Low Cost and High Performance, Polymer Nanocomposite, Specialty Industrial Coatings

72639S03-I Due to the potential for low cost and high performance, polymer nanocomposite coatings could replace conventional, high cost polymer coatings for applications where outstanding abrasion resistance and long maintenance cycles (approximately 20 years) are desired. This project will develop a generic technology for producing low cost polymer nanocomposite coatings that can be used in a broad range of applications. The coatings will provide excellent resistance to both wear and UV degradation, good stability to chemicals and the environment, and good optical transparency. Phase I will synthesize polymer nanocomposite coatings deposited on different kinds of substrates. Mechanical properties will be evaluated and compared to state-of-the-art polymer coatings. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: This new class of high performance, nanocomposite polymer coatings should have potential in a broad range of industrial applications, including maintenance paints, automobile refinishing, and aircraft coatings. Also, the technology could lead to environmentally benign, high performance, water-borne polymer coatings that could replace the more expensive, solvent-based, fluoropolymer coatings in a number of applications, including fuel tanks, structural steel, and oil tankers.