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Their main area of interest is development of chromate-free coating technologies for aerospace and infrastructure applications (mostly Al, Zn, Mg substrates). They are also developing related coating systems that alter other properties of the coatings (wettability, wear, adhesion, self repair).
They do this through the use of hybrid (organic-inorganic) materials and incorporation of nanostructures, and have formed these new structures on metals, glass and polymer substrates. The researchers have extensive experience in developing coating and working with industrial partners to commercialize technologies. They have access to numerous advanced surface characterization methods (SEM, RBS, PIXIE, XPS, Raman, Synchrotron methods) as well as physical and mechanical testing facilities.
Their various coating technologies are at different commercialisation stages. They currently have one patented Cr-free coating system on the market (with Chemetall). Another patented Cr-free coating which has been through industrial trials and they are hoping to commercialise. They have other collaborative projects on wear and slip surface modification.
The coating technologies developed so far are all water-based and can be applied by dipping, spraying, rollers etc. All coatings are conversion coatings-they react with the surface to form a bond with the surface. With metals, there is a reaction that removes a thin layer (nm) of the metal. With polymers, it is at the molecular level. These technologies are either on the market or close to it.
The researchers have taken these coatings as technology platforms and have been expanding the coating properties. They can make additions to the surface and the bulk of the coatings to change their surface energy (wetting).
They have also changed slip resistance, wear, and optical properties. The additions have been both nanoparticles and organic moieties. Currently, they are looking at self healing aspects through a number of mechanisms including small scale encapsulation and triggered structural changes (such as molecular gates). Healing scratches is of particular interest.
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