Organic/inorganic hybrid nanocoatings with high barrier performance
Innovative biomimetic hybrid nanocoatings offer exceptional mechanical properties, gas barrier performance, and flame retardancy. Ideal for food packaging, these coatings are highly transparent and versatile, featuring a nacre-like microstructure that enhances their utility.
Overview
The proposed solution involves the development of organic/inorganic hybrid nanocoatings that mimic the structural intricacies of nacre, providing superior mechanical properties, gas barrier performance, and flame retardancy. These nanocoatings are particularly suitable for food packaging due to their high transparency and adaptability to various substrates.
Technical specifications
- Biomimetic Structure: Features a nacre-like microstructure achieved through a facile co-assembly process.
- High Nanosheet Concentration: Contains a high concentration of well-aligned nanosheets along the substrate surface.
- Chemical Co-crosslinking: The nanosheets and polymer matrix are chemically co-crosslinked to enhance durability.
- Versatility: Applicable to paper and cardboard, showcasing high performance and transparency.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 6, indicating a prototype has been demonstrated in a relevant environment. Future validations are planned on fiber-based products for further optimization and evaluation.
About University of Connecticut
UConn is a comprehensive public research university and the state’s flagship, with its main campus in Storrs and an academic medical center in Farmington. Industry engages through UConn Tech Park—anchored by the Innovation Partnership Building—with shared labs, pilot‑scale testbeds, and advanced prototyping for collaborators. Integration with UConn Health enables clinical collaborations and translation, while Hartford and Stamford campuses connect companies to talent along the New York–Boston corridor; a statewide extension network supports technology adoption. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DOD. A dedicated technology commercialization office and the Technology Incubation Program support IP, licensing, and startup incubation across multiple sites.
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