New strategies and growing markets for nanocoatings. A look at how nanotechnology is driving innovation in the paints and coatings sector.
Nanocoatings products
Nanocoatings are opening up new market opportunities in the global coatings arena. These coatings are being routinely applied to a wide variety of substrate materials (plastics, glass, metals, ceramics and textiles). Due to the properties inherent at the nanoscale, the coatings are typically multifunctional, exhibiting one or combinations of the following properties: scratch and abrasion resistance, anti-static, oleophobic, easy-to-clean, anti-reflective, anti-microbial activity, sensor and catalytic activity.
Despite the market being affected by the global economic recession, product innovation and the need to meet stringent environmental regulations is driving demand across a wider range of markets. The market for nanostructured coatings will grow across all sectors over the next 5-10 years, with the medical, household care and food processing markets all experiencing large growth, driven by the need for improved sanitary facilities and also pushed by the vast improvements nanostructured coatings offer, from both a protective and destructive perspective. Anti-corrosion and thermal barrier coatings will drive revenues in the oil and gas industry, for protective surfaces in pipelines and harsh environments. The traditional coatings market is dominated by decorative finishes; nanocoatings have little impact on this sector at present but are likely to replace traditional coatings in the medium to long-term in architectural, industrial manufacturing, marine, auto refinish, transportation and protective coatings segments.
Product development currently takes the form of Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) developing their own in-house products and selling directly or via distributors; licensing agreements between SMEs and multi-national brand owners; or technology buy-outs by multinationals. Main current regional markets are in Asia and Europe where sanitary and other protection applications are impacting the market. Germany is the most significant European market and is home to a number of prominent nanostructured coatings product developers. There are over 150 companies currently developing nanostructured coatings, mainly as platform technologies that can be applied in a variety of markets.
ion-mask™
Originally developed for military clothing and designed to combat chemical agents, the ion-mask™ treatment of footwear and textile products from P2i delivers reduced water uptake with no loss of breathability. The company’s splash-proof liquid repellent nanocoatings have been applied to Motorola and TCL Communication smartphones and tablets. www.p2i.com/ion-mask
Nanovate
Integran’s Nanovate™ NP combines high strength nanocrystalline metal coatings on injection molded plastics, resulting in lighter, stronger more durable parts than aluminum. A wide array of polymers can be used including ABS, Nylon, PEEK, SLS, SLA and FDM. www.integran.com/products
Clarity Defender® PLUS
Clarity Defender® PLUS from Nanofilm is a self-assembling thin film that coats automotive glass and mirrors with an invisible, water-repellant nano-barrier. Independent tests prove these repellents can increase visibility 34% on a rainy night, which can add a full second to response time. www.nanofilmproducts.com/products/clarity-automotive.htm
Nanorepel™
Nanorepel™ from Buhler Partec is a dirt repellent coating that can be applied glass, ceramics, metal, wood, textile, leather, concrete, stone and other mineral substrates. Buhler is an established player in these markets and has been for a number of years. www.buhlergroup.com/global/en/products/nanorepel.htm#.UoT9VZSD5-M
WaterBlockTM
HzO’s WaterBlock™ is super-hydrophobic nanocoating that has been applied to a line of back-lit magnetic compasses by NavELite, and the TAG Heuer RACER Sub-Nano–a limited edition, Android-based smartphone. www.hzoinside.com/technology/what-is-waterblock
DIAMON-FUSION®
A hydrophobic nanocoating from DFI’s that makes silica-based surfaces (such as glass, granite, tile, porcelain and quartz) easier to clean, creates a more hygienic surface, and eliminates the need for harsh and harmful cleaning chemicals. It can also make glass surfaces more scratch and impact resistant. www.diamonfusion.co.uk
X-Clean
The X-Clean Brand from Nano-X GmbH allows for prevention of surface defects for easy-to-clean surfaces with nano-effect in the areas of protection against soiling for glass, ceramics and metal, protection against graffiti and demoulding aids. www.nano-x2.de/Marken/en
TEGOTOP®
TEGOTOP® from Evonik is a concentrated dispersion of super-hydrophobic nano-agglomerates designed to equip a multitude of surfaces with the Lotus-Effect®. http://tempo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/TEGOTOP-105-TDS-12-11-01.pdf
