UV-Curable Low Surface Energy Coatings for Fouling Release and Anti-Graffiti Applications (RFT-254)

Invention Summary

In the current market, there are several applications for low surface energy and UV curable coatings. Scientists at NDSU have developed a novel polyester composition that combines the two properties. The composition contains a modified siloxane backbone blended with co-reactants, diluents and photo-initiators. The mixing process is solvent-free and the composition can be crosslinked within a few minutes. The mixture can be cured using either visible or ultraviolet (UV) light. The modified backbone can be blended with different co-reactants, the most successful combination in the lab testing was - a monohydroxy, a telechelic, and a dihydroxy terminated PDMS UV-cured with triethyleneglycol divinylether. These coatings are beneficial in a variety of applications such as marine ship hulls, anti-graffiti surfaces, release coatings, and protective wood coatings with easily cleanable surfaces.

Benefits

Coatings are solvent, water, and acrylate free
Low surface energy
Low manufacturing costs
Resistant to Oxygen inhibition
Eliminates health hazards associated with acrylates
Low levels of siloxane
Customizable with different diluents

Phase of Development

This technology has successfully completed laboratory testing with reproducible results.

Applications

Immediate applications include, but not limited to:

Shipyards
Paints
Wood coatings
Civil Infrastructure
Packaging industry – electronics, food, paper, etc.

Patents

This technology is the subject of US Issued Patent No. 8,703,838 and is available for licensing/partnering opportunities.

Contact

NDSU Research Foundation
info(at)ndsurf(dot)org
(701)231-8173

NDSURF Tech Key

RFT, 254, RFT254

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