I-Corps: FogKicker: An Anti-Fogging Coating Based on Sustainable Materials

雾化是每个人都遇到过的一个非常普遍的问题，无论是浴室镜子、挡风玻璃、运动和安全护目镜，还是军用护目镜上的S。当温度或湿度突然变化时，由于凝结的微小水滴阻止光线通过，任何表面都可能形成雾。雾不仅出现在镜子、眼镜和窗户上，令人沮丧，而且是一个非常危险但持续存在的问题，特别是对于车辆操作员、运动参与者和戴着安全护目镜的工人。马萨诸塞大学的i-Corps项目Fogkicker将建立在由NSF赞助的基础研究基础上，该研究源于卡特研究小组。新的防雾技术和材料已经被发现，i-Corps团队的目标将是使这些科学创新更接近于造福社会的产品和工艺。该项目将有助于纳米纤维素材料的可持续发展和应用，旨在减少不可降解的石油化工材料的使用，保护环境。I-Corps计划提供的指导和资金将加快这一新的防雾技术的发展，并有助于吸引新的第三方资金。该计划的结果将是关于反雾化技术商业化的明确通过或不通过的决定，该项目的过渡计划，以及对潜在合作伙伴的技术演示。马萨诸塞大学的i-Corps项目“Fogkicker”将建立在由NSF赞助的基础研究基础上，该研究源于卡特研究小组。新的防雾技术和材料已经被发现，i-Corps团队的目标将是使这些科学创新更接近于造福社会的产品和工艺。FogKicker是由纳米纤维素制成的，这是一种可以从废纸、木材或植物中提取的天然纳米材料。纳米纤维素是一种非常亲水的材料，可以很容易和有效地吸收水分。为了制造FogKicker，将纳米纤维素添加到稀释的水溶液中，这使得溶液可以应用于各种表面。当FogKicker干燥时，它会在其应用的表面上创建一层亲水性涂层。这种亲水性涂层吸收水分，防止雾在涂层应用的地方凝结；这就是FogKicker防止在任何表面形成雾的方式。为了制定FogKicker解决方案，该团队还开发了一种提取纳米纤维素的新工艺，该工艺在汽车、航空航天、包装和建筑中有广泛的应用。I-Corps计划提供的指导和资金将加快这一新的防雾技术的发展，并有助于吸引新的第三方资金。该计划的结果将是关于防雾技术商业化的明确通过或不通过的决定，项目的过渡计划，以及对潜在合作伙伴的技术演示。

Fogging is a very common problem that everyone has encountered, whether it?s on bathroom mirrors, windshields, sports and safety goggles, or military visors. Upon a sudden change of temperature or humidity, fog can form on any surface as a result of condensed tiny water droplets which prevent the passing through of light. Fogging is not only frustrating when it appears on mirrors, glasses, and windows, but also presents a very dangerous yet persistent concern, especially for vehicle operators, sports participants, and workers with safety goggles. The I-Corps project, ?Fogkicker?, at the University of Massachusetts will build upon fundamental NSF-sponsored research originating in the Carter research group. New anti-fogging technologies and materials have been discovered and the goal of this I-Corps team will be to bring these scientific innovations closer to products and processes that will benefit society. This project will contribute to sustainable development and application of nanocellulose materials, targeting at reducing the use of non-degradable petroleum chemical based materials and protecting the environment. The mentoring and funding provided by the I-Corps program will accelerate the development of this new antifogging technology and help attract new third-party funding. The outcomes of the program will be a clear go or no-go decision regarding the commercialization of the anti-fogging technology, a transition plan for the project, and a technology demonstration for potential partners.The I-Corps project, "Fogkicker," at the University of Massachusetts will build upon fundamental NSF-sponsored research originating in the Carter research group. New anti-fogging technologies and materials have been discovered and the goal of this I-Corps team will be to bring these scientific innovations closer to products and processes that will benefit society. FogKicker is made from nanocellulose, a natural nanomaterial that can be extracted from waste paper, wood, or plants. Nanocellulose is an extremely hydrophilic material, which readily and efficiently absorbs water. To make FogKicker, nanocellulose is added to a dilute aqueous solution, which allows the solution to be applied to a variety of surfaces. When FogKicker dries, it creates a hydrophilic coating on the surface it is applied to. This hydrophilic coating absorbs moisture, preventing fog from condensing where the coating is applied; this is how FogKicker prevents the formation of fog on any surface. To formulate the FogKicker solution, the team has also developed a novel process for the extraction of nanocellulose, which has broad applications in automotive, aerospace, packaging, and construction. The mentoring and funding provided by the I-Corps program will accelerate the development of this new antifogging technology and help attract new third-party funding. The outcomes of the program will be a clear go or no-go decision regarding the commercialization of the anti-fogging technology, a transition plan for the project, and a technology demonstration for potential partners.