DSM NeoResins+ today launched a new waterborne plastic coating resin for use in automotive interiors that is the first in the market to meet future OEM specifications. Designated NeoRez® R-4000, the new product was launched at the European Coating Show in Nuremburg (Germany) in response to environmental regulations and in anticipation of future automotive OEM specifications regarding plastic coatings.

Until now, waterborne coatings have struggled to meet the stringent performance requirements specified by automotive OEMs. DSM’s NeoRez® R-4000 is the first waterborne product that meets these requirements, providing a sustainable coating solution that complies with environmental regulations.

NeoRez® R-4000 is a waterborne aliphatic polyurethane dispersion, which can be used as a single coat in clear and pigmented systems for solid colors and metallics. The product demonstrates excellent chemical and physical resistance and has excellent adhesion on various plastic substrates like PC (polycarbonate), ABS and PC-ABS blends.

NeoRez® R-4000 can be used in a 1 component system with thermal curing, or, in 2 component systems, with suitable isocyanates as cross linking agent. The choice of system is determined by the particular automotive OEM specifications.

For example, General Motors’ specification GMW-14445, which becomes mandatory for cars sold from 2010, relates to sunscreen and insect repellant. This specification demands resistance against a cocktail of DEET and other ingredients extremely aggressive to plastic coatings, that traditional waterborne coatings can not meet. Moreover, the GM specification adds stringent hydrolysis requirements, which can all be fulfilled with NeoRez® R-4000 in a one component system.

Volkswagen’s VW-TL226 specification relates primarily to stringent hydrolysis requirements as well as resistance to hand-cream and suntan lotion. NeoRez® R-4000 can meet the VW specification in a two component approach with isocyanate cross-linking.

Moreover, NeoRez® R-4000’s inherent robustness means it can meet the VW specifications more easily than other competing resins. This robustness is achieved because the resin embodies all the required properties, while earlier paint systems relied on complex formulations to meet the specifications. As a result, the properties of the plastic coating are maintained for a longer period and with improved economy.

“Our focus on innovation and anticipating customer needs to develop sustainable new products that are more environmentally friendly were behind the development of NeoRez® R-4000”, commented Sjaak Griffioen, Business Director at DSM NeoResins+. “We are very excited about its potential, and pre-marketing feedback has shown that customers worldwide are extremely enthusiastic about this product as it meets both performance and environmental demands.”