Super-hydrophobic surfaces: Preparation and testing

这项提议是维多利亚大学(CAMTEC)和**RT Prime Technologies之间研究伙伴关系的延续。主要目标是开发防水薄膜(超级疏水薄膜)。**不同领域中不同类型表面的一个普遍问题是与它们的润湿性有关，这些领域包括纺织、医疗、汽车和军事。在理想情况下，非常需要对表面属性进行调整，使其不会积水。例如，一扇不积水的车窗在雨雾中会提供更好的能见度。超级疏水背心可以**提高浮力，或者在恶劣天气情况下让士兵保持干燥。有几种方法可以涂覆**表面并赋予其疏水性。然而，还没有一种可以直接应用于不同**类型的表面的通用技术。我们之前与RT Prime的互动(由NSERC Engage**资助)导致了几种用于制造和功能化超疏水**纳米粒子的合成路线。我们系统地探索了几种合成途径，并缩小了一种新型涂层的潜在候选范围。这笔Engage Plus赠款将使我们能够进一步优化我们最有前途的**材料，改进薄膜沉积方法，最后，将我们新**技术的性能与商业上同等的产品进行比较。最终和全面评估的产品(包括用于应用和薄膜沉积的**协议)将被移交给RT Prime，后者将评估我们技术的**商业化潜力。

This proposal is a continuation of a research partnership between the University of Victoria (CAMTEC) and**RT Prime technologies. The main goal is the development of water repellent films (super hydrophobic films).**A general problem with different types of surfaces in different areas, including textiles, medical, automotives**and military, is related to their wettability. Ideally, there are cases where it would be highly desirable to tailor**the surface properties such that it can not accumulate water. For instance, a car window that does not**accumulate water would provide much better visibility under rain and fog. A super hydrophobic vest can**improve buoyancy or keep a soldier dry under adverse weather situations. There are several approaches to coat**surfaces and impart hydrophobicity. However, a general technology that can be directly applied in different**types of surfaces is not available. Our previous interaction with RT Prime (supported by a NSERC ENGAGE**grant) led to several synthetic routes for the fabrication and functionalization of super-hydrophobic**nanoparticles. We had explored several synthetic avenues systematically and narrowed down potential**candidates for a novel coating. This ENGAGE plus grant will allow us to further optimize our most promising**materials, improve on the methodology for film deposition and, finally, compare the properties of our new**technology with commercially equivalent products. A finalized and comprehensively evaluated product (with a**protocol for application and film deposition) will then be transferred to RT Prime, who will evaluate the**commercialization potential of our technology.