Biomimetic omniphobic silicones for pfas-free lubricity
HygraTek's biomimetic, PFAS-free silicone offers a durable, omniphobic coating for substrates like Chromium/DLC. This technology provides low friction and strong adhesion, making it a potential replacement for fluoropolymers in high-precision applications.
Overview
HygraTek introduces a breakthrough in PFAS-free silicone technology with its biomimetic omniphobic silicones. This innovative solution addresses the common industry challenge of balancing lubricity and adhesion. By employing a proprietary heterobifunctional anchor system, the technology forms strong covalent bonds with various substrates, including Chromium and DLC, resulting in a robust, durable coating. The coating is designed to be omniphobic, effectively repelling a wide range of liquids such as water, skin oils, and shave gels, ensuring a clean, slick interface that mimics PTFE's low friction while offering enhanced durability.
Technical specifications
- Proprietary heterobifunctional anchor system: Ensures robust covalent bonding with substrates, preventing delamination.
- Omniphobic architecture: Repels almost all contacting liquids, maintaining a low friction coefficient of ~0.02.
- Scalable application: Compatible with dip-coating and industrial curing processes at 220°C, preserving the integrity of high-precision blade geometries.
- Durability and performance: Withstands shear forces of 5-200 MPa without delaminating, maintaining a durable and low-friction surface.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5. It has been validated in relevant environments and is undergoing further optimization and validation phases to enhance performance and scalability. HygraTek is engaged in a structured development plan to transition the coating to meet specific industrial standards, including thickness optimization and performance characterization.
About HygraTek
HygraTek is a developer of advanced surface chemistry and membrane technologies designed for highly efficient liquid separation and material protection. Established in 2013 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company produces durable, superomniphobic coatings that can repel a wide array of Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids, including oils, acids, and solvents. Their technology also encompasses reconfigurable, fouling-resistant membranes capable of oil-water separation with high efficiency, utilizing gravity-driven processes. These solutions are engineered to be cost-effective, easily applied to diverse substrates through methods like spraying or dip-coating, and stable under extreme temperature conditions.
By addressing critical challenges in sectors such as aerospace, maritime, energy, and water treatment, HygraTek provides functional benefits including drag reduction, biofouling prevention, and corrosion resistance. Their icephobic coatings, which have demonstrated significant reduction in ice adhesion, offer safety and efficiency improvements for aircraft turbomachinery and other industrial infrastructure exposed to harsh environments. The company operates through a business model combining direct sales and strategic licensing agreements with Tier 1 partners to facilitate the commercialization and integration of their materials into various global manufacturing and industrial applications.
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