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Unique Coatings with Phase Separation Properties for Use as Foul Release and Anti-Graffiti Paints

Technology Benefits

The micro-domain projections have low adhesion properties which are further augmented by the surface texture that limits the effective surface area for adhesion. Properties include: Ideal for Anti-Graffiti Coatings: Ideally suited for use in anti-graffiti coatings or on release paper for adhesive labels. Uniform Surface Structure: Textured surface develops with a predictable formation and design. Stabile Composition: Durable under a variety of environmental conditions, including soaking in water for extended periods of time. Minimizes Adhesion by External Material: Coating texture limits contact points with any material applied, while contact surfaces also discourage adhesion. Fouling Release Coatings: Reduced adhesion and surface texture deters the settlement and growth of organisms such as barnacles.

Detailed Technology Description

This invention involves a unique siloxane-urethane composition that results in a spontaneous formation of a stable micro-topographical surface structure. Design conditions cause the siloxane-rich domains to phase-separate during the film formation process, restricting their ability to fully cover the surface of the coating. This system generates stable microstructured surfaces without using multi-step templating and molding methods traditionally used to produce surface topographical features. The microstructured coating can also be prepared and applied over a large area, inhibiting the adhesion of organisms or other substances to large surfaces. Micro-domain projections extrude approximately five microns from the surface with a separation distance of five microns between projections.

Supplementary Information

Inventor: Kem, William Reade | Soti, Ferenc | Rittschof, Dan
Priority Number: US7087106B2
IPC Current: A01N004340 | A01N004342 | A01N004354 | A01N004390 | A01N006500 | C09D000516
US Class: 10601832 | 10601505 | 514277 | 514290 | 514298 | 514299 | 514332 | 514334
Assignee Applicant: University of Floridainesville | Duke University,Durham
Title: Materials and methods for inhibiting fouling of surfaces exposed to aquatic environments
Usefulness: Materials and methods for inhibiting fouling of surfaces exposed to aquatic environments
Summary: For reducing fouling of the surface such as boat hulls, docks, buoys, locks, water intake pipes, drainage pipes, fish cages and jetties with aquatic organisms (e.g. barnacle larvae, zebra mussel) (claimed).
Novelty: Reducing fouling of surface e.g. boat hulls, docks with aquatic organisms such as barnacle larvae involves applying bipyridyl compounds that inhibit the attachment of aquatic organisms to a surface exposed to an aquatic environment

Industry

Environmental/Green Technology

Sub Category

Anti-Fouling

*Abstract

Scientists at North Dakota State University have created several novel coating compositions that spontaneously phase separate to form uniform micro-domains on the coating surface. This provides a multiphase topographical structure with a textured surface that inhibits adhesion, making it an ideal basis for fouling release and anti-graffiti paints and coatings.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Dean Webster

Department:

Country/Region

USA