Shear-induced alignment of nanoparticles in coatings
AssigneeCal Poly Corporation
InventorsRaymond H. Fernando, Lucas J. Brickweg, Bryce R. Floryancic
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for forming linear nanoparticle arrays, and the nanoparticle formulations formed therewith, are described. The nanoparticle arrays may be incorporated into coating materials, and in one example may be provided at or near the surface of two-component polyurethane coatings for use in automotive refinish clear coats. Coatings incorporating such nanoparticles may be applied to a substrate under shear to cause the nanoparticles to arrange linearly.
Claims20
A method of forming a linear particle string comprising:
- providing a dispersion medium containing a plurality of nanoparticles;
- incorporating the dispersion into a coating material to form a coating mixture;
- applying the coating mixture to a substrate with a shear force;
- and
- curing the substrate and the coating mixture by a heat treatment, wherein the shear force causes the nanoparticles to arrange into a linear particle string on the substrate.
A method of forming a layer of 1-D nanowires comprising:
- forming a mixture containing a plurality of nanoparticles;
- and
- applying a layer of the mixture to a surface with a shear force, wherein the shear force causes the nanoparticles to arrange into a plurality of linear 1-D nanowires on the surface.
A coating, comprising:
- a two-component polyurethane;
- and
- alumina nanoparticle dispersions incorporated into the polyurethane at levels of about 1 wt. % or less of the coating;
- wherein the alumina nanoparticles are arranged into linear strings at or near a surface of the coating.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.