Advanced fluorinated ethylene propylene nonstick coating for mold release
Surftec offers a high-performance fluorinated ethylene propylene coating with superior bond strength to metal substrates, designed for mold release and low-friction applications. Withstanding up to 1.5 GPa of pressure, it boasts over 18 times the wear life of standard coatings.
Overview
Surftec presents an innovative nonstick coating solution utilizing a modified fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) formulation. This advanced coating is engineered to form a robust chemical bond with metal substrates, making it ideal for applications requiring high durability and low surface energy, such as tire mold release and low-friction environments. The coating can endure contact pressures as high as 1.5 GPa and has a wear life that surpasses traditional fluoropolymer coatings by over 18 times.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Strong Chemical Bond: Utilizes a proprietary binder to enable a durable chemical bond between FEP and various metals.
- High Durability: Withstands up to 1.5 GPa of pressure without delamination.
- Extended Wear Life: Offers a wear life over 18 times greater than existing market coatings.
- Thermal Stability: Capable of withstanding operating temperatures up to 400°F.
- Low Surface Energy: Provides a nonstick surface ideal for demanding applications.
Applications:
- Tire mold release
- Low-friction coatings for industrial applications
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 6, this coating technology has undergone system/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment. Future validation efforts include optimizing the coating formulation for enhanced wear and scratch resistance, as well as conducting in-house testing with clients to further validate performance.
About Surftec
SurfTec is a Fayetteville, Arkansas-based nanotechnology research company founded in 2015 that specializes in surface engineering and tribology [3, 6, 8]. The company develops and manufactures advanced coating technologies, including low-friction, anti-corrosion, anti-icing, anti-fouling, and mold release solutions [1, 3, 7]. By utilizing micro and nano-scale hierarchical structures, their coatings are designed to improve mechanical reliability, reduce oil consumption, and enhance performance in demanding environments such as marine applications and aerospace systems [2, 3, 7]. Recently, the company expanded into the consumer market with the launch of TriboFlux, a line of durable, hydrophobic bicycle chain lubricants developed through precision friction measurement research [6].
This technology provides critical benefits by reducing maintenance needs and improving the efficiency of mechanical systems [7]. For the aerospace sector, SurfTec's anti-icing coatings help address ice accretion challenges for UAVs and eVTOL aircraft, offering a lightweight solution that enhances payload capacity and maneuverability [2, 4, 5]. Backed by research grants from organizations like the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense, the company leverages its academic origins at the University of Arkansas to offer scientifically rigorous surface engineering solutions [3, 4, 5, 6]. Their work addresses significant industrial and operational problems by preventing metal-on-metal contact and maintaining functionality in extreme weather conditions [2, 3, 5, 6].
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