NANOSCRATCH

To develop a scratch resistance coating using a molecular self assembly nanotechnology for plastic products

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The project aims to develop a novel high performance scratch resistant coating technology for plastic pieces at a low cost using an environmental friendly and tailor-made process, over a broad range of plastic materials. These coated plastics can substitute weighty materials, as metallic or glassy components, and high cost engineering plastic materials. The new coating technology to develop is based on self assembly nanotechnology. Nowadays, plastic materials present limited scratch and mar resistance when compared with materials as ceramics, glass or metals. After a short period of use, plastic parts surface is damaged and aesthetically defects appear (blisters, cracks, scratches…). Scratches can be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, reducing the hygienic properties of plastics materials. These negative properties limit the usability of these materials in a broad range of applications and leading companies are making constant efforts to overcome this problem. NANOSCRATCH approach will provide a novel technology based on the facts that the surface of certain plastics can be modified through a mild oxidation and chemical functionalization process, using self-assembled molecules. This new technique will provide an effective bond between the plastic surface and the nanoparticle coating, due to a highly cross-linked network formed at the surface, avoiding the traditional adhesion problems of coatings applied onto plastics, due to its low polarity, while maintaining the aspect of the original part. The new technique involves three steps: mild oxidation, self-assembly and co-deposition of nanoparticles. Among the main potential applications, the project will focus on high scratch resistance plastic pieces for the automotive industry and white-goods appliances manufacture in order to replace weighty, expensive and non-recyclable Engineering Thermoplastics and glass by PP filled grades, transparent plastics (mainly PC) and ABS'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Novel coating materials and application processes significantly decrease scratching in common polymers, opening the door to previously inaccessible markets.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Although plastics are integral materials in many devices, their limited scratch resistance compared to metals and glass prevents their use in a number of promising applications for the automotive, construction and furniture industries. Overcoming this barrier could make a significant difference in weight and costs for a wide range of products. Various technologies have been developed to meet the challenge but none have adequately solved the problem.

Novel coatings based on self-assembly molecules (SAMs) that adhere well to non-reactive polymers without altering their appearance may soon provide a solution. Scientists working on the EU-funded project http://www.nanoscratch-project.eu (NANOSCRATCH) employed an oxidation step prior to coating to activate the polymer surface. Chemical functionalisation using SAMs facilitated a chemical bond between the plastic surface and the nanoparticles dispersed in water that were co-deposited with the SAMs. The technology was optimised for a number of different commonly used polymers. The team investigated various oxidation protocols and agents as well as different SAMs with combinations of reagents and solvents and various conditions of application and drying.

NANOSCRATCH successfully demonstrated a significant improvement in scratch resistance in commonly used polymers and important costs savings at the industrial scale. With eco-friendly deposition processes and a guide to best practices, scientists have opened the door to new markets for common plastics in a number of fields including but not limited to the automotive and electronics sectors.