Conductive primer compositions with primary resin binder

Abstract

The present invention is directed to improved conductive primer compositions and methods. In the improved methods aspect of the present invention, a non-conductive polymeric component is precoated with a primer to render it electroconductive in preparation for electrocoating. Next, the primed polymeric comonent is assembled with a conductive metallic component to form a multi-material workpiece. Finally, the formed workpiece is submerged in an electrocoat bath for simultaneously electrocoating both the primed polymeric component and the conductive metallic component. In some preferred embodiments, the workpiece may be an automobile body. In the improved electroconductive primer compositions aspect of the present invention, such compositions comprise a dispersion of approximately 70% to 90% of a polymeric resinous which will cure to form a film, approximately 10% to 30% of a conductive carbon pigment, in some embodiments approximately 0.25 to 0.45 of an electron transmitting or other surfactant or dispersing agent, and a sufficient volume of solvents to provide a flowable viscosity to the primer. Such primer may be formed from a wide variety of different resins.

Description

The present invention is directed to the electrocoating arts, and more particularly to an improved method of simultaneously electrocoating a multi-material workpiece formed from a non-conductive component, and also from a conductive component, by electrocoat bath deposition or by spraying. Such multi-material workpiece may preferably comprise an automobile body, or other automotive components.

In the prior art, and especially in the automobile manufacturing art, certain problems have appeared in production of automobile body and components. Specifically, for reasons of cost and to impart desirable properties to various automobile components, polymeric or plastic components have been used and are now being used for parts which in the past have been formed from metal. The result is that the automobile body may have, for example, polymeric front and rear bumper components, polymeric interior trim, polymeric steering column components, and other automobile components formed from polymeric or plastics materials. Indeed, such components may be formed from different types of polymers to impart different physical characteristics to different parts.

Automobile manufacturers have deemed it beneficial to attempt to provide the same general appearance to the polymeric components as that of the metallic components. One difficulty in providing such uniform appearance is that the metallic components may be readily electrocoated, as they are conductive, but the polymeric components in the past could not be electrocoated, as they were not electroconductive. The result was that the polymeric components had to be coated separately, by other techniques, and by different coating compositions, and at different times, from the metallic components. The result in many instances was less than satisfactory in the prior art as the polymeric components did not "mesh" in physical appearance with the metallic components. A further problem was that additional equipment and facilities had to be provided for at least two separate coating operations--one operation for electroconductive materials and at least one other for the non-electroconductive materials.

One object of the improved methods and compositions of the present invention is to materially alleviate the difficulties associated with prior art techniques, and more particularly to lower the costs associated therewith, increase the efficiency of the respective operations, to provide an improved final product, and to provide primer coating compositions having a wide applicability as conductive coatings and/or substrates.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved methods of the present invention are directed to simultaneously electrocoating a multi-material workpiece having a conductive, metallic component and at least one non-conductive, polymeric component. The steps comprise first precoating the non-conductive, polymeric component with an electroconductive primer; curing such primer; assembling the primed polymeric component with the conductive, metallic component to form a multi-material material workpiece; and submerging the formed workpiece in an electrocoat bath for simultaneously electrocoating both the primed polymeric component and the conductive, metallic component. In alternative embodiments, the multi-material workpiece may be sprayed with electrostatic spray equipment.

The non-conductive, polymeric component may comprise, for example, virtually any automobile body component where the structural properties of the polymeric material permit. The pre-coating of the primer may be by either dipping techniques, spraying techniques, in-mold coating techniques, or other techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The improved electroconductive coating composition of the present invention may in some preferred embodiments comprise a dispersion of approximately 70% to 90% of a curable film-forming polymeric resin binder, approximately 10% to 30% of a conductive carbon pigment, in some embodiments approximately 0.2 to 0.45 of an electron transmitting or other surfactant or dispersing agent, and sufficient solvents to provide a flowable viscosity to the primer. Such solvents include in some embodiments organic solvents, and water as a solvent in other such preferred embodiments.

When certain resin binders are utilized, an acid catalyst system is necessary for proper cure of the film, and in those embodiments approximately 1% to approximately 3% of an acid, preferably a sulfonic acid, is utilized. Preferred alternative embodiments may incorporate approximately 18% to 30% of a finely ground metal into such conductive coating compositions, and with corresponding reduction in the amount of resin binder necessary in some preferred embodiments.

The methods and compositions of the present invention will be better understood with respect to the following brief description of the drawing, detailed description of preferred embodiments, appended claims, and accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of the improved method of simultaneously electrocoating a multi-material workpiece of the present invention, and particularly showing an automobile body suspended above an electrocoat bath, with the automobile body containing both conductive, metallic components and at least one non-conductive, polymeric component which has previously been coated with an electroconductive primer prior to assembly together with the conductive, metallic component to form the multi-material workpiece;

FIG. 2 is a graphical representation depicting conductivity versus pigment volume concentration (PRC), and showing a narrow area of the critical PVC where conductivity is improved approximately 100% over lower pigment volume concentration values;

FIG. 3 is a graphical representation of conductivity versus PVC and depiciting the level of critical PVC for copper pigment in the grind, the formulations of the present invention without any metallic pigment, and the same copper pigment contained within the let down;

FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of conductivity versus pigment volume concentration, and showing a peak in conductivity above the level of critical PVC for one representative formulation and showing the levels of volume of binder and volume of pigment, as those levels affect conductivity; and

FIG. 5 is a graphical representation similar to the graphical representation of FIG. 4 and showing the relationship between conductivity and pigment volume concentration for another formulation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The first aspect of the present invention is directed to improved methods of simultaneously electrocoating a multi-material workpiece having a conductive, metallic component and at least one non-conductive, polymeric component. Preferred embodiments of these methods of the present invention comprise the steps of pre-coating the non-conductive polymeric component with a primer which is conductive when cured into a film, thereby to render the surface of the polymeric component sufficiently conductive for electrocoating. Next, the primed polymeric component is assembled with the conductive, metallic component to form the multi-material workpiece. Finally, the formed workpiece in some preferred embodiments is submerged into an electrocoat bath for simultaneously electrocoating both the primed polymeric component and the conductive, metallic component of the formed multi-material workpiece. In alternative preferred embodiments, the multi-material workpiece is electrostatically coated by oppositely charging the workpiece and the coating droplets by techniques well-known to those skilled in the electrostatic coating arts.

In some preferred embodiments, the multi-material workpiece may be an automobile chassis, although both the method and composition aspects of the present invention have application in wide areas outside the automotive arts. In automotive embodiments, the non-conductive, polymeric component may comprise bumper components, automobile interior trim work, portions of the automobile steering column, portions of the automobile body, etc. In such preferred embodiments, the primer precoating is preferably cured at 300.degree. F. for approximately 15 minutes prior to assembly with the conductive metallic component of the multi-material workpiece. The primer coating compositions of the present invention, described in greater detail, infra, may be applied to the work piece 30 days or more in advance and shipped elsewhere or stored for later coating without substantial reduction in efficiency.

As to methods of pre-coating of the non-conductive polymeric primer component, such polymeric components may be dipped into a bath of the conductive primer, or may be sprayed with the conductive primer utilizing techniques known to those having ordinary skill in the art. In-mold coating techniques may also be used.

Referring now to the drawing and to FIG. 1 in particular, an illustrative example of one of the method aspects of the present invention is shown schematically. In particular, a preferred embodiment of the improved methods of simultaneously electrocoating a multi-material workpiece having a conductive, metallic component and at least one non-conductive, polymeric component is shown.

An automobile chassis generally 10 is shown suspended by hooks 12 and cables 14 from an overhead crane 16 movable in the direction as shown by arrow A along track 18. Such chassis 10 may be lowered as shown by Arrow B into electrocoat bath 20 containing an electrocoating material 22 of the type and utilizing electrocoat techniques known to those skilled in the electrocoat arts. One or more components of the automobile chassis 10 may be formed of a non-conductive, polymeric material to be pre-coated with the conductive primer compositions of another aspect of the present invention. Such parts are then assembled with the conductive, metallic components for simultaneous electrocoating in bath 20. Such parts may comprise, for example: (a) the rear bumper, bumper facia, and/or back-up beams; (b) the front bumper, bumper facia, and/or back-up beams; (c) the spoiler(s); (d) the air ram; (e) the grill parts; (f) the fender(s); (g) the door panel(s); (h) the quarter panel(s); (i) the hood; (j) the interior trim; and/or (k) the steering column components. Such non-conductive polymeric parts, some of which are shown schematically in FIG. 1, are depicted for purposes of illustration, and no limitation as to the type of such parts is intended, whether in the automotive industry or in other industries.

In regard to the second aspect of the present invention involving improved electroconductive coating compositions, such compositions may be utilized as a coating or primer for a non-conductive substrate material, for example polymeric components, and more particularly polymeric components of an automobile. Other non-conductive substrate materials may also be used. Such non-conductive substrate materials are prepared for electrocoating by rendering them electroconductive, which is accomplished by coating their surfaces with the electroconductive primer coating compositions of the present invention. Such improved electroconductive primer coating compositions comprise in some preferred embodiments a dispersion of approximately 70% to 90% of a curable, film-forming polymeric resin binder, which upon cure thereof will form a stable film to adhere to the surface of the substrate; approximately 10% to 30% of a conductive carbon pigment; in some embodiments approximately 0.2% to 0.45% of an electron transmitting or other surfactant; and sufficient solvents to provide a flowable viscosity to the primer. Such electron transmitting surfactant(s) provide in the cured film conductive pathways for electrons between the conductive carbon pigment

In other embodiments of the present invention where surfactants of the wetting agent variety are utilized, such surfactants (or dispersing agents) function to assist in and to assure complete dispersion of at least the carbon black pigment ingredient to provide the requisite conductivity in the cured film. In some other alternative embodiments, the surfactant(s) are entirely eliminated; however, more time must be spent in the grinding process to assure the necessary complete dispersion of the carbon black pigment.

In embodiments of the present invention requiring acid catalysis for proper cure, 1% to 3% of an acid is incorporated within the composition. Such acid catalyst may be selected from the group consisting of an organic acid, aromatic sulfonic acid, p-toluene sulfonic acid, phosporic acid, alkyl phosphoric acid, maleic acid, trimellitic acid, phthalic acid, and acrylic acid. In preferred embodiments, such acid catalyst comprises dinonylnaphthalene disulfonic acid or dinonylnaphthalene (mono)sulfonic acid.

In alternative embodiments, either organic solvent systems or aqueous solvent systems may be utilized. The polymeric resin binder in preferred embodiments may comprise a primary resin, and a cross-linking resin. The primary resin may be selected from the group consisting in preferred embodiments of polyester, epoxy, epoxyester, and epoxy urea resins. In alternative embodiments, and depending in part upon the substrate to be primed, and the selected characteristics of film properties and film curing environment, such primary resin may be selected from the group consisting of alkyd, alkyd urea, acrylic, silicone copolymers, ketone resins, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrocellulose, hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyacrylamide, methyl cellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol resins.

The cross-linking resin which may be used in conjunction with such primary resin preferably comprises a melamine resin; and more particularly, melamine-formaldehyde resins have been found to provide optimum utility. One such melamine-formaldehyde resin which has functioned exceptionally well is hexamethoxymethylmelamine resin.

In alternative embodiments of the improved primer compositions of the present invention, the polymeric resin binder is water soluble and may be selected from the group consisting of butadiene latex, acrylic acetate emulsion, polyvinyl acetate emulsion, and alkyd resin emulsion.

In preferred embodiments of the improved electroconductive primer compositions of the present invention, such compositions preferably have a viscosity of approximately 7 to 8 seconds using a No. 3 Zahn cup. The conductive carbon pigment in such preferred embodiments is ground to approximately 6.5 to 7.5 on the Hegman grind gauge. Some conductivity has been found at 4.5 to 5.5 grind; however, conductivity was found to fall in the 5.5 to 6.5 grind range. The gloss of such preferred compositions in the cured film is approximately 0 to 30 on a 60.degree. gloss meter.

In preferred embodiments, the curable film-forming polymeric resin binder, the conductive carbon pigment and in some embodiments a metallic pigment, the electron transmitting surfactant, and a portion of the solvent are mixed to form a paste for grinding. Such grinding may be accomplished by a steel ball mill, a sand mill, a pebble mill, or other techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art. When such grind is accomplished, it has been found that the cured primer film has resistance measured over a 2 inch spread on the film surface of at most approximately 2.3 Megohms.

Preferred solvents for organic soluble resins comprise 1,1,1 trichloroethane, which is also known as methyl chloroform. Additional solvents may include light aromatic solvent naphtha. Other compatible solvents may be selected depending upon the resin(s) utilized, and according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and as set forth in the alternative preferred embodiments as set forth in the Examples, infra.

The electron transmitting surfactant used in some embodiments preferably comprises a quaternary salt, and in particular an organo titanate salt. In preferred embodiments, such organo titanate salt has the formula:

(OC.sub.2 H40)Ti[OP(0)(ONH(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3))OP(0)(OC.sub.8 H.sub.7).sub.2 ].sub.2.

Also, in the embodiment we have the additional surfactants: Alcolec S, Alkaterge E, Alkaterge T, Busperse 47, Busperse 203, Disperbyk 130, Bykunen, Disperse-Ayd #6, Disperse-Ayd #7, Disperse-Ayd #8, Disperse-ayde W-22 and Disperse-Ayd W-28, Nopcosperse 44, Nopcosant K, Lomar Series, Solsperse Hyperdispersants, Solsperse Hyperdispersants 22, Hyperdispersants 21, Solsperse RW40 Resin, Solsperse RX50 Resin, Solsperse 24000, Solsperse Hyperdispersants 26, Baysilone Fluid OL17, RAYBO 56-MagnaMix, RAYBO 61, TAMOL 850, Triton N-101, Triton N-998, Triton X-405, Triton N-101, Tamol 850, Nuosperse 657, Nuosperse 700, Silwet L-7001, Silwet L-7605, and Dimethylaminqethanol DMAE.

In other embodiments, the surfactant used may be selected from a wide variety of surfactants known to those of ordinary skill in the art, with the functional requirement being that such surfactant provide sufficient wettability to the carbon black pigment to assure substantially complete dispersion thereof during grinding, to provide the necessary level of conductivity to the cured primer, and to diminish flocculation in the stored primer composition.

In addition to the coating compositions of the present invention which may be cured by baking in ovens known to those of ordinary skill in the art, additional compositions may be directed to an air dry coating, a lacquer formulation, a flexible formulation, and compositions wherein the above formulations further include the incorporation of a conductive metal in the grind to improve conductivity.

As set forth in the following Examples and as referred to in FIG. 3 of the drawing, by utilizing a conductive metal (such as copper, nickel or silver) in the grind, the conductivity of the coating composition is shown to improve approximately 100% over coating compositions which contain only the conductive carbon component, as shown in FIG. 2, for example.

Specifically, FIG. 3 depicts an increase in conductivity where the metallic element, whether copper, nickel, silver or other metallic pigment is placed to the grind, with the metallic pigment placed in the let down showing an overall decrease in conductivity of the coating system.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict conductivity versus PVC as graphically illustrated for different binder and pigment systems. A minimum amount of high shear dispersion must be achieved when metallic pigments are utilized before there is any increase in conductivity; otherwise, a decrease in conductivity results. The amount of high shear dispersion is different for each binder/pigment system, and is different for different types of mills, such as a sand mill or a steel ball mill. However, techniques of determining the critical pigment volume concentration are well within the skill of those having ordinary skill in the art, and can be accomplished graphically, as shown in the Figs. hereof without undue experimentation.

As set forth in the following Examples, the coating compositions may include approximately 18% to 30% of a conductive finely ground metallic compound It has been found that metallic compound mut be added into the grind and ground into a fine particle size, otherwise the result is not an increase in conductivity, but rather a decrease in conductivity, as when such metallic pigment is placed in the let down.

The pigment volume concentration (PVC) as shown in FIGS. 2-5 is also found to have a significant effect in regard to peaks of conductivity. In particular, it has been discovered that there is a narrow area above the critical pigment volume concentration where conductivity is improved approximately 100% over the level of conductivity at lower pigment volume concentrations.

In addition to utilization of the primer coating compositions of the present invention in conjunction with an electrocoating bath, such coating compositions are also useful in connection with known methods of electrostatic spraying. In particular, automotive manufacturers and other manufacturers of heavy equipment waste a great deal of top coat in electrostatic spraying. It has been determined that a conductive substrate will give increased "wrap" --i.e., 90% of the electrostatically charged coating will be deposited upon the substrate to be coated, rather than 80% as with prior art non-conductive undercoat compositions.

Other applications for use of the conductive coating primer compositions of the present invention include utilization with low-bake acrylic top coat compositions. Although such low-bake acrylic top coat compositions have been found to have poor corrosion resistance, such compositions would function more optimally in conjunction with the present conductive primer compositions.

Other small items, such as toilet seats for example, have in the past been electrostatically sprayed. However, if such items were rendered more conductive, such as by utilization of the conductive coating compositions of the present invention, less top coat spray would be wasted in "overspray".

Another area of application for the conductive coating primer compositions of the present invention is in the area of electromagnetic shielding. In particular, in automobiles and other vehicles, for example, static discharge from the ignition system interferes with the on-board computer systems. However, a conductive spray disposed onto the polymeric housing for such computer systems would be sufficiently conductive to prevent such static discharge from the ignition system from causing such interference. Moreover, disposing such sprayed-on electromagnetic shielding on such polymeric surface would save the added weight, and the time and expense of adding a metallic housing thereto. Of course, when a metallic housing is used, a polymeric or other non-conductive housing must be used inside to prevent shorting out.

Additional advantages of the conductive coating compositions of the present invention over prior art compositions and techniques include the property of enhanced maintenance of conductivity over time, in both the wet form, and in the dry film ready for top coating. In particular, prior art composition films have oxidized rather quickly, to lose thereby their conductive coating features. The following coating compositions have been tested for more than a two month period in the in-can (wet) format and the coating compositions have remained conductive. Moreover, coated parts (dry) have been tested after coating with the conductive coating compositions with the present invention more than 30 days prior thereto, and there has been no substantial loss of conductivity.

Preferred embodiments of the primer compositions of the present invention are further set forth in the following Examples:

EXAMPLE I

__________________________________________________________________________ SOLIDS WEIGHTDESCRIPTION POUNDS GALLONS WGT. SOL. VOL. SOL. PERCENT__________________________________________________________________________(A) 5782 RESIN 88.92 10.2800 84.47 9.6118 55.2% (high solids polyester resin)(B) CYMEL 303 RESIN 36.30 3.6300 36.30 3.6300 23.7% (cross-linking agent hexamethoxymethylmelamine)(C) CONDUCTEX 40-220 29.00 1.5263 29.00 1.5263 19.0% (carbon pigment)(D) SC-100 SOLVENT 78.88 10.8800 .00 .0000 -- (aromatic petroleum solvent)(E) 1,1,1, TRICHLOROETHANE- 273.75 25.0000 .00 .0000 -- SM (halogenated hydrocarbon)(F) KEN-REACT KR 238T .56 .0700 .56 .0700 .36% (quaternary salt)(G) 1,1,1, TRICHLOROETHANE- 525.93 48.0300 .00 .0000 -- SM (halogenated hydrocarbon)(H) NACURE 155 4.81 .5900 2.65 .2891 1.7% (catalyst aromatic sulfonic acid) TOTALS 1038.15 100.00 152.98 15.1272 99.96__________________________________________________________________________PVC: 10.09%SOLIDS BY WGT: 14.74%SOLIDS BY VOL: 15.13%VOC (LB/GL): 3.17SQ FT COVERAGE (1 MIL): 243__________________________________________________________________________

Items A-F of the above composition were charged to a steel ball mill, and ground for approximately 10 hours, which gave a grind of approximately 6.5 to 7.5 on the Hegman grind scale.

Items G and H were added to the above dispersion, to provide a viscosity to the primer of 7 to 8 seconds utilizing a No. 3 Zahn cup.

The above conductive primer coating was contained within a volume, and a section of non-conductive, polymeric material was dipped there into. The material was cured at 300.degree. F. for 15 minutes, and then tested for electrical resistance. The cured coating was found to be 0.2 to 0.5 mils in thickness. Upon testing, the film displayed high levels of durability and field exposure in the following areas, such as, adhesion, impact, hardness, freeze-thaw cycling, and all properties demanded by the automotive industry.

EXAMPLE II

The preferred components utilized in the primer compositions of the present invention are identified as being available from at least the following producers:

______________________________________COMPONENT NAME OF THE COMPANY ADDRESS______________________________________Conductex Columbian Chemicals Co. P.O. Box 3740-220 Tulsa, OK. 74102NACURE 155 King Industries, Inc. Science Road Norwalk, CT. 06852Aromatic 100 Exxon Company P.O. Box 2180 Houston, TX 77001Methyl Diamond Shamrock Corp. Ind. ChemicalChloroform Technical Ctr. P.O. Box 191 Painesville, OH 44077Quatenary Kenrich Petrochemicals 140 E. 22ndSalt Bayonne, NJ. 07002CYMEL 303 American Cyanamid Co. Wayne, NJResin 07470High Solids Cargill Technical P.O. Box 9300Polyester 5782 Minn., Mn. 55440______________________________________

EXAMPLE III

The 5782 Cargill polyester resin was replaced with an epoxy resin, and similar results of electroconductivity and film integrity were noted.

EXAMPLE IV

The 5782 Cargill polyester resin was replaced with an epoxy-ester resin, and similar results of electroconductivity and film integrity were noted.

EXAMPLE V

The 5782 Cargill polyester resin was replaced with an epoxy urea resin, and similar results of electroconductivity and film integrity were noted.

EXAMPLE VI

The above composition of Example I was applied in two coats at 0.1 mils each. The conductivity was found to be twice that of a 0.2 mil film.

EXAMPLE VII

Compositions similar to that of Example I were made by utilizing Conductex 975, Conductex SC, and Conductex 900 as the carbon pigment. Similar results were obtained.

EXAMPLE VIII

(Metallic Baking Formula)

The following formulation was produced according to techniques well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Upon testing the specific resistivity was found to be 0.7 ohm-cm.

__________________________________________________________________________ SOLIDS WEIGHTDESCRIPTION POUNDS GALLONS WGT. SOL. VOL. SOL. PERCENT__________________________________________________________________________10-613 RESIN (phenolic- 20.46 2,6400 12.28 1.3200 6.4%modified alkyd resin)5782 RESIN 42.21 4.8800 40.10 4.5628 21.0%(high solids polyster resin)K-FLEX 188-50 17.67 1.9100 17.67 1.9100 9.2%(flexible polyester resin)CYMEL 1168 25.33 2.7900 25.33 2.7900 13.3%(cross-linking agent melamine)NUOSPERSE 700 (sufactant) 6.88 .8000 3.44 .3200 1.8%KEN-REACT KR 238T (quaternary salt) .56 .0700 .56 .0700 0.36%16% ZINC DRIER (film drier) 4.34 .5100 3.12 .3570 1.60%CONDUCTEX 40-220 (carbon pigment) 31.90 2.1277 31.90 2.1277 16.70%ISOBUTYL ALCOHOL (solvent) 80.16 12.0000 .00 .0000 .00%VMP 66 (solvent) 74.40 12.0000 .00 .0000 .00%ETHYL 3-ETHOXYPROPIONATE 94.32 12.0000 .00 .0000 .00%(hydrocarbon solvent)COPPER FLAKE EMX-2 (metallic pigment) 50.00 .7000 50.00 .7000 26.20%ETHYL 3-ETHOXYPROPIONATE (solvent) 51.09 6.5000 .90 .0000 .00%VMP 66 (solvent) 40.86 6.5900 .00 .0000 .00%ISOBUTYL ALCOHOL (solvent) 46.76 7.0000 .00 .0000 .00%DIACETONE ALCOHOL (solvent) 19.55 2.5000 .00 .0000 .00%ETHYL 3-ETHOXYPROPIONATE (solvent) 62.88 8.0000 .00 .0000 .00%VMP 66 (solvent) 46.50 7.5000 .00 .0000 .00%ISOBUTYL ALCOHOL (solvent) 53.44 8.0000 .00 .0000 .00%NACURE 155 (catalyst 12.24 1.5000 6.73 .7350 3.50%aromatic sulfonic acidTOTAL: 781.55 100.00 191.13 14.8925 100.00%__________________________________________________________________________PVC: 18.99%SOLIDS BY WGT: 24.46%SOLIDS BY VOL: 14.89%VOC (LB/GL): 5.90SQ. FT COVERAGE (1 MIL): 239PIGMENT SOLIDS: 81.90 2.8277VEHICLE SOLIDS: 95.38 10.5828__________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE IX

Formulations having the following variations in proportions of ingredients from those illustrated in Example VIII are prepared and found to be effectuate satisfactory coating properties:

______________________________________DESCRIPTION PARTS BY WEIGHT______________________________________MIXTURE OF POLYESTER RESIN 8 11.0%MELAMINE RESIN 3 4.0%NUOSPERSE 700 0.4 0.5%CATALYST (ZINC + ACID) 1 1.5%KEN-REACT - 238T .00 .08%CONDUCTEX 40 - 220 3.5 4.5%COPPER FLAKE EMX 2 5.75 7.5%MIXTURE OF SOLVENTS 78.29 71.42% 100.00 100.00%______________________________________

EXAMPLE X

(Air Dry Formula)

The following formulation was produced according to techniques well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Upon testing the specific resistivity was found to be 0.4 ohm-cm.

__________________________________________________________________________ SOLIDS WEIGHTDESCRIPTION POUNDS GALLONS WGT. SOL. VOL. SOL. PERCENT__________________________________________________________________________VMP 66 (solvent) 111.60 18.0000 .00 .0000 .0%ETHYL 3-ETHOXYPROPIONATE 47.16 6.0000 .00 .0000 .0%(solvent)B-67 45% VMP00 189.80 26.0000 85.41 9.4120 48.9%(acrylic air dry resin)NUOSPERSE 700 (surfactant) 6.88 .8000 3.44 .3200 2.0%CONDUCTEX 40-220 32.00 2.1343 32.00 2.1343 18.3%(carbon pigments)COPPER FLAKE EMX-2 50.00 .7000 50.00 .7000 28.7%(metallic pigment)KEN-REACT KR 238TG .56 .0700 .56 .0700 0.3%(quarternary salt)20% SOLN KD-618 15.46 2.0000 3.09 .3480 1.8%(silicon wax wetting agent)VMP 66 (solvent) 212.66 34.3000 .00 .0000 0.0%ETHYL 3-ETHOXYPROPIONATE 78.60 10.0000 .00 .0000 0.0%(solvent)TOTAL 744.72 100.0000 174.50 12.9843 100.0%__________________________________________________________________________PVC: 22.30%SOLIDS BY WGT: 23.43%SOLIDS BY VOL: 12.98%VOC (LB/GL): 5.70%SQ. FT. COVERAGE (1 MIL): 208PIGMENT SOLIDS: 82.62 2.8949VEHICLE SOLIDS: 85.41 9.4120__________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE XI

Formulations having the following variations in proportions of ingredients from those illustrated in Example X are prepared and found to be effectuate satisfactory coating properties:

______________________________________DESCRIPTION PARTS BY WEIGHT______________________________________B-67 (SOLIDS) 10.0 12.0%CONDUCTEX 40-220 4.0 5.0%SILICON & NUOSPERSE 700 0.8 0.9%COPPER FLAKE EMX 2 6.0 7.0%MIXTURE OF SOLVENTS 79.2 75.1% 100.0 100.0%______________________________________

EXAMPLE XII

(Non-Metallic, Flexible Baking Formula)

The following formulation was produced according to techniques well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Upon testing the specific resistivity was found to be 9.0 ohm-cm.

__________________________________________________________________________ SOLIDS WEIGHTDESCRIPTION POUNDS GALLONS WGT. SOL. VOL. SOL. PERCENT__________________________________________________________________________DESMORPHEN 670-80 (polyester resin) 82.80 9.0000 66.24 6.7500 48.3%SC-100 SOLVENT (solvent) 145.00 20.0000 .00 .0000 .00NUOSPERSE 700 (surfactant) 6.00 .6977 3.00 .2791 2.2%KEN-REACT KR 238T (quaternary salt) .56 .0700 .56 .0700 0.4%CONDUCTEX 40-220 (carbon pigment) 31.90 2.1277 31.90 2.1277 23.3%ETHYL 3-ETHOXYPROPIONATE (solvent) 78.60 10.0000 .00 .0000 .0%URAC II CATALYST SOLN 4.00 .4938 .04 .0045 trace(tubutyl-tin-dilaureate)16% ZINC DRIER (film drier) 4.00 .4706 2.88 .3394 2.1%ETHYL 3-ETHOXYPROPIONATE (solvent) 78.60 10.0000 .00 .0000 .00%N-BUTYL ACETATE (U.G.) (solvent) 147.00 20.0000 .00 .0000 .00%XYLOL (solvent) 51.69 7.1500 .00 .0000 0.0%CORONATE EH RESIN 32.46 3.3600 32.46 3.3600 23.7%(cross-linking agenthexamethylenediisocyanate trimer)N-BUTYL ACETATE (U.G.) (solvent) 122.30 16.6400 .00 .0000 .0%TOTAL: 784.91 100.00 137.10 12.9209 100.0%__________________________________________________________________________PVC: 16.47%SOLIDS BY WGT: 17.47%SOLIDS BY VOL: 12.92%VOC (LB/GL): 6.48%SQ. FT. COVERAGE (1 MIL): 207PIGMENT SOLIDS: 32.90 2.1277VEHICLE SOLIDS: 98.70 10.1100__________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE XIII

Formulations having the following variations in proportions of ingredients from those illustrated in Example XII are prepared and found to be effectuate satisfactory coating properties:

______________________________________DESCRIPTION PARTS BY WEIGHT______________________________________POLYESTER RESIN (SOLIDS) 8.0 9.0%ISOCYANATE RESIN 4.0 4.5%NUOSPERSE 700 0.3 0.5%ZINC PLUS DBT CATALYST 0.3 0.5%KR-238T .6 0.08%CONDUCTEX 40-220 3.8 4.2%MIXTURE OF SOLVENTS 83.4 81.22% 100.0 100.00%______________________________________

EXAMPLE XIV

(Metallic Baking Formula)

The following formulation was produced according to techniques well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Upon testing the specific resistivity was found to be 0.9 ohm-cm.

__________________________________________________________________________ SOLIDS WEIGHTDESCRIPTION POUNDS GALLONS WGT. SOL. VOL. SOL. PERCENT__________________________________________________________________________ETHYL 3-ETHOXYPROPIONATE (solvent) 86.46 11.0000 .00 .0000 .0%VMP 66 (solvent) 136.40 22.0000 .00 .0000 .0%SOLSPERSE 5000 (wetting agent) 5.00 .4000 5.00 .4000 2.1%KEN-REACT KR 238T (quaternary salt) .56 .0700 .56 .0700 0.2%20% SOLN KD-618 15.46 2.0000 3.09 .3480 1.3%(silicon wax wetting agent)CONDUCTEX 40-220 (carbon pigment)COPPER FLAKE EMX-2 (metallic pigment) 45.75 .6405 45.75 .6405 19.6%10-613 RESIN 189.88 24.5000 113.93 12.2500 48.8%(phenolic-modified alkyd resin)PARAPLEX G-62 (soyabean oil epoxide) 3.77 .4575 3.77 .4575 1.6%SUSPENO #220 (xylene wetting agent) 5.11 .6862 1.24 .1510 0.5%ETHYL 3-ETHOXYPROPIONATE (solvent) 86.46 11.0000 .00 .0000 .00VMP 66 (solvent) 138.45 22.3300 .00 .0000 .0012% COBALT (12% cobalt drier) .31 .0366 .24 .0275 0.1%9% MANGANESE CEM-ALL 2.48 .3111 1.79 .1960 0.8%(9% Manganese drier)16% UTD DRIER 4.03 .4601 3.02 .3027 1.3%EXKIN #2 (anti-skimming agent .99 .1294 .00 .0000 .00methyl ethyl ketoxime)TRIETHYLAMINE 2.00 .3295 .00 .0000 .00TOTAL 778.01 100.00 233.29 18.5049 99.8%__________________________________________________________________________PVC: 23.58%SOLIDS BY WGT: 29.99%SOLIDS BY VOL: 18.50%VOC (LB/GL): 5.45%SQ. FT. COVERAGE (1 MIL): 297PIGMENT SOLIDS: 101.27 4.3628VEHICLE SOLIDS: 113.93 12.2500__________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE XV

Formulations having the following variations in proportions of ingredients from those illustrated in Example XIV are prepared and found to be effectuate satisfactory coating properties:

______________________________________DESCRIPTION PARTS BY WEIGHT______________________________________PHENOLIC ALKYD (SOLIDS) 14.00 15.0%SILICON WAX WETTING .98 1.2%AGENT PLUSSOLSPERSE 5000 WETTINGAGENTKR-238T .06 0.08%PARAPLEX - 662 0.04 0.06%SUSPENO 220 (SOLIDS) 0.1 0.2%MIXED DRIERS 0.6 0.7%ANTI-SKINNING AGENT 0.1 0.15%STABILIZER (TRIETHYLAMINE) 0.2 0.3%CONDUCTEX 40-220 6.8 7.3%COPPER FLAKE EMX -2 5.5 6.5%MIXTURE OF SOLVENTS 71.26 67.97% 100.00 100.00%______________________________________

EXAMPLE XVI

(Water Reducible Formulation)

The following formulation was produced according to techniques well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art:

__________________________________________________________________________ SOLIDS WEIGHTDESCRIPTION POUNDS GALLONS WGT. SOL. VOL. SOL. PERCENT__________________________________________________________________________KELSOL 3950-B2G-70 262.88 31.0000 184.02 20.1500 54.4%5% MANGANESE HYDROCURE 4.95 .6600 2.57 .2647 0.1%TRIETHYLAMINE 8.19 1.3500 .00 .0000 --KEN-REACT KR 238T 10.56 1.3200 10.56 1.3200 3.1%DEIONIZED WATER 438.57 52.6500 .00 .0000 --CYMEL 327 RESIN 87.71 8.9500 78.94 7.6970 23.3%PRINTEX XE 2 55.80 3.7218 55.80 3.7218 16.5%MICRO #870 GRAPHITE 6.58 .3511 6.58 .3511 1.9%TOTAL 875.24 100.00 338.47 36.5046 99.3%__________________________________________________________________________PVC: 12.49%SOLIDS BY WGT: 38.67%SOLIDS BY VOL: 33.50%VOC (LB/GL): 2.07%SQ. FT. COVERAGE (1 MIL): 537PIGMENT SOLIDS: 63.46 4.1841VEHICLE SOLIDS: 263.22 27.8735__________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE XVII

Formulations having the following variations in proportions of ingredients from those illustrated in Example XVI are prepared and found to be effectuate satisfactory coating properties:

______________________________________DESCRIPTION PARTS BY WEIGHT______________________________________KELSOL 3950-B2G-70 45.00 65.0%5% MANGANESE HYDROCURE 0.07 0.13%TRIETHYLAMINE -- --KEN-REACT KR 238T 2.5 3.7%DEIONIZED WATER -- --CYMEL 327 RESIN 18.0 28.0%PRINTEX XE 2 13.0 20.0%MICRO #870 GRAPHITE 1.5 2.3%______________________________________

EXAMPLE XVIII

(Water Reducible Formulation With Alternative Surfactant)

The following formulation was produced according to techniques well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art:

__________________________________________________________________________ SOLIDS WEIGHTDESCRIPTION POUNDS GALLONS WGT. SOL. VOL. SOL. PERCENT__________________________________________________________________________KELSOL 3950-B2G-70 246.19 29.0313 172.33 18.8703 56.04%5% MANGANESE HYDROCURE 4.92 .6566 2.56 .2633 0.84%DIMETHYLAMINOETHANOL DMAE 7.39 .9995 .00 .0000 --DEIONIZED WATER 369.28 44.3309 .00 .0000 --50% SOLN OF ND-600 9.85 1.3218 4.93 .6212 1.61%CYMEL 327 RESIN 81.98 8.3653 73.78 7.1942 24.13%PRINTEX XE 2 52.19 3.4808 52.19 3.4808 17.07%DIONIZED WATER 98.47 11.8215 .00 .0300 --TOTAL 870.27 100.00 305.79 30.4298 100.05PVC: 12.83%SOLIDS BY WGT: 35.14%SOLIDS BY VOL: 30.43%VOC (LB/GL): 2.20%SQ. FT. COVERAGE (1 MIL): 488PIGMENT SOLIDS: 55.74 3.9039VEHICLE SOLIDS: 246.37 26.0908__________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE XIX

Formulations having the following variations in proportions of ingredients from those illustrated in Example XVI are prepared and found to be effectuate satisfactory coating properties:

______________________________________ PARTS BYDESCRIPTION WEIGHT______________________________________PIGMENT- CARBON BLACK 4.0-7.0%BINDER - ALKYD RESIN 17.0-22.0%MELAMINE RESIN 6.0-10.0%ADDITIVES - DRIER 5% MANGANESE 0.1-0.5%DMAE 0.1-2.0%SOLVENT WATER 40.0-65.0%BUTYL CELLOSOLVE (in resin) 5.0-10.0%BUTANOL (in Melamine) .2-2.0%______________________________________

EXAMPLE XX

The formulation of Example XVIII, supra, is produced according to the techniques as set forth in EXAMPLE 1 and according to techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and wherein the surfactant thereof is successively replaced by one or more of Alcolec S, Alkaterge E, Alkaterge T, Busperse 47, Busperse 203, Disperbyk 130, Bykunen, Disperse-Ayd #6, Disperse-Ayd #7, Disperse-Ayd #8, Disperse-ayde W-22 and Disperse-Ayd W-28, Nopcosperse 44, Nopcosant K, Lomar Series, Solsperse Hyperdispersants, Solsperse Hyperdispersants 22, Hyperdispersants 21, Solsperse RW40 Resin, Solsperse RX50 Resin, Solsperse 24000, Solsperse Hyperdispersants 26, Baysilone Fluid OL17, RAYBO 56-MagnaMix, RAYBO 61, TAMOL 850, Triton N-101, Triton N-998, Triton X-405, Triton N-101, Tamol 850, Nuosperse 657, Nuosperse 700, Silwet L-7001, Silwet L-7605, and Dimethylaminqethanol DMAE (all such alternative surfactant and/or dispersant components and The identification of the course of origin thereof are listed on pages 40-42 hereof).

The resulting primer compositions have carbon black pigment which is substantially completely dispersed, a satisfactory level of conductivity is maintained in the cured film, and the stored pre-cured, liquid-state primer is sufficiently stable to avoid any substantial amount of flocculation.

EXAMPLE XXI

(Water Reducible Formulation With No Surfactant or Dispersant)

The following formulation was produced according to techniques well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art:

__________________________________________________________________________ SOLIDS WEIGHTDESCRIPTION POUNDS GALLONS WGT. SOL. VOL. SOL. PERCENT__________________________________________________________________________KELSOL 3950-B2G-70 285.57 33.6759 199.90 21.8893 57.77DIMETHYLAMINOETHANOL DMAE 8.57 1.1594 .00 .0000 --DEIONIZED WATER 428.36 51.4233 .00 .0000 --CYMEL 327 RESIN 95.10 9.7037 85.59 8.3452 24.73PRINTEX XE 2 60.54 4.0377 60.54 4.0377 17.50TOTAL 346.03 100.00PVC: 11.78%SOLIDS BY WGT: 39.40%SOLIDS BY VOL: 34.27%VOC (LB/GL): 2.13%SQ. FT. COVERAGE (1 MIL): 550PIGMENT SOLIDS: 60.54 4.0377VEHICLE SOLIDS: 285.49 30.2345__________________________________________________________________________

EXAMPLE XXII

The formulation of Example XXI, supra, does not require a surfactant and/or dispersant for adequate wetting, it being understood by those skilled in the art that various polymers and various pigments (such as the particular carbon black herein) may be wetted and dispersed more easily than others. Accordingly, grind times may be varied in various formulations to obtain adequate dispersion. In some formulations, a surfactant and/or dispersant will be necessary in order to utilize grind times which are sufficiently low to render the manufacture of such a formulation economically feasible. The grind time vs resistance chart indicates a newly discovered dip in resistance at a grind time later than the first low resistance following conventional methods:

______________________________________GRINDTIME RESISTANCE______________________________________ 5 14710 13715 *12720 13225 14230 13435 12040 *11045 12950 13255 12460 **11665 12070 12575 13480 14585 14590 14795 146100 145105 155______________________________________ *CONVENTIAL PRACTICE USE THIS AS OPTIMUM GRIND **DISCOVERED NEW LOW RESISTANCE GOOD ENOUGH TO ACCEPT ELECTRODEPOSITION

The following additional preferred components utilized in the primer compositions of the present invention are identified as being available from at least the following producers:

______________________________________ NAME OF THECOMPONENT COMPANY ADDRESS______________________________________M-P-A 60 NL Industries, Inc. P.O. Box 700(Xylene) Highstown, NJ. 07002Triethylamine Union Carbide. Old Ridgebury Danbury, CT. 55440EMX 2 U.S. Bronze Powders P.O.Box 31Resin Flemington, NJ. 08822Desmophen 670 Mobay Chemical Corp. Mobay RoadPolyester Pittsburg,Resin PA. 15205Coronate EH AZS Corporation 762 Marietta Atlanta, GA. 30318Nuosperse Nuddex, Inc. Turner Place700-KD607 Piscataway, NJ. 08854DABCO T-12 Air Products P.O. Box 538KC406, 407 Allentown, PA 18105Paraplex Rohm and Hass Spring HouseKP-801 Company PA. 19477Cobalt Mooney Chemicals, Inc. 2301 ScrantonCarboxylate Cleveland, OH 44113Manganese Mooney Chemicals, Inc. 2301 ScrantonDrier Cleveland, OH 44113KA100 Nuddex, Inc. Turner Place Piscataway, NJ 08854NUXTRA UTD Nuddex, Inc. Turner Place16% Catalyst Piscataway NJ 08854Petroleum Nuddex, Inc. Turner PlaceDistillates Piscataway NJ 08854KEN-REACT Kenrich Petrochemicals, 140 E. 22nd238T Inc. Bayonne, NJ 07002-0032COPPER FLAKE United States Bronze P.O. Box 31EMX 2 Powders, Inc. Route 202 Flemington, N.J. 08822MIXTURE OF Mooney Chemicals, Inc. 2301 ScrantonSOLVENTS Cleveland, OH 4411310-613 RESIN Reichhold Chemicals, 525 N. Broad- Inc. way White Plains, N.Y. 10603K-FLEX 188-50 King Industries, Inc. Science Road Norwalk, CT 0685216% ZINC Troy Chemical Corp. One Avenue LDRIER Newark, NJ 07105ISOBUTYL Ashland Chemical P.O. Box 2219ALCOHOL Columbus, Ohio 43216CYMEL 1168 American Cyanamid Co. Wayne, NJCYMEL 327 07470VMP 66 Ashland Chemical P.O. Box 2219 Columbus, Ohio 43216ETHYL 3- Eastman Chemical Kingsport,ETHOXYPRO- Products, Inc. TennesseePIONATE 37662DIACETONE E-M Company Box 822ALCOHOL North Chicago, IL.B-67 45% Rohm and Hass IndependenceVMPOO Company Hall West Philadelphia, PA 1910520% SOLN W. C. Richards 3555 W. 123rdKD-618 Company Blue Island, IL 60406URAC II W. C. Richards 3555 W. 123rdCATALYST Company Blue Island,SOLN IL 60406SOLSPERSE ICI Americas, Inc. Wilmington,5000 Delaware 19897SUSPENO #220 Poly-Resyn, Inc. 534 Stevens Court, Sleepy Hollow West Dundee, Il 60118EXKIN #2 Nuddex, Inc. Turner Place P.O. Box 365 Piscataway, N.J. 08854KELSOL 3950 National Lead P.O. Box 700B2G-70 Highstown, NJ 07002PRINTEX XE 2 Cary Company 1555 Wrightwood Ct., Addison, Il. 60101MICRO #870 Asburry Graphite Asburry St.GRAPHITE Mills Warren City, N. J. 08802BUTYL Chem Central 7050 W.CELLOSOLVE 71st., Chgo., Il. 60638SEC-BUTYL Chem Central 7050 W.ALCOHOL 71st., Chgo., Il. 60638N-BUTYL Chem Central 7050 W.ALCOHOL 71st., Chgo., Il. 60638ALCOLEC S American Lecithin P.O. Box 4056 Atlanta, Ga. 30302 Angus Chemical CompanyBUSPERSE 47 Buckman Laboratories 1256 North McLean Blvd. Memphis, TN. 38108BUSPERSE 43 Buckman Laboratories 1256 North McLean Blvd. Memphis, TN. 38108DISPERBYK 130 U.S. Department of LaborBYKUNEN BYK-Chenie USA 524 S. Cherry Street, Wallingford, CT. 06492DISPERSE-AYD Daniel Products 400 Claremont#6, #7, #8, Company Avenue,W22, W28 Jersey City, N.J. 07304NOPCOSPERSE Diamond Shamrock Process44 Chemicals Company Chemicals Division, 350 Mt. Kemble Ave. CN 1931, Morristown, NJ 07960-1931NOPCOSANT K Diamond Shamrock Process Chemicals Company Chemicals Division, 350 Mt. Kemble Ave. CN 1931, Morristown, NJ 07960-1931LOMAR SERIES Diamond Shamrock Process Chemicals Company Chemicals Division, 350 Mt. Kemble Ave. CN 1931, Morristown, NJ 07960-1931DISPERSION + Imperial Chemical P.O. Box 42SOLSPERSE Industries, PLC Hexagon House, Blackley, Manchester M9 3DASOLSPERSE 2 Imperial Chemical P.O. Box 42 Industries, PLC. Hexagon House Blackley, Manchester M9 3DASOLSPERSE Imperial Chemical P.O. Box 42D20, D21, Industries, PLC. Hexagon HouseD22, D23, Blackley,D24, D25, ManchesterD26 M9 3DABAYSILONE Mobay Chemical InorganicFLUID OL17 Chemicals Div. Mobay Road Pittsburgh, PA. 15205-9741RAYBO 56 - Raybo Chemical Hintington,MagnaMix Company West VirginiaRAYBO 61- Raybo Chemical Huntington,AquaWet Company West VirginiaTAMOL 850 Rohm and Haas Corporate Company Product Integrity Department Independence Mall West Philadelphia, PA. 19105TRITON N-101 ROHM and HAAS IndependenceN-998 Company Mall WestX-405 Philadelphia, PA 19105TAMOL 850 Rohm and Haas Independent Company Mall West Philadelphia, PA 19105NUOSPERSE 657 Tenneco Chemicals Turner Place700 (Organics & Polymers P. O. Box 365 Division) Piscataway, NJ 08854SILWET L-7001 Union Carbide Corp. 39 Old RidgeburyL-7605 (Speciality Chemicals Road, Danbury, Division) CT. 06817-0001______________________________________

The basic and novel characteristics of the improved apparatus of the present invention will be readily understood from the foregoing disclosure by those skilled in the art. It will become readily apparent that various changes and modifications may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the improved apparatus of the present invention as set forth hereinabove without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention set forth hereinabove are not intended to limit such spirit and scope in any way.

Claims

1. An electroconductive coating composition comprising a substantially uniform dispersion of:

approximately 70%-90% by weight of solids of a curable, film-forming polymeric primary resin binder which, upon cure, will form a stable film to adhere to the surface of a substrate;

approximately 10%-30% by weight of solids of a conductive carbon pigment;

a sufficient weight of an electron transmitting surfactant to provide in the cured film conductive pathways for electrons between the conductive pigment particles;

and sufficient solvents to provide a flowable viscosity to said composition.

2. The electroconductive coating composition of claim 1 wherein said electron transmitting surfactant comprises a quaternary salt.

3. The electroconductive coating composition of claim 2 wherein said quarternary salt has the formula:

(OC.sub.2 H40)Ti[OP(0)(ONH(C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.3))OP(0)(OC.sub.8 H.sub.7).sub.2 ].sub.2.

4. The electroconductive coating composition of claim 1 further comprising an acid catalyst is selected from the group consisting of a mineral acid, aromatic sulfonic acid, p-toluene sulfonic acid, phosphoric acid, alkyl phosphoric acid, maleic acid, trimellitic acid, phthalic acid, and acrylic acid.

5. The electroconductive coating composition of claim 4 wherein said acid catalyst comprises dinonylnaphthalene disulfonic acid.

6. The electroconductive coating composition of claim 4 wherein said acid catalyst comprises dinonylnaphthalene (mono)sulfonic acid.

7. The electroconductive coating of claim 1 wherein said electron transmitting surfactant comprises approximately 0.2-0.45 by weight of solids.