Development and Commercialization of Nanocomposite Coating Technologies

There is a Global Safeguards need for tamper-indicating coatings of varying complexity for use in the verification and authentication of nuclear security documents, materials, and equipment. Current commercial coatings for seals used in this type of application lack the sophistication necessary for quick, accurate, and reliable tamper detection. In addition to tampering, another vital attribute is to be able to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit materials. Tetramer has developed a unique nanocomposite-coating platform technology that will be used in conjunction with Tetramer & apos;s proprietary family of optical grade polymers to optimize advanced composite coatings for tamper-indicating seals currently in development at Savannah River and Sandia National Laboratories. During Phase I Tetramer will demonstrate tailor able matrix properties, optimized nanoparticles, and optimized processing conditions. In Phase II Tetramer will design and build an advanced coating system and will develop sophisticated spectral signatures for tamper-indicating seals using a variety of active nonmaterials. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits The work performed in Phase II and Phase III will allow for any device to be coated with sophisticated films having a range of properties which can be varied by changing the type of nanoparticles incorporated into the coating. This technology will improve security in all areas where tamper-indication and /or authentication is required. In the commercial sector this technology would have significant competitive advantages in the large anti-counterfeiting market.