Paints & Polymers, Pt. 2

Trace Evidence class w/ Dr. Elizabeth Chesna

Process performed to achieve optimal corrosion protection and/or subsequent paint layer adhesion.

Pretreatment

A surface treatment that converts a metal surface to promote paint adhesion.

Conversion Coating

The first applied primer on metal parts, typically a shade of gray, that promotes adhesion and is followed by a baking process.

Electrodeposited Primer (e-coat)

Also known as primer, it provides protection, fills imperfections, and promotes adhesion for topcoat layers.

Undercoat

The outer layer of paint that provides color, shine, and protects against environmental factors.

Topcoat

A transparent layer that provides shine, luster, and protects the underlying layers from abrasion and UV damage.

Clearcoat

Layers of paint applied after the original factory coating on a vehicle, often of varying quality.

Aftermarket Refinishes

The separation of different paint layers at their interfaces.

Delamination

A method of microscopy providing a three-dimensional view of samples.

Stereomicroscopy

A technique used to analyze the chemical composition of paint samples by measuring the absorption of infrared radiation.

Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

Coloring agents used in paint that provide specific hues and characteristics.

Pigments

Substances in paint that ensure adhesion of pigment particles to the substrate.

Binders

A technique that uses specific wavelengths of light to excite fluorescent markers in samples.

Fluorescence Microscopy

A database used for identifying paint layers in forensic analysis, consisting of information from various automotive manufacturers.

PDQ (Paint Data Query)

A comprehensive term that refers to materials composed of long molecular chains that provide a specific set of properties.

Polymeric System

The surface that a coat of paint is applied to, such as metal or wood.

Substrate