Patterson L., Smith D.
SilcoTek Corporation, US
Keywords: anti-fouling, chemical vapor deposition, coatings, CVD, hydrophobic, low surface energy
Academia has witnessed a surge in novel coating materials and methods to control the behavior of surfaces in a variety of applications, specifically where non-stick properties (low surface energy) are desired. However, few of these innovative technologies have been adapted by industry, either due to scale, performance, or cost. This paper will introduce a fluoro-functionalized surface modification that is applied by chemical vapor deposition, or CVD [1,2]. This surface modification can be applied directly to substrates including stainless steel, aluminum, glass, ceramics, brass, DLC, and more. In addition, this paper will demonstrate how the same modification can be applied as a functionalization layer onto an existing silicon, oxygen, carbon coating which is also applied via CVD. By using a vacuum thermal process instead of dip, spray, or line-of-sight methods, the CVD surface treatment lends itself to ease of processing, high volume scale-up, and uniform deposition onto complex components with narrow internal cavities, high aspect ratio features, and blind holes. Unlike solvent-based or polymeric treatments, the molecularly-bonded CVD treatment can be flexed without risk of flaking or damage. After an introduction to the surface modification and coating’s compositions and deposition process, data will be presented to illustrate its performance. Real-world applications will be discussed and comparisons will be made to other low-energy surfaces and coatings. [1] D.A. Smith, J.B. Mattzela, P.H. Silvis, G.A. Barone; Chemical vapor deposition coating, article, and method. USPTO. Patent publication number US 9777368 B2. (2017) [2] D.A. Smith; Coated article and chemical vapor deposition process. USPTO. Patent Application US 14/471,137. (2014)
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Advanced Materials: TechConnect Briefs 2018
Published: May 13, 2018
Pages: 228 - 231
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Coatings, Surfaces & Membranes
ISBN: 978-0-9975117-8-9