High Performance Polymer Nanocomposites Specialty Coatings

72639-The properties of waterborne organic coatings for several demanding applications are inadequate. By incorporating nanoparticles in the matrix, the properties and performance of organic coatings can be significantly improved in ways that had not been possible until now with coarser micron and sub-micron size particles. This project will develop waterborne polymer nanocomposite coatings that not only will have significantly better properties (e.g., UV stability, abrasion and mar resistance, and chemical resistance) than those of the base polymer, but also will allow the properties to be tailored to fulfill specific needs. In Phase I, polymer nanocomposite coatings based on commercially used formulations were synthesized. It was demonstrated that the properties of polymer coatings can be greatly enhanced by dispersing surface engineered nanoparticles. In particular, the wear and solvent resistances increased significantly with relatively low amounts of nanoparticles. In conjunction with organic coating manufacturers and end-users, Phase II will design and develop polymer nanocomposite coatings that ideally suit the needs of specific applications. The chemistry of polymer nanocomposite formulations will be optimized to achieve coatings with the best performance. Additionally, the synthesis process for producing gallon quantities of surface modified nanoparticles in polymeric resins with reproducible properties will be scaled, and protoype parts will be coated and tested. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The new high-performance polymer coatings should have immense potential in a wide range of applications, including medical devices, automobile finishing, aircraft transparencies, structural steel, fuel tanks, fabrics, and floors. Because the polymer nanocomposite coating technology is for the most part water-based, it should be environmentally benign. As such, it can replace solvent-based coatings in several industrial and special purpose applications.