STTR Phase I: Low-Cost Processing of Nanoporous, Super-Hydrophilic, Multifunctional Coatings for Glass and Plastic Surfaces

小型企业技术转移研究(STTR)第一阶段项目将为塑料和玻璃表面开发永久性的、自清洁的防雾涂料。浴室镜子上有雾是一种常见的现象。然而，汽车挡风玻璃上的雾气代表着危险的情况。当寒冷的表面突然接触到温暖潮湿的空气时，经常会出现雾化。数以千计的微小水滴凝结在表面。这些液滴以随机的模式散射光线，导致表面变得半透明或雾蒙蒙的。这项拟议的研究有望证明一种具有成本效益的、制造耐用、纳米孔、超亲水涂料的技术作为解决雾化问题的永久解决方案的可行性。完全防雾对于飞机、军用车辆和汽车的观察窗、后视镜和挡风玻璃以及安全运行这些设备的相关个人防护装备至关重要。潜在的应用包括汽车、航空、运动器材、家政、军事和医疗保健部门。这些涂层可用作玻璃和塑料表面的耐磨、防雾和防反射涂层。防止个人装备如眼镜、滑雪和游泳护目镜以及水肺潜水装备的雾化也是其他优点。建议的研究也将为博士后、本科生和研究生的教育提供一个很好的机会。他们将接受应用研究，并接受化学、材料科学和工程方面的培训。此外，他们还将获得开发商业产品以满足社会和市场需求的知识和经验。

The Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) Phase I project will develop permanent, self-cleaning, anti-fog coatings for plastic and glass surfaces. Fogging on bathroom mirrors is a common phenomenon. Fogging on a moving automotive windshield, however, represents hazardous situation. Fogging often occurs when a cold surface suddenly contacts warm, moist air. Thousands of tiny water droplets condense on the surface. These droplets scatter light in random patterns, causing the surfaces to become translucent or foggy. The proposed research expects to demonstrate the feasibility of a cost-effective, manufacturing technology for durable, nanoporous, super-hydrophilic coatings as a permanent solution to the fogging problem. Complete resistance to fogging is critical in viewing windows, mirrors and windshields of aircraft, military vehicles and automotives and related personal protective gear for the safe operation of these equipments. Potential applications include automotive, aviation, sporting equipment, domestic, military and healthcare sectors. These coatings can be used as abrasion resistant, anti-fog and anti-reflection coatings on both glass and plastic surfaces. Preventing fogging of personal equipment like spectacles, skiing and swimming goggles, and scuba diving gear are other advantages. The proposed research will also offer a good opportunity for the education of postdocs, undergraduate and graduate students. They will be exposed to applied research and trained in chemistry, materials science, and engineering. In addition, they will gain knowledge and experience in developing a commercial product to meet societal and market needs.