Durable coatings for enhanced polyisocyanurate foam demolding
A patented beam plasma source technology is used to create hydrophilic metal oxide coatings for easier demolding of polyisocyanurate foam. This innovation promises maintenance-free operations with dense, smooth films that enhance demolding efficiency.
Overview
Michigan State University has developed a cutting-edge beam plasma source technology that enables the production of high-performance hydrophilic coatings for the metal side plates of molds used in polyisocyanurate foam production. This technology aims to simplify the demolding process, making it maintenance-free by utilizing coatings like Al2O3, which are hydrophilic and prevent foam adhesion. The process is scalable and integrates with existing magnetron sputtering equipment widely used in the industry.
Technical specifications
- Beam plasma source technology: Produces dense and smooth thin films with full stoichiometry.
- Hydrophilic coatings: Utilizes metal oxides such as Al2O3, TiO2, and SiO2 to repel polyisocyanurate foam, facilitating easy demolding.
- Ion beam enhanced magnetron sputtering: This method is employed to optimize the deposition of oxide coatings, ensuring reduced surface roughness and increased refractive index.
- Characterization and testing: Includes contact angle, scratch, adhesion tests, and direct foam contact to validate performance.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, with ongoing developments to optimize coating performance and fabricate testing samples for validation with industry partners.
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a major public land‑grant research university with a comprehensive academic portfolio and a large research enterprise. Industry partners engage through an on‑campus U.S. Department of Energy national user facility and shared core laboratories with user access. The university provides a chemical process scale‑up pilot plant on Michigan’s lakeshore, a research and technology park, and a Grand Rapids health innovation campus linking researchers with clinical partners. A statewide extension network supports field deployment and workforce training across Michigan’s manufacturing corridor. Research is backed by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, and DoD, while dedicated tech transfer and corporate engagement teams—supported by an affiliated research foundation—accelerate IP, licensing, startups, and sponsored research.
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