Liquid-like silicone low-friction coatings for metal
Innovative liquid-like silicone coatings for metal substrates offering ultra-low friction and remarkable durability, ideal for applications such as razor blades. Featuring linear PDMS chains that resist abrasion and degradation, these coatings outperform traditional solutions.
Overview
Dewpoint Innovations presents cutting-edge liquid-like silicone coatings designed for metal substrates. These coatings utilize linear polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains, which are less than 10 nanometers thick and covalently bonded to the metal via a specialized adhesion layer. This technology offers an extremely low friction coefficient, significantly enhancing the performance and lifespan of coated products, such as razor blades. Unlike traditional cross-linked PDMS coatings, these liquid-like coatings maintain mobility and adaptability, improving their effectiveness and durability.
Technical specifications
- Ultra-low friction coefficient: Achieves coefficients as low as 0.0063, reducing wear and tear.
- Durability: Demonstrates remarkable resistance to abrasion, surviving over 5000 Taber abrasion cycles without loss of properties.
- Stability: Proven long shelf life with no observed degradation over two years.
- Versatility: Potential to outperform existing siliconizing coatings by optimizing grafting density and molecular weight.
- Quality Assessment: Coating quality is evaluated using ellipsometry, XPS, and AFM for precise control over thickness, chemistry, and surface roughness.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 3, this technology has been validated in laboratory settings. Future development will involve collaboration with industry partners to optimize the coating process, benchmark against traditional PTFE coatings, and conduct extended durability testing with real-world samples.
About Dewpoint Innovations
Dewpoint Innovations is a chemical technology company born out of advanced research at the University of Sydney, specializing in the development of functional, nanostructured paint coatings. The company's core technology involves a unique roof coating that provides passive cooling by reflecting solar energy and emitting thermal heat through the atmospheric window, often reaching sub-ambient temperatures. Beyond its cooling capabilities, the paint is engineered to reliably harvest water from the atmosphere, providing a supplementary water source compatible with existing residential rainwater collection systems. These innovations are designed to address the dual challenges of urban heat island effects and global water scarcity.
By equipping the built environment with these advanced coatings, Dewpoint Innovations aims to improve climate resilience for homeowners and businesses alike. The technology offers a practical way to reduce building energy consumption, lower indoor and outdoor temperatures, and increase water self-sufficiency. The company, which is supported by a team of experienced scientists and commercialization experts, focuses on delivering sustainable solutions that help mitigate the harmful impacts of increasing global temperatures and environmental stress. Their work has been recognized for its potential to transform standard structures into energy-efficient, climate-resilient assets.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.