Research at Â鶹ÍøÕ¾A polyacrylate-based anti-graffiti coating that is clear and transparent, highly durable and free of fluorinated compounds
Background
Graffiti is rising in prevalence in many countries around the world and negatively impacts local communities by defacing both public and private property and costing millions of dollars to remove. Considered one of the most visible forms of community crime and anti-social behaviour, graffiti is commonly found on trains, buses, walls, traffic signs, statues, monuments, park benches, and billboards. Consequently, the demand for anti-graffiti coatings that can prevent unwanted substances from adhering to surfaces is growing, particularly non-toxic, environmentally-friendly anti-graffiti coatings with increased durability and transparency.
Technology Overview
his UV-curable polyacrylate-based anti-graffiti coating is clear and transparent, highly durable, free of fluorinated compounds, and can be cured at room temperature, enabling its use on temperature sensitive substrates. Comprising low surface tension liquid polymers grafted onto and within the polyacrylate matrix, this coating readily repels water, oils, paints, permanent inks, and other substances. Further, because the liquid polymers are grafted within the polyacrylate matrix, beneath the surface, the coating does not lose its anti-graffiti properties as the coating is worn away because of a ‘self-healing’ effect.
Benefits
- Prevents the accumulation of unwanted substances on treated surfaces
- Curable with ultraviolet radiation at room temperature – can be used on heat sensitive substrates
- Repels a wide variety of substances including water, oils, paints, inks
- Clear and transparent
- Durable – does not lose anti-graffiti properties with use
Applications
- Anti-graffiti coating
- Hydrophobic coating
- Oleophobic coating
- Self-cleaning coating
Opportunity
Queen’s University are seeking industrial partners interested in developing and commercializing the technology.
Patents
- A US provisional patent application has been filed.
IP Status
- Patent application submitted
Seeking
- Commercial partner
- Development partner
Posted
November 29, 2017