Inorganic and Organic Definitions



Inorganic compounds - are considered to be of a mineral, not biological origin. Water (H2O) has no carbon and is therefore inorganic. Any liquid that dissolves a solid is a solvent.



Organic compounds - are traditionally viewed as being of biological origin. They contain carbon bonds in which at least one carbon atom is covalently linked to an atom of another type (commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen).



Differences between Paint Protection Products



It’s very difficult to generalize about product formulation and content of different products, some contain petroleum distillates (PD) - solvent, silicone oils and some use natural, less harmful products, the common denominator between waxes and sealants is that they both contain polymers and solvents, wither they are derived from PD’s is unique to each manufacturer



It really all comes down to the ‘look’ you want for your vehicle. For depth of shine, chroma (colour) and jetting (the so-called wet-look; then choose Carnauba wax. For a ‘mirror-like’ shine, high gloss and durability a polymer sealant would be your choice, although some detailer’s feel it has a ‘sterile’ Saran™ Wrap appearance. Proper detailing relies on the correct preparation procedures and the correct methodology to obtain pristine results. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on technique used.



The use of a wax or polymer sealant can make a subtle yet significant difference to the overall ‘look’ of a car. This is very subjective and will depend on many personal preferences. This is because waxes and sealant layers have different physical properties (texture, density, opacity, etc) and thus reflect and refract light differently. Organic Carnauba waxes tend to produce a much softer, warmer, glossier finish, while inorganic (polymers and nanotechnology coatings) tend to produce a sharper, mirror type shine.



A polymer, nanotechnology, and a wax do essentially the same thing; they are all coatings that are applied to your car`s paint to protect it from environmental damage. These products contain a mixture of ingredients that offer unique protection and gloss enhancing properties due to the way they reflect light.



Polymer sealants



Need a porous surface to bond to, they initially adhere by surface tension and then after a period in which the solvents /oils in the carrier system vaporize (outgas) the polymers cross-link to form a covalent (molecular) bond to the surface. This process usually requires 12-24 hours, which are time and temperature and / or humidity dependent.



Note that drying and curing are two different processes. Drying generally refers to evaporation of the solvent or thinner, whereas curing (cross-linking) refers to polymerization of the binder, which imparts adhesion, binds the pigments together, and strongly influences such properties as gloss potential, exterior durability, flexibility, and toughness.



When polymer chains are linked together extensively by chemical cross linking - the formation of covalent bonds between chains; the polymer is harder and more difficult to melt. Curing is required to allow the monomers (polymer building blocks) to attach to the surface and to polymerize into a crystal-clear, impervious film.



It is very important to allow polymers to cure for 12 hours after the haze has been wiped off. If the coating is exposed to contamination such as oil, rain, water, cleaners, etc. before it has cross-linked, the contaminants may interfere with the film, preventing the polymer from achieving its maximum performance and durability. A polymer, unlike wax forms a molecular bond with paint once it’s had enough time to cross-linking, usually 12 – 24 hour.



A unique aspect of polyurethane chemistry is that the hydrogen bonding acts as an additional crosslink, but also allows thermoplastic flow, which helps the paint surface to retain its elasticity and its tensile strength to relieve mechanical stress. The basic structure of a polyurethane clear coat features a soft segment (polyol or tetramethylene ether) which gives it flexibility and elasticity. There is also a hard segment (polymerization) that has high urethane density, which gives the coating hardness and tensile strength



Carnauba wax



Carnauba in today`s wax formulas functions mostly as a carrier; it’s used to keep the polymers and oils on your car`s surface. Only a small portion of your vehicle`s shine comes from the wax itself. Carnauba is translucent at best with only minimal light reflection. It is among the hardest of natural waxes, being harder than concrete in its pure form



This sacrificial barrier is all that stands between the environmental contaminants and the paint film surface and this renewable barrier is probably less than 0.1 µ (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.



An organic wax also provides a sacrificial surface that will resist acid (salt brine, bird excrement, acidic rain, etc) better than a polymer, which forms a molecular bond with the paint, whereas a an organic wax forms a semi-hard protective shell (although it lacks durability)



Acrylic polymer





When two different types of monomers are joined in the same polymer chain, the polymer is called a copolymer. An acrylate (acrylic) polymer is a copolymer (ANM) of acrylic acid ester and acrylonitrile; they are noted for their transparency and resistance to breakage and elasticity, also commonly known as acrylics or polyacrylates.



Acrylic resins are a group of related thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic substances derived from acrylic acid, meth acrylic acid or other related compounds. Acrylics resist acids better than other polymers



a) Acrylic resins are a group of related thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic substances derived from acrylic acid, meth acrylic acid or other related compounds. Polymethyl acrylate is an acrylic resin used in an emulsified form for lacquer, textile finishes, and adhesives, mixed with clay, to gloss paper. Another acrylic resin is Polymethyl methacrylate which is used to make hard plastics with various light transmitting properties.



b) Synthetic resins are materials with similar properties to natural resins—viscous liquids capable of hardening. They are typically manufactured by esterification or soaping of organic compounds.





Both are basically resin based but may be mixed with similar or other dissimilar ingredients



Acrylic polyaminosiloxane or polyethylene-acrylic car care products (Klasse, Jeff Werkstatt or Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish) are acid-based so they hold up better to acidic pollutants (acid rain, bird excrement, industrial fallout (IFO) and etc there is no cross-linking capability with this technology, however an acrylic acid causes minor etching of the paint, which enables a modified ‘molecular’ bonding with the paint surface, which in turn results in durability versus just using a polyethylene based products





Refractive Index



Refractive Index (RI) or Haze Value -when light strikes the surface of a material it bounces off in all directions due to multiple reflections. The most familiar example of the distinction between specula and diffuse reflection would be a polymer and a Carnauba wax.

While both exhibit a combination of specula and diffuse reflection, Carnauba wax has a higher proportion of diffuse reflection and Polymers have a greater proportion of specula reflection.



• Mirror (specular) – RI: 1.00

• Water - RI: 1.33.

• Carnauba wax – RI: 1.45

• Poly (dimethylsiloxane) – RI: 1.48

Fracture/evaporation temperatures



Polymers- 350.0F, Carnauba wax 180.0F, and Bee’s wax 130.0F 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 85.0F in direct sunlight, will obtain a temperature of 195.0F 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



Acidic pollutant protection



Bird excrement comprises; ammonia and urine as white crystals of uric acid (pH 3.0 - 4.5) a small organic compound, which is produced by the breakdown of protein during digestion, and is excreted by reptiles and birds. Uric acid is also the end product of nitrogen catabolism in birds Ammonia is a mixture of nitrogen gas and hydrogen gas; with moisture as a catalyst it becomes Ammonium Hydroxide, which is caustic.



Heat and water act as a catalyst; a vehicle paint surface temperature of >90.oF creates a very aggressive reactivity of the Alkaline, Uric Acid and Ammonia. This will cause surface etching, so they should be removed without delay, at lower temperatures (> 40.oF or less) there’s no reactivity and therefore little or no etching.



The latest nanotechnology PPG CeramiClearâ„¢ Clear Coat or the newer nanotechnology, although they are highly resistant to chemicals, detergents, scratches and ultra violet radiation (UV) will only offer limited resistance to acid etching. Organic or inorganic protective coatings, with the exception of Acrylic polymers, offer very limited resistance to acidic pollutants (acid rain, bird excrement, industrial fallout, hydrazine and etc).



The most effective deterrent, once the paint film surface has been decontaminated, is to apply an Acrylic polyaminosiloxane or polyethylene-acrylic (Klasse, Jeff Werkstatt or Duragloss #105 Total Performance Polish) are sulfonic acid-based so they hold up better to acidic pollutants (acid rain, bird excrement, and etc) there is no cross-linking capability with this technology, and they cannot be layered, however, they form an anchor with the paint by etching, which gives this type of polymer its durability and they are heat resistant up to 350.0F.



For added protection apply an organic wax over the polymer sealant or nanotechnology coating as this will act as a sacrificial barrier The best way to avoid clear coat etching is by removing the wax along with the environmental acid, as soon as it’s noticed; but given enough time acid will compromise the clear coat whatever its protection.



Basic components



Although somewhat more complex than other products, organic waxes and inorganic sealants also involve just basic chemistry, when a formulator designs a wax or sealant, they consider several factors; ease of application and removal, cleaning ability (if required), depth of gloss or shine, durability and resistance to detergents / soap.



Unfortunately, no one wax or sealant product can meet all of the above characteristics. If one is emphasized and enhanced, it will be to the detriment of another. For example, increased durability means that application and removal can be more difficult. Or, if cleaning capability is emphasized, the depth of shine will be less.



The best wax or sealant to use is one that provides as many of the characteristics as possible to achieve a shiny, durable finish



The basic components used in waxes and sealants are



• Solvents or mineral oils- used for chemical cleaning, and as a carrier system, it also makes products workable and to provide spread ability, as is the case with Carnauba wax, which in its natural state is rock hard.

• Emulsifiers - to stabilize the product (oil and water) and make it easier to use

• Very-light abrasives – Kaolin to provide mild cleaning and to aid the wax in drying consistently for easy wipe-off

• Surfactant- defined as a material that can greatly reduce the surface tension of liquids

• Colouring- purely aesthetic

• Fragrance- appealing fragrances help to sell the product



It is the combination of these ingredients that gives a wax its gloss, depth (whether paste, cream or liquid) A properly formulated wax will provide shine to a painted surface and some temporary protection. The protection is obtained by creating a buffer between the paint and the environment. (For application differences see ‘Polish Directional Application’)



Variations



1. Inorganic (Polymer) sealant

Comprise an open linked molecule, which forms a bond with the paint; these open linked polymer molecules join together to create an elongated mesh like effect that reflects light efficiently due to their inherent flat surface. Because they are usually very transparent they transmit the surface colour faithfully, but they have very little depth resulting in what is perceived as a very bright, flat silver glow, polymers (Zaino, Klasse, Rejex, etc) Some paint sealants contain wax; the longevity of a paint sealant is due to the type of silicone (usually amino-functional silicone) that is used in its formulation. Polymers sealants require a paint to form a convalescent (molecular) bond to (usually 12-24 hours); they will not bond directly to metal to provide protection



2. Inorganic (Acrylic) sealants

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. Polyacrylate - a group of polymers which could be referred to as plastics generally, they are noted for their transparency. Some acrylate monomers (the components of the polymers) used to form acrylate polymers may be acrylic acid, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate or methyl acrylate. With polyethylene-acrylics, there is no reaction and it is more like a lacquer that dries.

These products contain polyethylene-acrylic acid that causes minor etching of the paint, which enables molecular bonding with the paint surface, which in turn results in durability versus just using a polyethylene based products. Zaino and Dura Gloss are two examples of acrylic polymers, which produce a ‘clear bright shine’.

Klasse or Werkstatt (acrylic polymers) tend to produce a ‘liquid glow’. The acrylic paint solvent carrier system allows the dense molecule to spread and cross-link forming a hard protective surface. Fracture/evaporation temperatures - 265 - 285 oF (130 – 140°C)



3. Inorganic Amino-Functional Silicone



Amino-Functional Silicone Fluids is a silicone fluid that has been slightly modified (the polymer content differs) the ‘amino’ portion is what causes the silicone to crosslink and physically attach to the paint surface. This cross linking capability is what makes a paint sealant more durable than a typical wax. It is the inclusion of amino-functional silicone fluids that give us a paint sealant



4. Organic (Carnauba) wax



Molecules are closed linked, which means that they only butt up together to protect the surface and the wax adheres to the paint surface as opposed to bonding with the paint molecules. The wax molecules form an egg-grate type (with the long axis vertical) mesh over the smaller paint molecules of the paint film surface, which gives it an optical depth. Waxes in themselves even with the addition of silicone fluids are not as durable as the amino-functional silicones found in polymers in the formulation as they do not crosslink; but will resist many environmental contaminants only for a short period of time.



Brazilian Carnauba wax is usually blended with natural oils (to provide gloss) and water-based solvents to enable it to spread and aid surface lubrication. A wax cures as opposed to cross-linking with paint surface and like most car care products Let the wax cure for 30-45 minutes before buffing, Caution; do not allow wax to entirely dry before wiping, the atmospheric conditions under which you apply the wax affect how the wax will set up and cure. Humidity affects the application because Carnauba is inherently hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) if you notice dark streaks during the application of Carnauba waxes, it tells you that the humidity is high. This will also retard the curing time.



Characteristics



Colour, Depth and Clarity

The three factors concourse judges look for when scrutinizing paint film surfaces. Of the three, optical clarity is of primary importance, being able to see the paint film’s true colour by having a really clean surface, clarity will enable depth of shine etc to be seen. Carnauba wax dries to a deep, natural shine; in contrast, bees wax, paraffin and many synthetic waxes tend to occlude (cloud or yellow).



Adherence

Initially, Carnauba wax attaches itself primarily by surface tension; during the curing process the carrier system (an emulsion of solvents / oils) attach themselves to the porous microscopic caps in the paint surface forming a physical anchor. Carnauba wax dries to a deep, natural shine (in contrast, bees wax, paraffin and many synthetic waxes tend to occlude (cloud)



Bonding

A Covalent (molecular) bond is formed when polymers cross-link to other molecules, resulting in a solid, durable protective layer. Carnauba wax will bond to a cross-linked (12-24 hours) polymer; conversely if a polymer is applied on top of Carnauba wax the cross-linking / bonding may be compromised. Although I would not state categorically that a product that is formulated with oils will abort the cross-linking or bonding process of a polymer; just that the process may not be as complete, and its strength and durability may be compromised. (See also Cross-linking and Adherence)



Marque Specific Sealants and Wax



Paints from different (DuPont, PPG, BASF, etc) manufacturers do not favour one wax over another; there is no factual basis for a special wax or sealant formulated for a specific vehicle model, nor custom coloured waxes with pigment dyes to mach original paint. Wax doesn’t form a molecular bond with the paint surface; it just forms a ‘shell’, so there is no chemical reaction between paint and wax.

The clear coat is applied for both protection of the colour coat and to give it depth; some marques clear coat paints vary i.e. some are softer/ thinner etc. If you apply a non-clear wax or sealant, or a custom coloured wax it will only mute the paints colour and depth of shine.



However some waxes or sealants are more suited to the reflective properties of certain paint colour:



Red Zaino Z2PRO™ and Pinnacle Souverän or Poorboy`s Natty`s Paste Wax



Yellow Zaino Z2PRO™ or * Rejex and Pinnacle Souverän



Black (Clear Coat) Zaino PC Fusion â„¢ and P21S Carnauba Paste Wax



Black (Single Stage) Pinnacle Souverän or Poorboy`s Natty`s Paste Wax



Silver Klasse All-In-One and Menzera Menzerna APO88 Power Lock



White Aquartz System (Silica) Zaino Z2PROâ„¢, Jeff Werkstatt, Klasse SG and/ or P21S Carnauba Paste Wax



Ultra Violet Protection



UVR protection is a sacrificial / renewable component; this is due to the UV protection layer being degraded by exposure to the elements (sun, sand, road or sea salt, and etc) it is also water miscible, so it is imperative that you renew it and needs to be re-applied on a regular basis (dependent upon location climatic condition)



There is no such thing as a permanent UV stabilizer, it a matter of physics, not chemistry. Acrylic polymers and polyurethane polymer are slow to absorb UV light and accordingly very resistant to photo degradation.



An organic wax, contrary to popular opinion, or marketing, does not contain natural UV protection; the wax protects the leaves due to its thickness and the fact that it’s opaque. It does however provide a sacrificial surface that will resist acid (salt brine, bird excrement, acidic rain, etc) better than a polymer, which forms a molecular bond with the paint, which gives it durability, whereas an organic wax forms a semi-hard protective shell but lacks the same durability.



Fracture/evaporation temperatures



Polymers- 350.OF, Acrylic polymers- 350oF, Silicone oil 350.oF, Mineral oils 200.oF, Synthetic blends (Carnauba wax / polymers) 200.oF, Carnauba wax 180.OF, and Bee’s wax 130.oF. According to DuPont the melting point of poly (tetrafluoroethylene) PTFE is 620.OF but its properties degrade above 500.OF the downside is that it needs to be super-heated to enable it to bond



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



Why use a wax on top of a polymer sealant?



Some detailers find that a polymer sealant tends have a flat, silvered mirror look. Adding a Carnauba wax to the surface provides depth of shine, gloss, jetting (the so called ‘wet look’) and a warmth to the paint surfaces overall look. Bear in mind that how a paint surface ‘looks’ is very subjective and tends to invoke an emotional reaction rather than a logical one 95% of an applied wax comprises out gassed solvent that is wiped away, whereas 65% of a polymer sealant that is applied remains.



Detailers who prepare show cars will often layer a Carnauba wax on top of a synthetic wax; the synthetic wax acts as a gloss layer, while the carnauba wax adds depth and a wet-looking (jetting) appearance



Polymer sealants



Need a porous surface to bond to, they initially adhere by surface tension and then after a period in which the solvents /oils in the carrier system vaporize (outgas) the polymers cross-link to form a covalent (molecular) bond to the surface. This process usually requires 12-24 hours, which are time and temperature and / or humidity dependent.



Note that drying and curing are two different processes. Drying generally refers to evaporation of the solvent or thinner, whereas curing (cross-linking) refers to polymerization of the binder, which imparts adhesion, binds the pigments together, and strongly influences such properties as gloss potential, exterior durability, flexibility, and toughness.



When polymer chains are linked together extensively by chemical cross linking - the formation of covalent bonds between chains; the polymer is harder and more difficult to melt. Curing is required to allow the monomers (polymer building blocks) to attach to the surface and to polymerize into a crystal-clear, impervious film.



It is very important to allow polymers to cure for 12 hours after the haze has been wiped off. If the coating is exposed to contamination such as oil, rain, water, cleaners, etc. before it has cross-linked, the contaminants may interfere with the film, preventing the polymer from achieving its maximum performance and durability. A polymer, unlike wax forms a molecular bond with paint once it’s had enough time to cross-linking, usually 12 – 24 hour.



A unique aspect of polyurethane chemistry is that the hydrogen bonding acts as an additional crosslink, but also allows thermoplastic flow, which helps the paint surface to retain its elasticity and its tensile strength to relieve mechanical stress. The basic structure of a polyurethane clear coat features a soft segment (polyol or tetramethylene ether) which gives it flexibility and elasticity. There is also a hard segment (polymerization) that has high urethane density, which gives the coating hardness and tensile strength