ULTRACOAT INTELIGRAPH SERIES: intelligent polymers for the first time in Protective Coatings
The current generation of ceramic coatings provides a high level of protection and an excellent appearance for the surfaces they cover. Their effectiveness is attributed to the use of proven materials in automotive detailing, namely SiO2 (silicon dioxide) and SiC (silicon carbide). The combination of these two components, along with a third in the form of graphene plates, and the application of advanced technological processes, has led to the creation of a next generation of coatings utilizing smart polymer technology. Thanks to these innovations, ULTRACOAT INTELIGRAPH SERIES coatings not only ensure a stunning look for the surfaces they cover but also offer exceptionally advanced protection, even against extreme external factors.
Intelligent polymers: what are they and how dot hey work?
According to Dr. Maria Starowicz from AGH University, shape memory polymers (SMP) are materials that can “remember” their original shape and return to it when a stimulus is applied. They belong to a group known as “intelligent materials” [1]. The triggers for intelligent polymers include temperature changes, light exposure, or electric fields. Materials utilizing the properties of intelligent polymers can withstand significant deformations, which are often completely reversible.
The functionality based on the properties of shape memory polymers, allowing adaptation to a wide range of external conditions, surpasses even the most advanced solutions used in automotive detailing to date. For example, elastomers, previously considered the most resilient and flexible materials, can change their shape under applied loads [2]. This means they provide resistance only under physical stress.
Intelligent polymers in INTELIGRAPH coatings
The use of the adaptive effect of intelligent polymers in graphene-ceramic coatings from the INTELIGRAPH series has achieved high resistance to a much broader range of stimuli than just physical stress. The new generation coatings exhibit increased resistance to factors such as:
- Extreme temperatures
- UV radiation
- Harmful chemicals
- Minor mechanical damage and deposits
Impact of shape memory polymers on protective coatings
Resistance to extreme temperatures
Coatings that have incorporated intelligent polymer properties exhibit unprecedented resistance to external factors compared to previous generations. They maintain their original functionality even when exposed to extreme temperatures, making them an excellent choice for car users in cold, hot, or variable climates.
Protection against UV radiation
Strong sunlight has a destructive effect on automotive paints. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to discoloration and even peeling of paint. Ceramic coatings applied to automotive paints are also vulnerable to harmful sunlight effects, causing many to lose their original properties within a short time. Thanks to their adaptability, coatings utilizing intelligent polymer technology are resistant to strong UV radiation—a feature appreciated by users in heavily sunlit regions like Southern Europe or the U.S. West Coast.
Resistance to chemical substances
The properties of intelligent polymers provide protection not only against harmful extreme weather conditions but also against exposure to chemical substances (including those with extreme pH levels or road salt). Therefore, coatings utilizing intelligent polymer properties are an excellent solution for car users in countries where winter requires reducing road slipperiness using intensive chemicals.
Application and surface appearance
Exceptionally easy application
The ability to adapt to extreme temperatures and varying humidity levels not only increases the coatings’ resistance to external factors but also simplifies their application. For example, applying INTELIGRAPH SERIES coatings is possible under almost any conditions—at various humidity levels and temperatures (from 10°C to 30°C). This straightforward and nearly always feasible application will be appreciated by both professional detailers and amateurs looking to care for their vehicles daily.
Superhydrophobicity
The hydrophobic effect refers to a surface’s ability to repel water. In the context of ceramic coatings used in automotive detailing, this effect is crucial for protecting paint and maintaining vehicle cleanliness. The use of active graphene flakes in protective coatings makes the covered surface even smoother. The structure’s lack of open pores enhances the beading effect, allowing water droplets to slide off its surface more quickly. This is why superhydrophobicity reaches a completely new level in ULTRACOAT’s INTELIGRAPH SERIES.
Self-cleaning properties
The crystalline smoothness of graphene-ceramic coatings translates into very strong self-cleaning properties. What does this mean in practice? Dirt particles “have nothing to stick to.” This ability protects against even the most stubborn contaminants like asphalt and metal shavings while significantly facilitating their potential removal.
Which protective coatings on the market utilize intelligent polymer properties?
An example of protective coatings based on intelligent shape memory polymer technology is ULTRACOAT’s products from the INTELIGRAPH series. These technologically advanced graphene-ceramic coatings exhibit very high resistance to extreme external factors.
Currently, four coatings are available in the INTELIGRAPH line
Skyline
Skyline is a new graphene-based ceramic coating that utilizes three active ingredients: SiO2, SiC, and graphene. Thanks to their synergistic action, extraordinary intelligent polymer properties have been achieved. Skyline offers comprehensive paint protection against extreme external conditions while providing excellent aesthetics. The superhydrophobic effect and self-cleaning properties ensure that the coating maintains its qualities for up to 3 years or up to 80,000 km, regardless of prevailing conditions. Skyline allows users to enjoy long-lasting protection for their vehicles alongside an impeccable appearance for years.
Aurora
Aurora is a versatile graphene-ceramic coating suitable for almost any exterior surface—from paints and wheels to plastics. It can be used as a standalone product or as a top coat. Surface protection provided by Aurora lasts up to 9 months. With graphene flakes incorporated, surfaces covered with this coating become very smooth and superhydrophobic. What does this mean? Dirt and contaminants have significantly less chance of adhering to the vehicle. Aurora is an ideal solution for anyone wanting to maintain cleanliness and excellent vehicle appearance without unnecessary effort.
Vista
Vista is a graphene-ceramic coating that revolutionizes glass surface protection. With it, driving in rain becomes more enjoyable and safer—just reach a speed of 45 km/h to benefit from the invisible wiper effect. Moreover, Vista significantly reduces dirt adhesion, making it easier to keep vehicle windows clean. Thanks to intelligent polymer properties, the expected durability of Vista coating is up to 2 years or approximately 30,000 km from application. This is an excellent solution for those who seek not only aesthetics but also functionality in challenging weather conditions.
Gravity
Gravity is an advanced coating that works excellently on wheels, exhaust tips, and plastic body elements. By combining three active ingredients—SiO2, SiC, and graphene—an intelligent polymer effect has been achieved, giving Gravity impressive durability up to 2 years along with resistance against extreme external conditions.
What sets Gravity apart? Primarily its intense colour depth effect, superhydrophobicity, and self-cleaning properties. This coating not only protects but also ensures that treated wheels and other surfaces look like new while dirt has no chance of sticking. It’s an ideal solution for those who pay attention even to the smallest details regarding their vehicle’s appearance.
Summary
Intelligent polymers in ULTRACOAT INTELIGRAPH SERIES coatings significantly enhance their properties by providing exceptional resistance against external factors such as extreme temperatures, UV radiation, or harmful chemicals. These products are an ideal choice for car users who wish to maintain their vehicles’ excellent appearance regardless of conditions as well as professional detailers looking for effective and easy-to-apply solutions for their detailing studios. We encourage you to discover the advantages of INTELIGRAPH coatings yourself and see what intelligent polymer properties can do!
[1] Source: https://epodreczniki.open.agh.edu.pl/handbook/37/module/945/reader