Coating material and method for providing asset protection

A method of marking and identifying a device comprising the steps of:

• forming an identification marking by applying an identification coating having a first composition to a device, the coating exhibiting a first absorption spectrum;
• periodically changing and tracking the composition of the coating to be applied to a second composition such that the second coating exhibits a second absorption spectrum to provide a date marker;
• and
• verifying the identification marking by observing the absorption spectrum of said coating.

A method of forming an identification marking on a device comprising the steps of:

• (A) applying an identification coating to a device, wherein said coating has a composition exhibiting a first absorption spectrum;
• (B) periodically changing the composition of said coating to be applied, such that said coating exhibits a second absorption spectrum different from the first absorption spectrum;
• and
• (C) tracking the first and second absorption spectra of said coating composition to provide a date marker.

A method of forming an identification marking on a device comprising the step of applying a tamper-indicating identification coating to a device that is affixed to a circuit card with solder, applying the coating to the solder, or applying the coating to both the device and the solder,

• wherein the coating exhibits a first Fourier-transform infra-red absorption spectrum;
• wherein the coating includes at least one blowing agent and at least one fluorophore;
• wherein the solder has a reflow temperature;
• and
• wherein, if heating the coating to a decomposition temperature less than or equal to the reflow temperature, at least one blowing agent or at least one fluorophore, or both decompose sufficiently for the coating to exhibit a second Fourier-transform infra-red absorption spectrum different from the first spectrum as to at least one distinct feature in at least one individual region of the first spectrum.

A method of marking and identifying a device comprising the steps of:

• a) forming an identification marking by applying a tamper-indicating identification coating to a device that is affixed to a circuit card with solder, applying the coating to the solder, or applying the coating to both the device and the solder,
• wherein the coating exhibits a first Fourier-transform infra-red absorption spectrum;
• wherein the coating includes at least one blowing agent and at least one fluorophore;
• wherein the solder has a reflow temperature;
• and
• wherein, if heating the coating to a decomposition temperature less than or equal to the reflow temperature, at least one blowing agent or at least one fluorophore, or both decompose sufficiently for the coating to exhibit a second Fourier-transform infra-red absorption spectrum different from the first spectrum as to at least one distinct feature in at least one individual region of the first spectrum;
• and
• b) verifying the identification marking by exposing the coating to a light source to disclose the presence of the at least one fluorophore and subjecting the coating to Fourier-transform infra-red absorption spectroscopy.