Dendritic Polymer-Based Protective Coatings

This proposal responds to the DOD requirement for a dendrimer-based coating to protect materials from chemical agent contamination and degradation due to environmental and POL (petroleum, oil, lubricant) exposure. The benefits of such protection include enhanced reliability, improved safety, reduced maintenance costs, and extended service life. The development of a low energy coating based on the integration of well defined fluorocarbon, oxazoline, and dendrimer technologies is proposed herein as a highly viable approach to overcoming the limitations of existing products. Precise control of dendrimer architecture will permit the formulation of of high performance fluorocarbon coatings with optimal chemical, mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties for DOD applications. Moreover, the potential advantages of dendrimer coatings over conventional fluoropolymers include water-based application, superior adhesive bonding and barrier properties, lower formulation viscosity, and enhanced cure rates.