Application of environmentally friendly inhibitors and surface treatment technologies for mitigation of mineral scaling in domestic appliances

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Mineral scaling in household appliances increases resistance to heat transfer and restricts the flow area of the working fluids, resulting in reduced product lifetime, greater energy consumption, increased maintenance costs, and lower system durability. In collaboration with Philips, this project will develop new technologies for the prevention of mineral scaling within domestic appliances through exploration of water treatment and surface functionalisation strategies that will be experimentally evaluated in unique fluidic test cells. The project will develop key scientific insight into the kinetics and mechanisms while also showcasing the industrial impact of this research through performance validation in Philip's selected appliances. The aim of the project is to develop new water treatment and surface functionalisation strategies to improve energy efficiency/longevity of domestic appliances (specifically irons, steamers and espresso machines), whilst reducing dependency on descaling chemistries. Objectives include: Evaluation of environmentally friendly and sustainable forms of deposition management in irons/steamers Development of novel polymer-metal co-deposited electroless coatings Development of unique fluidic test cells to simulate the deposition of mineral scales in irons, steamers and espresso machines Validation of technology in selected appliances provided by Philips to yield considerable impact