Combined Expertise for Maximum Material Durability

ASTM D7869 enables a particularly realistic assessment of the long-term durability of modern coatings. To this end, SKZ and EZD combine independent weathering tests with scientific analysis and materials development. This allows companies to benefit from combined expertise – from formulation development to reliable quality verification.

The demands placed on modern coatings and surfaces are constantly increasing. Manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace, construction and numerous other industries face the challenge of reliably demonstrating the long-term durability of their products under a wide variety of climatic conditions. At the same time, development times need to be shortened and new materials brought to market more quickly.

ASTM D7869 – Developed for realistic weathering

ASTM D7869 was developed in the late 1990s. The goal was to create a testing method that simulates the natural aging of high-quality exterior coatings even more realistically than previous xenon weathering methods. This was based on the development of a new filter technology that reproduces the natural solar spectrum with precision. Unlike traditional weathering methods, ASTM D7869 relies on a combination of high irradiance and frequent and intense humidity cycles. This simulates real-world weathering conditions much more realistically and specifically accelerates aging processes.

Growing importance far beyond the automotive industry

ASTM D7869 was originally developed specifically for exterior coatings in the automotive sector. Today, this test method is also gaining increasing importance in other industrial sectors. These include, among others:

• Automotive and commercial vehicle industry
• Aerospace
• Construction industry and architecture
• Industrial coatings
• High-quality technical and commercial products

As a result, ASTM D7869 is increasingly becoming an international reference method for evaluating durable coating systems. While the independent testing laboratory at SKZ-Testing conducts the weathering test in accordance with the standard, the European Center for Dispersion Technologies (EZD) supports companies right from the development stage of new coatings. State-of-the-art analytical methods make it possible to understand aging mechanisms at the molecular level and to specifically identify optimization potential for binders, pigments or additives.

This provides companies with valuable insights for the further development of their products and enables them to design development processes much more efficiently. “ASTM D7869 provides realistic insights into the long-term durability of modern coatings. However, combined with the scientific expertise of the EZD, we can offer our customers far more than just conducting a test,” says Dr. Marcus Heindl, Head of the Testing Laboratory at SKZ-Testing. Heindl adds: “We help customers understand material changes and identify specific opportunities for optimization. It is precisely this combination of independent testing and scientific analysis that makes our service offering so unique.”

The EZD also sees this close collaboration as providing added value for the industry. “Innovations don’t just emerge in the testing lab; they begin during the development of new materials,” explains Felipe Wolff-Fabris, Site Manager of the European Center for Dispersion Technologies (EZD) in Selb. “Through the close collaboration between the EZD and the independent testing laboratory at the SKZ, we can support companies along the entire value chain – from the formulation of new dispersions and coatings through their production and analytical characterisation to the independent verification of their long-term durability. This accelerates development processes and increases confidence in the market launch of new products.”

Research, development and independent testing under one roof

Through the close integration of research, development and independent testing, SKZ underscores its commitment to supporting companies throughout the entire innovation process. The combination of the expertise of SKZ-Testing and the European Center for Dispersion Technologies creates added value: scientifically sound material development, state-of-the-art analytics and practical testing work together seamlessly. 

(Source: SKZ – The Plastics Center)