SBIR Phase II: Scratch and Abrasion Resistant Superhydrophobic Polymer Coatings

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)二期项目将利用Wemade在制造柔性聚合物表面方面的进步，这种表面可以在低倾角下滴水，同时在磨损后保持超疏水性。在第一阶段，我们开发了一个将表面形态与机械稳健性相关联的模型。在第二阶段，我们将应用这一模型开发一种与高速、大规模制造技术兼容的工艺。屋顶行业寻求自清洁、防污垢和高度抵抗毛巾事件的材料。一种耐用的、超疏水的聚合物屋顶膜将满足这一市场需求。商业成功取决于(1)合格的生产速度高达100英尺/分钟，(2)证明符合当前的产品要求，(3)显示附加值。第二阶段研究将阐明有助于表面稳定性的机制，当暴露在紫外光下时，使我们能够提高耐候性。在第一阶段展示了我们聚合物表面的自清洁性能后，我们将在第二阶段重点关注防污染性能(即低细菌粘附性和减少藻类生长)。这个SBIR第二阶段项目将产生更广泛的影响。最重要的是，直接影响将是美国制造业的收入和就业增长。其次，这项技术将支持联邦能源和环境政策目标。在美国，每年大约有400亿美元花在空调建筑上。能源部资助的研究表明，在温暖的气候中，用凉爽的屋顶取代传统的屋顶可以减少碳排放，而碳排放会限制气候变化。凉爽的屋顶还可以通过减少峰值电力需求来缓解电网的压力。广泛使用凉爽的屋顶可以减缓烟雾的形成，从而改善空气质量，从而改善人类健康。利用本建议开发的技术制造的超疏水聚合物膜将有助于保持屋顶的清洁，更好地反射热量。此外，户外基础设施设备的涂层，如风力涡轮机叶片和近海能源勘探平台，将使这些设施能够在结冰条件下安全运行，因为超疏水表面具有防止结冰的能力。现场测试正在进行中。食品处理设备将受益于减少细菌对表面的黏附，从而提高食品安全。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will leverage the advances wemade in fabricating flexible polymer surfaces that shed water at low tilt angles while remainingsuperhydrophobic after abrasion. In Phase I we developed a model which correlated surfacemorphology with mechanical robustness. In Phase II we will apply this model to thedevelopment of a processes compatible with high speed, large-scale fabrication techniques.The roofing industry seeks material that is self-cleaning, anti-fouling and is highly resistant toweather events over time. A durable, superhydrophobic polymeric roof membrane will meetthis market need. Commercial success depends on (1) qualifying production speeds up to 100feet/min, (2) proving compliance to current product requirements and (3) showing value-add.Phase II studies will elucidate the mechanisms that contribute to the stability of the surfaceswhen exposed to UV light, allowing us to improve weatherability. Having demonstrated theself-cleaning properties of our polymer surfaces in Phase I, we will focus on anti-foulingproperties in Phase II (i.e. low bacterial adhesion and reduced algae growth.)The broader impact of this SBIR Phase II project will be twofold. Foremost, a direct impact willbe revenue and job growth in the US manufacturing sector. Secondarily, the technology willsupport federal policy goals on energy and the environment. Approximately $40 billion is spentannually in the US to air condition buildings. DOE funded studies show that in warm climates,substituting a cool roof for a conventional roof can reduce carbon emissions which driveclimate change. Cool roofs also relieve strain on the electrical grid by reducing peak powerdemand. Widespread use of cool roofs can improve air quality, hence human health, byslowing the formation of smog. Superhydrophobic polymer membranes fabricated usingtechnology developed in this proposal will help keep roofs clean and better able to reflect heat.Furthermore, coating of outdoor infrastructure equipment, such as wind turbine blades and offshoreenergy exploration platforms, will enable the safe operation of such facilities during icingconditions due to the ability of the superhydrophobic surface to prevent ice accretion. Fieldtests are underway. Food handling equipment will benefit from reduced adhesion of bacteria to surfaces, thus improving food safety.