Definition [: from the Greek: πολυ, polu, many; and μ`ρος, meros; part, a chemical compound with many repeating structural unit, or monomers] [1]



Chemical definition [: a polymer is a large molecule (macromolecule) composed of repeating structural units typically connected by covalent chemical bonds. While polymer in popular usage suggests plastic, the term actually refers to a large class of natural and synthetic materials with a variety of properties and purposes] [1] Polymers do not contain any silicone oils or any silicone structures with reactive groups.



Bonds



No, not the British 007 spy variety [: Chemical bond, the physical phenomenon of chemical substances being held together by attraction of atoms]



A chemical bond is the physical process responsible for the attractive interactions between atoms and molecules, and that which confers stability to diatomic and polyatomic chemical compounds. The explanation of the attractive forces is a complex area that is described by the laws of quantum electrodynamics.



Chemical Engineers usually rely on quantum theory or qualitative descriptions that are less rigorous but more easily explained to describe chemical bonding (i.e. describing a covalent bond as molecules bonding together)



In general, strong chemical bonding is associated with the sharing or transfer of electrons between the participating atoms. Molecules, crystals, and diatomic gases; indeed most of the physical environment around us are held together by chemical bonds, which dictate the structure of matter.



A polymer will form a strong bond with another clean polymer (urethane paint) surface; it will not bond well with metal. Modern automobile paints are formulated from polymer urethane; clear coat is either a low volatile organic compound (VOC) or a water-based paint with no pigmentation.



A polymer sealant will form a molecular bond (cross-linking) with urethane paint, the only exception to this is a silicone polymer, as its oil-based, and like all oils it would act as a barrier and negatively impact with the durability and performance

Bonds vary widely in their strength; generally covalent and ionic bonds are often described as strong, whereas hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals` type bonds are generally considered to be weak.



The majority (70%) of a polymer matrix cross-linking cycle occurs within 30 – 45 minutes of its initial wipe-on application drying; a swipe test is the best way to determine if it is ready to be removed; run your bare finger across the paint and if the product doesn`t smear it is ready to be removed. However it is recommended that a period of 12 - 24 hours is allowed after the initial cross-linking for the process to complete, otherwise polymerization and durability may be compromised



Although it should be noted that surface oils or silicone and / or moisture introduced before the cross-linking process is complete will interfere with the bonding of a polymer and will negatively affect its durability (See also Polymer Catalyzing Additives)



Cross-linking



Polymers have many uses; synthetic rubber used for tires is made by cross-linking rubber through the process of vulcanization. Also most rubber articles are cross-linked to make them more elastic. Alkyd enamels, the dominant type of commercial oil-based paint, cure by oxidative cross-linking after exposure to air. Cross-linking can be formed by chemical reactions that are initiated by heat, pressure, change in pH, or radiation.



For example, mixing of an un-polymerized or partially polymerized resin with specific chemicals called cross-linking reagents results in a chemical reaction that forms cross-links, they are covalent bonds linking one polymer molecular chain to another.



Cross linking tends to increase strength and toughness, cross-linking consists of the formation of chemical bonds between chains, this usually takes from 12-24 hours (dependent upon local climatic conditions i.e. temperature, humidity, etc).



Cross-linking has the effect of changing a plastic from thermoplastic to thermosetting. Thus, it also increases strength, heat and electrical resistance, and especially resistance to detergents, solvents and other chemicals. They are a characteristic property of thermosetting polymer materials.



A unique aspect of polyurethane chemistry is that the hydrogen bonding acts as an additional crosslink. The majority (70%) of a polymer matrix cross-linking cycle occurs within 30 – 45 minutes of its initial wipe-on application drying; however it is recommended that a period of 12 - 24 hours is allowed for the cross-linking process to complete, otherwise polymerization and durability may be compromised



Polymer Strength



The physical properties of a polymer are strongly dependent on the size or length of the polymer chain. Polymerization is the process of combining many small molecules known as monomers into a covalently bonded chain. There are three types of chain polymerization: radical, ionic, and co-ordination.



The polymers formed through the chain (addition) method are always thermoplastics because of the essentially linear nature of the reaction. A common means of expressing the length of a chain is the degree of polymerization, which quantifies the number of monomers incorporated into the chain



An inorganic based wax formulated from polymers used to seal paint with a thin hard barrier. They are very durable and provide a very bright, but flat silvery shine. This type of product is a compromise as it does provide durability but lacks the properties of a Carnauba wax lacking both colour and depth, and because of a polymer`s inherent Covalent (molecular) structure it cannot mimic the properties of a Carnauba wax. (See also Polymer Carnauba wax Differences)



If not properly engineered, polymer sealants may crack, yellow or distort the optics of the paint surface. Most quality polymer based sealants contain amine (reactive alkoxy group) as well as a blend of resins and a small percentage of wax.



Sealants distinguish themselves by the type of chemically engineered polymer that is used, and the ingredients formulated in the emulsion system suspending the polymers, as well as the other combination of ingredients in the product.



The development of modern polymeric sealants coincided with the development of the polymer industry itself; sometime in the early ‘30’s.Common sealants include silicones, acrylics, urethanes, butyls and other polymeric types Since the bonding or cross-linking of polymers increases the toughness and strength of the material, it makes sense that the cross-linking of polymers is an essential element of modern synthetic automobile sealants.



Since urethane clear coat paint is both a polymer and has porosity, a durable bond is formed and provides the intended protection. A polymer forms a molecular bond with other polymers in a chain-like structure or polymerization, which involves the formation of chains of monomers to form a polymer.



It cannot form a bond with an organic (natural) Carnauba wax as they do not contain polymers ;( inorganic (synthetic) waxes however, are formulated with polymers, which enable molecular bonding or cross-linking



The molecular structure of all polymers are based on a chain of carbon atoms, chemically it is a molecule formed by the chemical union of five or more identical combining units called monomers. An inorganic based wax formulated from polymers used to seal paint with a thin hard barrier. They are very durable and provide a very bright, but flat silvery shine.



This type of product is a compromise as it does provide durability but lacks the properties of a Carnauba (Brasilia) wax lacking both colour and depth, and because of a polymer`s inherent Covalent (molecular) structure it cannot mimic the properties of a Carnauba wax.



Fracture/evaporation temperatures



[: the melting point of a solid is the temperature range at which it changes state from solid to liquid. At the melting point the solid and liquid phase exists in equilibrium] [1]



Polymers (including Acrylic polymers) 350.oF, Silicone oil 350.oF, Mineral oils 200.oF, Synthetic blends (Carnauba wax / polymers) 200.oF, Carnauba wax 183.oF, is among the highest of natural waxes, Bee’s wax 130.oF.

In actual practice the high temperatures frequently encountered by vehicles from the radiation causes wax compounds to melt, for example, a painted surfaces exposed to ambient temperatures of 85.oF in direct sunlight, will obtain a temperature of 195.oF or more.



It should be noted that there is a range of temperatures at which melting begins and that the `melting point` is the end point of that range



The most important thing to be aware of when preparing to apply a sealant or wax your car is the temperature of the actual surface area being waxed. This is even more important than the ambient temperature, which should be between 50.oF and 80.oF (10 - 26.7. C)



Mechanical Properties



The bulk properties of a polyurethane polymer are those most often of end-use interest. Once cross-linked all polymer-based protection systems begin to deteriorate. The rate of deterioration depends on many factors, including the chemicals used, bonding qualities, climatic conditions, washing, and use of the car.



These are the properties that dictate how the polymer actually behaves on a macroscopic scale-



Adherence (grip) - the better "grip" a polymer can get on a surface (substrate), the less likely it will be that another substance or element can break through the coating. This has a direct relationship with the coating`s durability and tolerance to detergents and chemicals. (See also Bonds)



Particulate size - a polymer coating has a particle size that`s smaller than water, as a result, these coatings are hydrophobic (water resistance).



Cross-linking- has the effect of changing a plastic from thermoplastic to thermosetting. Thus, it also increases strength, heat and electrical resistance, and especially resistance to solvents and other chemicals.



Tensile strength- the tensile strength of a material quantifies how much stress the material will endure before failing this is very important in applications that rely upon a polymer`s physical strength or durability.



For example, a rubber band with a higher tensile strength will hold a greater weight before snapping; in general tensile strength increases with polymer chain length and cross linking of polymer chains.



Poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide –DuPont Kevlar is a very strong synthetic fibre, when Kevlar is spun, the resulting fibre has a tensile strength of about 3,620 MPa. This polymer owes its high strength to the many inter-chain bonds.



Elasticity- Young`s Modulus quantifies the elasticity of the polymer. It is defined, for small strains, as the ratio of rate of change of stress to strain. Like tensile strength, this is highly relevant in polymer applications involving the physical properties of polymers, such as rubber bands. The modulus is strongly dependent on temperature.



Thickness of applied Coating - this barrier is all that stands between the environmental contaminants and the paint film surface and this renewable barrier is probably less than 0.1 (100 nm, 0.000 4 Mils or 0.000 004 inch) thick. An applied paint protection product is the barrier that provides protection for automotive paintwork besides the clear coat paint.



Thermoplastic – include polyethylene, Teflon, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, Polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, rayon, celluloid and silicone…



Thermosetting plastic – including vulcanized rubber, Bakelite, Kevlar, epoxy



Thermoplastic polymers differ from thermosetting polymers in that they can be re melted and remoulded. Many thermoplastic materials are addition polymers; e.g., vinyl chain-growth polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene.



Photo-oxidation of polymers



Photo-oxidation (sometimes incorrectly described as photo-degradation) is the degrading of a polymer surface in the presence of ozone. This is a consequence of ultra violet (UV) radiation, which instigates a chemical change that reduces the polymer`s molecular weight. As a consequence of this change the material becomes more brittle, with a reduction in its tensile, impact and elongation strength. Discoloration and loss of surface smoothness accompany photo-oxidation. Infra red (IR) radiation or high surface temperature significantly increases the effect of photo-oxidation.





Bibliography



1. The Biology Project, Department of Biochemistry and Covalent (molecular) Biophysics

2. The University of Arizona, Revised: January 28, 2003

3. The Vinyl Institute Information

4. The Royal Society of Chemistry; Cambridge, 1995 Silicon-Containing Polymers Richard, G. Jones

5. Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Library & Information Centre

6. The Biology Project, Department of Biochemistry and Covalent (molecular) Biophysics

7. The University of Arizona, Revised: January 28, 2003

8. The Vinyl Institute Information

9. The Royal Society of Chemistry; Cambridge, 1995 Silicon-Containing Polymers Jones, Richard,

10. New Scientist, various articles 2001 – 2004

11. National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA)

12. Professional Detailing Technician`s Association (P.D.T.A)

13. Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Library & Information Centre

14. SpecialChem`s Coatings & Inks News and Innovation Bulletins

15. The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council

16. Glossary of Chemical Terms - Faculty of Chemical Technology

17. The Basics of Silicone Chemistry - Dow Corning

18. Basic Concepts of Nanotechnology, History of Nano-Technology, News, Materials and Potential Risks

19. SpecialChem4 Polymers

20. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics

21. National Polymer Laboratories Newsletter / Bulletins

22. Self-Healing Polymer Coatings, Cho, S.H.Cho, S.R. White, and P.V. Braun



Information resource



1. Wikipedia Dictionary - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2. Encyclopaedia Britannica Eleventh Edition - http://info.britannica.co.uk

3. Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist, Jon Miller

4. TOGWT Series of Detailing Articles, by Jon Miller