Solvent-free easy-clean bathroom surfaces through photo-initiated chemical vapour deposition

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The next generation of bathroom products will require a key feature: being easy to clean. Commercial solutions to impart surfaces with this feature exist, but they are incompatible with Maax Bath's requirements. Indeed, Maax Bath is looking to make bathroom product surfaces superhydrophobic, using technology that is scalable, provides a durable treatment and, most importantly, solvent-free. As Maax does not have the necessary expertise on solvent-free approaches in house, they have initiated a collaboration with Prof. Jason R Tavares to address their current need. The proposed Engage project aims at generating easy-clean surfaces through a gas-phase, photochemical technique called "photo-initiated chemical vapor deposition (PICVD)". This close collaboration between the academic and industrial partners will aim to assess specific performance parameters necessary for eventual uptake of the solution into the partner's manufacturing line. Specifically, the team at Polytechnique will be responsible for adapting the PICVD treatment process to 3 desired test surfaces (acrylic, glass and gelcoat) and performing wettability and chemical tests. The technical team at Maax Bath's R&D department will be responsible for standardized wear-testing (impact, abrasion, cleaning) to simulate authentic handling and use. Success of the proposed partnership to address this issues will yield significant financial benefits to canadian-based Maax Bath.