SBIR Phase II: Scratch and Abrasion Resistant Superhydrophobic Polymer Coatings

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）二期项目将利用我们在制造柔性聚合物表面方面取得的进展，这种聚合物表面可以在低倾斜角度下吸水，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貌与机械稳健性相关联的模型。在第二阶段，我们将把这个模型应用到与高速、大规模制造技术兼容的工艺开发中。屋顶行业寻求的材料是自清洁，防污和高度抵抗天气事件随着时间的推移。一种耐用的超疏水聚合物屋顶膜将满足这一市场需求。商业上的成功取决于(1)生产速度达到100英尺/分钟，(2)证明符合当前产品要求，(3)显示附加值。第二阶段的研究将阐明当暴露在紫外线下时促进表面稳定性的机制，使我们能够提高耐候性。在第一阶段展示了我们的聚合物表面的自清洁特性之后，我们将在第二阶段专注于抗污染特性（即低细菌粘附和减少藻类生长）。SBIR第二期项目的广泛影响将是双重的。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在能源和环境方面的政策目标。在美国，每年大约有400亿美元花费在空调建筑上。美国能源部资助的研究表明，在温暖的气候条件下，用凉爽的屋顶代替传统的屋顶可以减少导致气候变化的碳排放。凉爽的屋顶还通过减少峰值电力需求来缓解电网的压力。广泛使用冷屋顶可以通过减缓烟雾的形成来改善空气质量，从而改善人类健康。利用该提案中开发的技术制造的超疏水聚合物膜将有助于保持屋顶清洁，并能更好地反射热量。此外，户外基础设施设备的涂层，如风力涡轮机叶片和海上能源勘探平台，将使这些设施在结冰条件下的安全运行，因为超疏水表面能够防止冰的增加。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粘附，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.