Innovate coating extends the life of materials for industrial use

Given the need for corrosion resistant materials and wastage, researchers from the Autonomous University of Puebla (BUAP) developed a coating that increases the lifetime of steel, plastic and glass to be used in the industry.

Is a composite substance, contains a polymer which provides flexibility and transparency are incorporated ceramic nanoparticles that increase the hardness, the result is a homogeneous mixture stops corrosion and attritionthe researchers explained Efrain Rubio Rosas and Jenaro Varela Caselis, University Center Liaison and Technology Transfer (CUVyTT) BUAP.

Rubio Roses explained that for manufacturing the composite different particles chemically modified at a nanometer level are prepared and add substances as silicon oxide by the technique sol gel, which the polymer is added to obtain a homogeneous colloidal solution and transparent that can adhere to materials without problem.

The coating is used as if it were a painting, a liquid solution is made and given a heat or ultraviolet light to harden and apply by spray or brush treatment. It also has the characteristic of maintaining its transparency.

“If we put the glass coating adheres strongly and it is impossible to remove, a situation that does not happen with traditional coatings that over time can break off”.

Another material that can adhere is acrylic having low wear resistance, so that by making a daily cleaning scratched and becomes opaque, but if the coating is used it is provided resistance.

“It's a competitive material for structures and can be used outdoors as in the case of Pemex, where metal structures are highly corrosive environment”, said Dr. engineering materials, Rubio Rosas.

Currently, uniformity and corrosion resistance evaluated with different techniques, it has been found that the coating material remains double lifetime when used traditional one.

The development is in the process of two patents and in conjunction with the technology transfer office BUAP marketing is sought.

Also, with the intention of enriching the coating, working on new proposals that incorporate carbon nanotubes and graphene to modify its properties and can conduct electric current.

For further information, please contact:

Samara García

samaragh@invdes.com.mx