ULTRAHYDROPHOBIC SELF-CLEANING MATERIALS AND SURFACES Bethany Acampora, Ph.D.

Clemson University Research Foundation

Inventors: Igor Luzinov, Ph.D., et al. Department of Material Science Clemson University

Background//Problem
Biomimetic technologies
The lotus leaf effect Limitations of traditional waterproofed fabrics

www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/10/lotusleaves-the-water-haters

Sustainability perspective
www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/bonline/lotus/Waxes_Lotus/bionics.htm

Competition:

Traditional fabric/textile waterproofing (GORE-TEX, Scotch-GardTM) Anti-corrosion paints and coatings Other Ultrahydrophobic coatings

www.yupedia.com

www.alegriphotos.com

Still a need for new and versatile coating technologies

www.clemson.edu/curf

The Invention
Ultrahydrophobic Self-cleaning Surfaces
Key Features:
1. Nanoparticle and polymers impart lotus effect 2. Nanometer level coating thickness 3. Contact angles >150o 4. Simple cost-effective application
www.clemson.edu/curf

Benefits

Versatility
Durability

Improved Sustainability
Base material properties unchanged

The Science

Reactive Anchoring layer

Nano/Micro Structures

Reactive Polymer layer

Ultrahydrophobic Structure

Surface Roughness

Surface Energy

Ultrahydrophobic Self-cleaning Surface

Applications
Several attractive market opportunities for patented invention

www.alternativeconsumer.com/2007/05/09/

www.usmilitarysurplus.com

www.ennovations.co.uk www.canontradeshows.com/ www.solidmetals.net/2011/02/03/corrosion-basics

www.clemson.edu/curf

The Market:
Large number of government initiatives for use of nanotechnology in coatings 1 Military and defense sector projected to have a huge demand in protective textiles and anti-corrosion coatings for vehicles1

Nanoparticle coating technologies hold great promise in smart textiles2

Total protective coatings market is increasing with an estimated CAGR of 3.4% (2007-2014)3 Dry bandages & dressings created $522.4 Million in revenue globally in 20104
[1] NANOSTRUCTURED COATINGS--EMERGING FUTURISTIC COATINGS. Frost and Sullivan 2011 [2]Smart Textiles-Assessment of Technology and Market Potential Frost and Sullivan 2011 [3] North America Protective Coatings Markets. Frost and Sullivan 2009 [4] Crandall, M. A., 2010. World Wound Care Markets, New York, NY: Kalorama Information.

Summary of Benefits
Invention aims to overcome limitations of current options
Self-cleaning capability Versatility Improved sustainability

Attractive Market Intellectual Property

Three related issued patents, one pending patent application Complimentary technologies available
www.clemson.edu/curf

CURF is seeking entrepreneurial or company interest in commercialization of this technology

For more information on this or other Clemson technologies contact:

Bethany Acampora
acampor@clemson.edu
864.656.4935

www.clemson.edu/curf