Supercritical Fluid (SCF) Adhesion Promoters for TPO Substrates

With the increasing demand for thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) in the automotive market, an important need for the applicator is finding a cost effective product which promotes adhesion of coatings to the TPO substrate. One method involves the use of chlorinated polyolefin (CPO) “tie-coats” to assist in the adhesion of topcoats to untreated TPO. A new process, the supercritical fluid (SCF) spray process, has been developed for applying solvent-borne CPO adhesion promoters to TPO. In initial plant trials, the SCF application of adhesion promoters has led to a dramatic reduction in solvent emissions, with improved application efficiency and product performance.