Pages

Welcome to our blog, where you can keep up-to-date with the latest P2i news and developments. We will post articles regarding news, events we attend, speaker presentations as well as explaining the nanotechnology industry.

Search the P2i Blog

Tuesday 2 July 2013

Hydrophobic coatings: spray or plasma?

Over the past few weeks there has been a lot of excitement regarding hydrophobic coatings in a can. In fact, many people ask us whether they can buy a spray-can of our coating to treat their household items. I asked the scientists at P2i for some extra info on the difference between spray-can coating and the plasma tech they use:

How do hydrophobic coatings work?
Hydrophobic coatings create a layer on top of a surface to repel water and other liquids. Because of the low surface energy created by the coating, water beads into droplets and can therefor easily roll away from the surface. 

Why doesn't P2i offer a spray coating?
There are two big differences between P2i’s plasma coating and spray-can coatings: the size of the layering and the durability. When you spray a substance out of a can onto a surface you are going to create a layer which is microns thick. Now on an online video this looks very impressive, but if you could feel the product yourself, you would immediately notice a difference. A coating which is microns thick is at a size that the human body can detect through touch (with a waxy texture or feel), and at a size that is visible, causing discoloration or a white substance you can physically see.
When you look at the types of products P2i applies its technology to, it becomes clear why spray application is not an option. For example on delicate electronics, P2i’s nano-coating is so thin that it doesn't change the thermal properties of the device. This means that it is not in danger of overheating smartphones or tablets. And at a thousand times thinner than a human hair you wouldn't even know it’s there!

How is it applied?



P2i’s coating is applied in a process called “plasma enhanced vapor deposition”. The process involves three steps.
Step One: the item is placed into a chamber which is brought down to very low pressure.
Step Two: Plasma activates the surfaces of the device making them ready to bond to the monomer which is applied as a vapor
Step Three: Further plasma polymerizes the monomer forming a nano-coating layer over and within the product. The chamber is brought back up to room pressure and the item removed.

So there are a few key pieces to this puzzle which ensures a more durable performance than a spray coating. Firstly, because the product is applied in a vacuum it means the vapor can get through to every nook and cranny. In fact the coating can reach nearly anywhere air can go. This means there are no weak points to attract moisture or allow corrosion damage. Secondly, the plasma activation of the surfaces ensures that the coating is chemically bonded to the product, becoming part of its physical make-up, not simply sitting on the surface where it can wipe or rub off. Finally, the plasma polymerization means the coating is applied evenly across the surfaces and so doesn't end up with clumping or disproportionately thicker and thinner points.

Where is it used?  
     


P2i works with the likes of Motorola to apply the splash-proof coating on to tablets and smartphones to give greater liquid protection, while Plantronics use it on their headsets to protect against sweat and moisture damage. Because P2i works directly with brands and manufacturers to apply the technology during production, it is essential that the coating performs to high standards and is durable for everyday use.


15 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing the video on how to apply spray coating. It is clear and instructive.
    Ed of CTS-Inc.net

    ReplyDelete
  2. A hydrophobic coating is a nanoscopic surface layer that repels water. This coating is used in ultra-dry surface application to make the object waterproof.

    Hydrophobic Coating on Surface

    ReplyDelete
  3. This blog is very informative thanking you for sharing the blog the most of the industrial purposes liquid coatings are used liquid coatings include a variety of platforms and custom formulations ranging from solvent-borne to high-solids/ low-bake, water-borne finishes and UV cure technology, all designed to increase applied cost efficiency and help manufacturers to achieve their coatings goals.

    ReplyDelete
  4. new line smileM
    It's great to hear from you again. After watching such stuff I am really impressed. Keep up the good work from now on-wards & I will be returning to you for my queries.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nice post i really like your blog very use full stuff here thanks for sharing .
    Buy Melanotan 2 Uk & Melanotan Nasal Spray

    ReplyDelete
  6. Majik Hair Fiber Provides instant result in 10 second only try this magical product,by hair fiber spray africa

    ReplyDelete
  7. I found your this post while searching for some related information on blog search...
    Malem Medical

    ReplyDelete
  8. It is nice to read the information provided in your blog and i like this information because it is based on reality and i like this information. And it provides knowledge and useful information to the visitors of this site and i would like to visit this site again.
    keukenblad keramiek

    ReplyDelete
  9. I was verifying consistently this web blog and I’m impressed! Extremely details specifically the last part I care for such information and facts much. I was searching for this certain details for some time
    bra tape

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have found very useful information over there, thanks for sharing this.
    badgarnituur

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good. And it teaches us something new about. thank you very much.
    Thai Restaurant Auckland city

    ReplyDelete
  12. The first thing to visit this blog is useful information and provide comfort for visitors. a visit back in jaket kulit asli.... thank you

    ReplyDelete
  13. Nice post indeed, I appreciate you because you did a great job regarding share this information with us. Corrosion resistant coatings for aircraft parts

    ReplyDelete
  14. Offers a high performing coatings to protect your construction & industrial equipment’s.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello my dear,

    I see your blog every day ... your blog is very useful for me and I love so much ...

    You can see also ..

    Welcome to LiquiSun. We are a professional supplier of chemical based tanning solutions - We sell Melanotan 2 Starter

    kit's, tan injections & supplies!..

    Visit Now - https://liquisun.co.uk//

    ReplyDelete