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Surface modifications and additives to prevent particulate adhesion on polyolefins
- Background
- What we're looking for
- What we can offer you
- Q&A
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Background
White appearance has become dominant in roofing products for commercial buildings and constructions because it can efficiently reflect solar energy to reduce heat island effects. When a membrane is installed on a roof, accidental stains, soil and dust on membrane edges need to be cleaned off prior to seaming and welding. Over time, atmospheric particles are picked up and accumulate on the membrane surface. Most particles either scatter or absorb sunlight, which causes changes in solar reflectance and thermal emittance of white membrane in the field with aging time. Current maintenance practices involve periodic cleaning to maintain aesthetics and energy efficiency of a building.
What we're looking for
We are looking for technologies that can keep naturally-exposed membrane surfaces white and clean throughout their lifetime in the field. Solutions may include chemical additives, or surface modifications or other approaches that prevent dirt and dust from sticking to surfaces.
Solutions of interest include:
- Chemical additives or surface modifications to prevent soil and dust adhesion
- Other solutions that can be integrated into the material or its structure during manufacturing
Our must-have requirements are:
- Compatible with polyolefins
- Minimal to no adverse effects on weatherability and physical properties of polyolefin membranes
- Long-term durability in outdoor environments
- Significantly reduces the percentage of dirt accumulation on membranes left uncleaned for one year (ASTM D3274)
Our nice-to-have's are:
- Minimal to no impact on solar reflectance of uncleaned membranes after 3 years of aging (ASTM C1549)
- Long-lasting functionality under normal operating conditions
What's out of scope:
- Any technology that has no potential to be deployed at large scale in a manufacturing plant within 3-4 years
- Post-production surface applications, such as coatings or protective films adhered to membrane surfaces
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 4-9
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Sponsored researchCo-developmentSupply/purchaseLicensing
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
Up to $100,000 for one year. If the preliminary work shows promising results, the sponsorship could be extended to another year.Expertise
Internal expertise in the production plant and with R&D scientists in the industry.Tools and Technologies
We can provide the relevant data and any support needed with collecting data and subsequent analyses.Facilities and Services
We will provide access to one of our plants for the product trials.Q&A with the company
The Q&A is now closed.
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Most upvoted
Q.
Hi- Are you looking for the study or applications beyond corona surface treatment, flame treatment, or methyl methacrylate additives?
2
A.
Laurel, thank you for your question. Corona surface treatment, flame treatment, or methyl methacrylate additives are in-scope applications we’re seeking for polyolefin roofing membranes that can achieve dirt resistance through either embedding additives during compounding process or by applying surface modifications during calendaring. When evaluating proposals, we will consider the implementation timeline, capital expenditure, technical feasibility, and durability of the proposed technologies. If you’re interested, please submit your proposals by February 28th. Thanks!
Is this response helpful?
2
0
Q.
We have been working on deposition of particulate matter to solar panels (termed soiling) and have extensive experience characterizing deposited particulate matter and the related impacts on surface reflectance. We have also been working on a variety of approaches to minimize deposition of particulates, and to develop optimum strategies to clean surfaces when necessary. One thing that we have found is that in many locations in the US it is mold/fungi growing on panels that can be the dominant soiling component. Do you have any evidence that this could be true for membranes? We have also found that some components (such as dust and pollen) are readily removed by rain in less arid locations, compared with smaller pollutant particles. So the strategy to minimize the impact of particulate deposition depends on location. Would it be possible to schedule a short call to discuss more specially your problem and if we can indeed help you out? Mike
MB
February 27, 2025
1
Q.
What are the cost parameters per ft2?
DA
February 17, 2025
1
Q.
Are there specific regions of the world where the membranes will be deployed? In other words are there specific locations where the roof membranes are known to get dirtier than others?
MB
February 17, 2025
1
Is this response helpful?
0
0
A.
We have been working on deposition of particulate matter to solar panels (termed soiling) and have extensive experience characterizing deposited particulate matter and the related impacts on surface reflectance. We have also been working on a variety of approaches to minimize deposition of particulates, and to develop optimum strategies to clean surfaces when necessary. One thing that we have found is that in many locations in the US it is mold/fungi growing on panels that can be the dominant soiling component. Do you have any evidence that this could be true for membranes? We have also found that some components (such as dust and pollen) are readily removed by rain in less arid locations, compared with smaller pollutant particles. So the strategy to minimize the impact of particulate deposition depends on location.
Would it be possible to schedule a short call to discuss more spefically your problem and if we can indeed help you out?
Mike
MB
February 20, 2025
1
A.
We’re seeking a technology that can address soiling caused by particulates, microorganisms or even both. We will review all proposals after the end of February. If you have a solution, please submit your proposal as soon as possible. Thank you!
Is this response helpful?
0
0
Q.
We have a concept with readily available technology, but the funding level here is too low and too short to be of interest. We would need at least two years at double the funding to consider submitting a proposal.
BW
February 18, 2025
1
A.
Our sponsorship includes, but not limited to, funding, internal and external testing and analysis, validation in real-world applications, and industrial scale-up. The funding amount and duration may be extended if the proposed technologies demonstrate promising preliminary results.
Is this response helpful?
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0
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