Application and limitations of current understanding to model failure modes in coatings

Building on prior work, some ideas are offered on further research that might provide better linkage between coating composition and durability. Further research may be particularly necessary in order to achieve future environmental goals as well as to adequately replace petrochemicals with renewable resources. Stochastic models have provided some understanding of how coating properties, such as gloss, toughness, corrosion protection, etc., deteriorate in service and have also helped in understanding why accelerated weathering has only a tenuous connection with natural exposure. Using these models and other observations, for example, of film formation and adhesion, one can see where the present knowledge is incomplete and where assumptions must be made, and where approximations must be inserted. Although the focus here is on durability, questions could equally arise in other aspects of coating science, e.g., on film formation, crosslinking chemistry, formulation science, etc.