, which is very durable and additionally provides excellent color depth. 

Elastomers have been known for years, but experience in their use in detailing is still in the development phase, and here and there it is only just beginning in the form of individual products.