Morphology of wax modified coil coatings without and with pigmentation

Wax modified coil coatings without and with white pigmentation were analyzed by optical light microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. By optical light and Raman microscopy dispersed spherical wax domains in the micrometer range were ascertained on the surface and within the bulk of the coatings. By the combined Atomic Force microscopical and Raman spectroscopical approach it was possible to detect resin and pigment residues in the lubricant features with diameters above 2 μm. Vice versa indications for wax inclusions with diameters below 2 μm in the matrix and rather thin wax layers expanding from the spherical lubricant domains onto the surface were obtained. As to the wax distribution evaluated by optical light and Raman microscopy significant differences between clearcoat and white topcoat were detected. The non-pigmented coating exhibited smaller wax features and an inhomogeneous distribution with less wax on the surface.