Top layers with special surface characteristics can be developed by generation of superhydrophobic qualities and a multiscale roughness due to tailored nanoparticles (Modification of polymers) introduced in the polymer matrix.

Anti-soiling

Soiling of surfaces can quickly prevent or even destroy the beneficial effects of special surface properties (e.g. anti-icing coatings) by the adhering contaminant. Anti-soiling measures are needed to prevent the accumulation of dirt and altering of surface properties. This especially concerns insect residues on aircrafts. Here, coatings with anti soiling properties will contribute to maintaining laminar flow conditions increasing the safety level. Furthermore, insect residues pose a special problem for small low flying aircraft where ice formation could start again on top of the soiled surfaces. Currently, soiled surfaces are simply cleaned after operation and no special anti-soiling devices on ground or in flight are in operational use for commercial aircraft. There is a need of easy-to-clean and even self-cleaning coating properties.

Anti-icing

Accretion of ice on structures is the cause of major operation and production stops in many different industry sectors, like for example oil&gas recovery, maritime and aircraft traffic, power generation (wind mills) and power distribution. The removal of accreted ice on structures is time-consuming, costly and sometimes hazardous. Ideal candidates for the challenging task to prevent the ice adherence will be using snow- and ice-repellent materials and coatings. A linear correlation between hydrophobicity of certain materials and their ice repellence has been reported. Super hydrophobic materials/coatings (contact angle > 150° and sliding angle < 4°) combined with a multi-scale surface roughness aiming at durable hydrophobicity can be achieved by right surface chemistry and right surface structuring using suitable nanoparticles.

Anti-fouling

The population of sea pocks on shipsunder the water line is causing a strong hinder in maritime traffic due to decreasing the ship speed and increasing the energy consumption of the ship motor. The application of biocide containing coating preventing sea pocks to settle down and grow will be an environmental issue in the future because of environmental regulations. The addition of nanoparticles to reduce the friction properties of the coating surface at the ship will contribute to  less diesel consumption. Hollow nanoparticles, so-called nanocontainers, which are filled with anti-fouling additive are currently under development in order to release the active substance in a controlled manner over a longer time period to the coating matrix.

Related project:

MUST

Contact person: Monika Pilz ,  Christian R Simon