Nano-engineered Coatings Based on Functionalized Silsesquioxanes

Silanization is used commonly to form high quality interfaces between metals and coatings by treating surfaces with silanes RSiCl3 or RSi(OR)3 in a sol-gel like process. R can be many different functional groups ranging from glycidyl epoxy to aniline.These same silanes condense under sol-gel conditions to produce cubic silsesquioxanes [RSiO1.5]8 that have a rigid silica core and multiple functional groups. Researchers at the University of Michigan (UM) have proven that these nanometer-sized buildingblocks are easily made and used to form high quality, highly adherent and smooth epoxy resins and polyimides with a very great range of properties. Moreo-ver, the properties can be closely tailored. Many of the epoxy compounds are liquid at roomtemperature. Mayaterials, with laboratories within Eastern Michigan University's (EMUs) Coatings Research Institute has exclusively licensed this technology for commercialization and proposes to work in concert with groups at UM and EMU and with guidancefrom Boeing Company to develop chromate free silsesquioxane coatings systems. Phase I targets will be formulation of superior primer coatings on 2024 T3 Al. Phase II will involve refining Phase I work, developing superior topcoats and also unicoats alsofor 7075 T6 Al. The objective will be to develop property tailorable, solvent free, superior coating systems incorporating cerium carboxylates for long-term passivation protection from aging phenomena. Phase I objectives are to develop functionalizedsilsesquioxane coatings that eliminate the need for volatile organics in the coating process, provide one-step tailoring of multiple coating properties, high abrasion resistance, low toxicity, long lasting and low cost. Initial potential is in corrosionprotection of aircraft components and surfaces with potential applications in automotive and marine applications.