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NEI Announces Allowance of Two New Patents to Its Portfolio of Functional Coatings

February 7, 2017

Somerset, NJ (USA) – NEI Corporation announced today that the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has recently issued a notice of allowance to the company on two patent applications; one for a durable highly hydrophobic coating and the other for an adhesion promoting surface treatment. These patents complement NEI’s portfolio of patents pertaining to superhydrophobic, self-healing, and abrasion resistant coatings. With the allowance of seven patents, and the introduction of an array of coating products, NEI’s concerted efforts to develop and implement practical, multi-functional coatings have now come to fruition.

There is great interest in functional coatings, for both industrial and consumer applications, where the coating or surface treatment provides functionalities beyond the usual protective and aesthetic properties. For example, self-healing coatings autonomously repair damage, hydrophobic coatings are able to vigorously repel water droplets, oleophobic coatings prevent “oil” molecules from sticking to the surface, self-cleaning or easy-to-clean coatings minimize or eliminate the need for chemicals during washing, and adhesion promoter surface treatments enable an ultra-strong bond between the primer and the surface. Commercial products to date have met with limited success because they are not engineered to meet all of the functional performance requirements that an application requires. NEI’s patented and patent-pending technologies address this market need.

The recently allowed patent application describes durable hydrophobic coating compositions that are highly desirable for numerous applications, as they impart easy-to-clean and stain-resisting properties to surfaces. For aesthetic reasons, there is also a need for a thin, transparent, easy-to-clean coating that does not add excess weight and does not change the appearance of the substrate to be coated. The patented compositions are comprised of functionalized perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs), which are known for their non-stick and lubricating properties. It has been a major technical challenge to incorporate PFPEs into a stable formulation that can lead to a coating with sufficient adhesion to various substrates. The patent claims transparent and homogeneous compositions that overcome the stability and adhesion issues. The compositions result in a micron-thick, durable hydrophobic coating that cannot easily be removed by abrasion, harsh cleaners, or chemicals. The patent is the basis for NEI’s hydrophobic coating products, NANOMYTE® SuperCN and SR-100EC.

The adhesion promoter patent application describes a chromate-free, surface pretreatment composition. The environmentally-friendly, waterborne pretreatment promotes the adhesion between a metal substrate and an overlying paint layer by acting as a “double‐sided bonding agent,” while at the same time improving corrosion resistance. The novel composition comprises organo-functional silanes but functions differently from traditional silane treatments. The composition results in a thin film coating having a graded structure, i.e., an inorganic oxide layer that bonds strongly with steel and a loosely crosslinked top layer containing functional groups that can further crosslink with paint overlay. The new technology is valuable to applicators who paint metal structures, such as bridges, ships, and other steel structures. It is also applicable to industrial painting operations, such as coil and spray coatings. The patented chromate‐free pretreatment for steel, offered commercially as NANOMYTE® PT-20, represents a significant advancement in the state‐of‐the‐art for corrosion resistant technologies.

For a more detailed discussion on the company’s patented coating technologies and applications, please see our Patented Coating Technologies Brief.

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For more information, contact us:
NEI Corporation
+1 (732) 868-3141
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About NEI Corporation

NEI Corporation is an application-driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The company’s core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI offers an array of Advanced Protective Coatings for metal and polymer surfaces, which are sold under the registered trademark NANOMYTE® and are backed by a suite of issued and pending patents. The coatings have tailored functionalities such as anti-corrosion, self-healing, scratch resistance, ice-phobic, and self-cleaning.

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A New Perspective on Coatings and Surface Treatments

NEI Corporation’s Patented Technologies Provide a New Perspective on Coatings and Surface Treatment

Patents1Gains in productivity and efficiency are possible when a coating or surface treatment provides functionalities beyond the usual protective and aesthetic properties. This realization has sparked great interest in functional coatings in recent years for applications that traditionally have not used paints or coatings. A good example is the use of anti-ice coatings on power transmission lines. Mitigating ice accumulation will help prevent power outages, which has a tangible and beneficial economic impact. Another example is the use of a surface treatment to increase the efficiency of power generation turbines.

Examples of functionalities of interest for both industrial and consumer applications include:

  • Self-Healing: the coating or surface treatment autonomously repairs damage
  • Hydrophobicity: coated surfaces vigorously repel water droplets
  • Oleophobicity: prevents “oil” molecules from sticking to the surfacePatents2
  • Self-Cleaning / Easy-To-Clean: minimizes or eliminates the need for chemicals during washing

While great strides have been made in academic circles to understand the different surface phenomena of these so called ‘smart coatings’, commercial products to date have met with limited success because they are not engineered to meet all of the functional performance requirements that an application may need. For example, commercially available superhydrophobic coatings repel water droplets, but do not prevent the diffusion of water vapor – minimizing moisture ingress is a critical functionality for most protective coatings.

Patents3More often than not, many of the functionalities mentioned above need to be integrated into a single coating or surface treatment. For example, a transparent coating that resists finger printing also needs to be scratch resistant and durable. A coating that prevents fogging in eyewear and other transparent surfaces must also be durable and resistant to chemicals. Further, in order to meet the cost criteria, application of the coating must be compatible with conventional coating methods such as spray, dip, brush or flow. Over the past few years, NEI Corporation’s concerted efforts to develop and implement practical, multi-functional coatings are now coming to fruition.

Patents4Backed by a bevy of issued and pending patents, NEI has introduced an array of coating products under the registered trade name NANOMYTE®. For example, NANOMYTE® MEND is based on US Patent 8,987,352, where a thermally induced, physical self-healing phenomenon leads to gap closing and crack sealing. The self-healing coating involves a unique phase-separated morphology that facilitates the delivery of the self-healing agent to the damage site (such as a scratch or crack) thereby restoring the coating appearance & function. Utilizing commonly available polymer materials and nanoparticles arranged in a unique morphology to achieve self-healing, MEND offers a practical self-healing solution to common polymer coating systems. In response to the need for waterborne, self-healing coatings for non-metallic substrates, NEI developed a waterborne, polyurethane-based, self-healing coating. NANOMYTE® MEND for wood (US Patent 8,664,298) specifically targets the wood cabinet market. A more recent patent-pending version of MEND, referred to as MEND-RT, allows self-healing at near ambient temperature. It is used as the inter-layer of a coating stack and has been shown to enhance the corrosion resistance of traditional coating systems. The MEND coating platform is based on polyurethane, but the principle can be applied to other coating systems as well.

Patents5Self-healing principles can also be applied to surface treatments of metals, whereby the pretreatments can mimic the performance of chromate conversion coatings. To this end, NEI has developed a series of pretreatments for different metals where a chemical self-healing mechanism imparts corrosion resistance. For example, NANOMYTE® PT-60 is a patent-pending conversion coating for use on magnesium alloys. The nanoscale structure of the surface allows ions to diffuse to the damage site, forming a barrier that prevents further corrosion. In addition, PT-60 has been engineered to act as a tie layer that bonds the overlying primer with the metal, thereby leading to excellent performance in the field. Similarly, NEI’s NANOMYTE® PT-10M provides self-healing protection for aluminum, while patent-pending PT-20 is designed for use on steel, and PT-30 (US Patent 8,741,074) is used on copper alloys.

As previously mentioned, combining multiple functionalities in a coating, such as self-healing and superhydrophobicity, presents new opportunities not available until now. For example, NEI has been issued a patent (US Patent 8,968,459) for a superhydrophobic coating composition that also has a self-healing function similar to that of plant leaves. This self-healing, superhydrophobic coating mimics lotus leaves, which maintain their superhydrophobicity by repairing the damaged surface layer with a continuously-secreting hydrophobic epicuticular wax. Equipped with the ability to repair or renew itself, the novel NEI coating overcomes the durability problem of traditional superhydrophobic coatings.

Patents6Durable hydrophobic coatings are highly desirable for numerous applications as they usually impart easy-to-clean and stain-resisting properties to surfaces. For aesthetic reasons, there is also a need for a thin, transparent, easy-to-clean coating that does not add excess weight and does not change the appearance of the substrate to be coated. Further desirable properties of such coatings include a high degree of scratch/abrasion resistance, excellent adhesion, and chemical resistance, all of which are critical in maintaining a durable coating. In addressing these needs, NEI’s recently developed NANOMYTE® SuperCN and SR-100EC products are patent-pending transparent coatings with a unique combination of properties, including easy-to-clean and stain-resisting properties, excellent abrasion/scratch resistance, as well as good adhesion with a variety of substrates – including polymers, metals, and ceramics.

Patents7Scratch resistance is a sought-after property for coatings in a variety of applications, such as ophthalmic and sports-wear lenses, automobile and airplane windows. Plastic substrates, such as polycarbonate and acrylic, can scratch easily and lose transparency quickly during daily use and maintenance. Hard and optically transparent coatings for plastic substrates possess a significant market potential. NEI offers a patented (US Patent 9,006,370) transparent, scratch-resistant coating called NANOMYTE® SR-100, which exhibits significantly better abrasion resistance than commercially available, scratch-resistant coating products. A matte version of SR-100 has also been developed and is now commercially available.

Download Coatings Technology Brief (pdf) »

 


About NEI Corporation:

NEI is an application driven company that manufactures and sells Advanced Materials products, provides materials development services, and performs contract-based R&D for public and private entities. NEI’s products, which are sold under the registered trademark NANOMYTE®, are backed by a suite of issued and pending patents. NEI has built a strong manufacturing and R&D infrastructure that enables rapid transition of concepts to products. The company has a 10,000 square foot, state-of-the-art materials manufacturing and testing facility in Somerset, New Jersey, which includes high temperature furnaces with controlled atmospheres, mixing, blending and drying equipment, coaters, particle characterization instruments, corrosion testing equipment, polymer films & coatings characterization, and a Li-ion battery testing laboratory. Since its inception, NEI has partnered with small companies, large multinational corporations, U.S. Defense Laboratories, U.S. National Laboratories, and Universities. The relationships take on different forms, ranging from a strategic partnership to joint development efforts targeted at specific applications.

Contact Us »

 

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Recent Advances in Self-Healing Fiber-Reinforced Composites (updated)

A New Nanotechnology Approach for Micro-crack Prevention and Impact Resistance in Self-healing Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Composites are rapidly becoming the material of choice for various applications. The more familiar carbon fiber composites are used where a lightweight structural material is required. Airplanes, such as the Boeing Dreamliner, utilize fiber composites for their high strength to weight ratio, which ultimately decreases fuel consumption. This also translates to the automotive industry; the lighter the car is, the more energy efficient it can be. Another example is sporting goods, such as lightweight bicycle frames, as they offer a competitive advantage in speed and transport. One can also find composites in newer materials for home decking, where longevity and durability to the outside elements allows these composites to last longer without the maintenance required for wooden decks.

While a composite might provide a major benefit over conventional materials, often they have a deficiency in different materials properties. For example, although fiber composites meet the requirements for strength as a structural material, they are susceptible to microcracking and impact damage due to the brittleness of the epoxy matrix. New material developments can overcome these challenges. For example, an introduction of nanoscale additives to the epoxy resin can provide self-healing and/or damage mitigation through toughening.

Making a Better Composite

Nanomaterials can be incorporated into composite materials in different ways. The nature of nanomaterials allows them to interact in ways not otherwise possible. This is due to the very small size of the nanomaterial, where such properties as strength and electrical/thermal conductivities can be improved in the resulting nanocomposite. We at NEI Corporation, an Advanced Materials Company, have utilized our expertise to design nanomaterials for making better composites.

Fiber Composites:

Improving the reliability, reparability, and reusability of fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) is a key aspect to advancing the current state of the art. The major problem with composites is the inherent brittleness of the epoxy matrix, which is prone to microcrack formation. If not prevented, the microcracks can lead to potentially catastrophic structural damage. NEI has taken on this challenge by developing several technologies to both mitigate damage, as well as repair any damage that may have occurred. These technologies, based on nanoscale materials and nanoscale structures, can be combined into one composite system to create a toughened composite material with self-healing capabilities (examples shown in Figure 1).

FRC_Fig.1

Figure 1: (Left) – Self-healing FRC composite fabricated as a panel; (Right) – Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel (COPV).

The self-healing technology enables the composite to heal microcracks through the use of a novel self-healing agent, which is combined with the epoxy matrix to form a microcrack prevention technology. The two technologies have been demonstrated for proof of concept in FRC structures consisting of flat panel carbon FRCs, as well as in carbon fiber composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs). In the self-healing technology, a brief heat treatment is used to initiate the healing process. Self-healing can be repeated multiple times. When introducing new functions to the composite, the intent is to ensure that the original material’s properties are not compromised.

In one resin system containing a surface-modified nanoadditive, a significant increase in burst performance was observed after the COPV was cryo-impact-damaged and then self-healed. Initial cross-sectional analysis via microscopy showed good resin infiltration of the carbon fibers and no voids. Steps were taken to improve the mechanical properties of the COPVs by using a low-viscosity resin system that contained a different curing agent. This lower viscosity improved the processing of the COPVs, and results show that the burst pressure of these new vessels was 20 to 25% higher than the original.

Recently, we have developed a self-healing system that does not require thermal initiation. The system is a multi-scale, hybrid fiber system that incorporates multiple functionalities, including self-healing and increased strength and is compatible with FRC manufacturing. As such, it can be tailored to give specific properties of interest to the end-use applications of the customer. This approach utilizes core-sheath fibers, which comprise of a straw-like morphology in which a self-healing fluid is entrapped within a polymer straw (see Figure 2). When a crack forms and cuts through the sheath, the core fluid flows out and begins to fill the crack before finally curing.

FRC_Fig.2

Figure 2: (Left) – Schematic of a core-sheath fiber showing the straw-like morphology; (Right) – FRC coupon containing self-healing, core-sheath fibers.

Unlike single-target approaches, where one material property is often improved at the expense of another, robustness can be introduced to a COPV by a combination of a modified resin and nanoparticle additives. Unique nanoparticles are surface-functionalized to be compatible with the resin. Both organic and inorganic components toughen the matrix and result in a more impact-resistant COPV.

We took this a step further by developing an epoxy composite possessing a uniquely engineered morphology using a completely different self-healing agent, one which has inherent toughening AND self-healing characteristics combined. The novel resin technology is capable of toughening the matrix as well as healing microcracks through the use of a uniquely engineered composite morphology. An FRC containing the newly developed resin was resistant to micro-cracks and was able to repair physical damage. In particular, this resulted in both a reduction in micro-cracks within the bulk resin, as well as evidence of repairable damage due to cryogenic cycling, as witnessed in the recovery of impact and flexural properties of bulk and FRC test coupons, respectively. Mechanical property testing was performed on resin test bars, and strength was recovered after cryo-cycling and self-healing using impact testing (Figure 3). Fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) were fabricated using the novel resin and were likewise able to demonstrate recovery of mechanical properties in the FRC after cryo-cycling followed by self-healing via flexural testing.

FRC_FIG3

Figure 3: Impact resistance of epoxy test bars containing toughening and self-healing characteristics.

The developed micro-crack prevention and repair resin capability will be a drop-in technology, thus decreasing the overall cost of implementation and manufacturability. The resin can be used for filament winding, layup, or be prepregged. Additionally, as the FRC structures are more reliable, their expected usage life will be extended which is an additional cost-saving advantage.

Nanocomposites:

Self-healing is one technology that can be imparted through the use of nanocomposites; however, nanocomposites can also be used to improve the bulk mechanical properties of different neat materials by incorporating nanoparticles into the matrix. For instance, NEI has developed nanoadditives for elastomer seals. These nanoscale particles act as “network modifiers” that have chain characteristics and thus are reactive, bonding to the elastomer network. The altered network structure has unique properties that are not possible with simple nanoscale fillers. For example, the nanocomposite elastomer has improved stiffness while preserving the flexibility and stretchability of a rubber (see Figure 4). Improvements in modulus and hardness, without decreasing the elongation at break, have been obtained in these novel nanocomposite materials. As the network structure largely determines the mechanical properties of an elastomer, traditional fillers (e.g. clay and silica particles) – even if they are at the nanoscale – do not alter the network structure of the elastomer. Therefore, these particles bring unbalanced changes to the properties of the elastomer. That is, they invariably increase the modulus but decrease the elongation at break of the elastomer. NEI’s nanoparticle strategy is fundamentally different from that of conventional approaches. The nanoparticles have been designed to become part of the elastomer network and alter the network structure.

FRC_Fig.3

Figure 4: Nanocomposite elastomer seals (left) show an improvement in mechanical properties with increasing nanoadditive concentration (right).

The examples above present the platform for new technologies that introduce nanoscale additives as a means to create bulk, composite, or coating materials with unique morphologies and improved physical and chemical properties. NEI has the capabilities to develop novel nanocomposites materials that can be tailored to a specific application. These capabilities include nanoscale particle synthesis including electrospinning for nanofibers, surface functionalization of nanoparticles, and prototyping of bulk nanocomposites materials and fiber reinforced composites. We also have experience in the scale-up of processes through numerous commercial endeavors.

Download Whitepaper (pdf) »

 


About NEI Corporation

NEI is an application driven company that manufactures and sells Advanced Materials products, provides materials development services, and performs contract-based R&D for public and private entities. NEI’s products, which are sold under the registered trademark NANOMYTE®, are backed by a suite of issued and pending patents. NEI has built a strong manufacturing and R&D infrastructure that enables rapid transition of concepts to products. The company has a 10,000 square foot, state-of-the-art materials manufacturing and testing facility in Somerset, New Jersey, which includes high temperature furnaces with controlled atmospheres, mixing, blending and drying equipment, coaters, particle characterization instruments, corrosion testing equipment, polymer films & coatings characterization, and a Li-ion battery testing laboratory. Since its inception, NEI has partnered with small companies, large multinational corporations, U.S. Defense Laboratories, U.S. National Laboratories, and Universities. The relationships take on different forms, ranging from a strategic partnership to joint development efforts targeted at specific applications.

Contact Us »

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NEI’s New Coating Technology Provides Self-Healing Protection for Traditional Coating Systems


March 24, 2015

Somerset, New Jersey (USA)NEI Corporation announced today that it has introduced NANOMYTE® MEND-RT, a self-healing, polymer nanocomposite coating for use as an intermediate layer in coating systems on metal substrates. When the coating system is physically damaged, the self-healing intermediate layer repairs the damage autonomously at near ambient conditions, closing and sealing the gap and protecting the metal from exposure to the elements. This new feature of physical gap closing provides an alternative to chemical self-healing observed in chromate coatings. The universal nature of this new technology makes it applicable in any chromate-free coating system where self-healing is desired. This unique feature can lead to preserving the aesthetics of a coated surface or providing active corrosion protection on metal surfaces, without changing the formulation of the conventional coating. The intermediate layer can be easily applied by dip, spray, brush or drawdown methods.

The MEND-RT layer is introduced in a traditional coating system without deteriorating the original properties of the coating stack. The technology is applicable to coatings on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys, such as magnesium, aluminum, copper, zinc and alloys thereof, and steel. The efficacy of the NANOMYTE® MEND-RT coating was confirmed on aluminum alloys, which are used extensively in the aerospace industry. Two sets of coating systems were applied and compared for corrosion resistance. The first coating stack consisted of a chromate-free corrosion resistant pretreatment, a chromate-free epoxy primer, and a standard polyurethane topcoat. The second stack was identical to the first one, with the additional MEND-RT layer inserted between the primer and topcoat. Corrosion resistance was evaluated using the Salt Spray Test (SST) ASTM B-117 method. Artificial defects were made on the coated panels before exposing them to salt spray. The first set of panels, i.e. without the self-healing inter-layer, exhibited early signs of corrosion with white corrosion buildup in the scribed region. The samples with MEND-RT showed enhanced protection with no signs of corrosion after 1,250 hours of exposure.

MEND-RT_Fig.2

Photographs showing trends in corrosion resistance for Al 2024 and 7075 4” x 6” panels after 1,250 hours in salt spray test – (a) Commercial non-chromate coating system; (b) Commercial non-chromate coating system with NANOMYTE® MEND-RT.

NANOMYTE® MEND-RT is available as a two-part product. Given that different applications utilize a variety of coating systems, NEI can undertake an in-house study to evaluate the efficacy of MEND-RT in the specific coating system used by the customer. If needed, the MEND-RT formulation can be customized to suit the requirements of the application. Alternatively, customers also have the option of purchasing MEND-RT and applying the coating at their facilities or through their vendors.

Additional Technical Information:


About NEI Corporation:
NEI Corporation is an application-driven company that utilizes nanotechnology to develop and produce advanced materials. The company’s core competencies are in synthesizing nanoscale materials and prototyping products that incorporate the advanced materials. NEI offers an array of Advanced Protective Coatings for metal and polymer surfaces. The coatings have tailored functionalities such as anti-corrosion, self-healing, scratch resistant, impact resistant, ice-phobic, and self-cleaning.


For more information, contact:
Ms. Krista Martin
(732) 868‐3141
sales@neicorporation.com
###

View / Download Press Release (pdf)

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A New Approach To Using Self-healing Coatings

Utilizing a Self-Healing Coating to Impart Enhanced Corrosion Protection to Metals

A traditional protective coating system on a metal substrate generally consists of a pretreatment, primer, and a topcoat. The base metal is pretreated and primed for enhanced adhesion and corrosion resistance. A topcoat is then applied on the primer. Many of the coatings in use today to inhibit corrosion are “passive” in nature, in that they provide only barrier protection and/or promote adhesion between the metal and overlaying paint. While these are important attributes, passive solutions do not offer the same level of protection as coatings that provide “active” corrosion protection. To date, coatings that repair themselves when damaged are limited to either unconventional chemistries or uncommonly used polymers, which require forming a complex molecular network and are too soft to satisfy the mechanical robustness required in a protective topcoat.

An “active” corrosion protection coating, or self-healing coating, can be categorized into two classes according to their self-healing mechanisms: chemical or physical. The traditional chromate-based corrosion protection coating uses hexavalent chromium either in the pretreatment or the primer, or both, to achieve chemical self-healing. In contrast, NEI’s self-healing coating involves physical gap closing and crack sealing, which has the potential to impart performance that matches that of a chromate-based system. Figure 1 illustrates the coating architecture containing NANOMYTE® MEND-RT, a self-healing intermediate layer between the topcoat and the primer. When the coating is physically damaged, the self-healing intermediate layer physically repairs the damage autonomously, closing and sealing the gap and providing an active physical barrier.

Self-Healing Coating System Architecture – (a) A defect occurs in the coating system; (b) The self-healing coating, MEND-RT, closes the defect and prevents further crack propagation.

Self-Healing Coating System Architecture – (a) A defect occurs in the coating system; (b) The self-healing coating, MEND-RT, closes the defect and prevents further crack propagation.

An obvious advantage with the use of a self-healing intermediate layer as shown in Figure 1 is that the topcoat is a standard topcoat, which satisfies all industrial standards. The main function of NANOMYTE® MEND-RT, the intermediate self-healing layer, is to self-repair damages. By separating the topcoat functions and the self-healing function into two distinct layers, a self-healing capability is added to the conventional coating system. The composition of MEND-RT is such that the adhesion between the primer and the topcoat is preserved. The MEND-RT layer can be introduced in any coating system, without deteriorating the original properties of the coating stack. MEND-RT can be used with any coating system applied on ferrous or non-ferrous metals, such as magnesium, aluminum, copper, zinc and alloys thereof, and steel.

The efficacy of the self-healing intermediate layer, MEND-RT, was verified using the standard accelerated test method. A chromate-free, self-healing coating system was applied on aluminum 2024 and 7075 alloys. Aluminum was selected for this evaluation as it is extensively used with chromate coatings in the aerospace and aircraft industry due to its high strength and light weight. Two sets of coating systems were applied and compared for corrosion resistance. The first coating stack consisted of a chromate-free corrosion resistant pretreatment, a chromate-free epoxy primer, and a standard polyurethane topcoat. The second stack was identical to the first one, but had MEND-RT inserted between the primer and topcoat. Corrosion resistance was evaluated using the Salt Spray Test (SST) ASTM B-117 method. Artificial defects (“X” shaped scribes) were made on the coated panels before exposing them to salt spray. The photographs in Figure 2 show the progression of corrosion on Al 2024 and 7075 coupons after 1,250 hours of SST.

MEND-RT_Fig.2

Photographs showing trends in corrosion resistance for Al 2024 and 7075 4” x 6” panels after 1,250 hours in salt spray test – (a) Commercial non-chromate coating system; (b) Commercial non-Chromate coating system with NANOMYTE® MEND-RT.

The first set of panels, i.e. without the self-healing interlayer, exhibited early signs of corrosion with white corrosion buildup in the scribed region. The samples with MEND-RT showed enhanced protection with no signs of corrosion. Examination under the microscope revealed that the defects in the coating were physically sealed by the MEND-RT coating. In addition, the gap closing occurred at near ambient temperature, without any external heat or other stimuli. This is direct evidence that the introduction of MEND-RT enhances the corrosion resistance of a coating system, leading to a longer lifetime of the coating.

Download White Paper (pdf) »

 


About NEI Corporation

NEI is an application driven company that manufactures and sells Advanced Materials products, provides materials development services, and performs contract-based R&D for public and private entities. NEI’s products, which are sold under the registered trademark NANOMYTE®, are backed by a suite of issued and pending patents. NEI has built a strong manufacturing and R&D infrastructure that enables rapid transition of concepts to products. The company has a 10,000 square foot, state-of-the-art materials manufacturing and testing facility in Somerset, New Jersey, which includes high temperature furnaces with controlled atmospheres, mixing, blending and drying equipment, coaters, particle characterization instruments, corrosion testing equipment, polymer films & coatings characterization, and a Li-ion battery testing laboratory. Since its inception, NEI has partnered with small companies, large multinational corporations, U.S. Defense Laboratories, U.S. National Laboratories, and Universities. The relationships take on different forms, ranging from a strategic partnership to joint development efforts targeted at specific applications.

Contact Us »

 

,

NEI White Paper: Recent Advances in Self-Healing Fiber-Reinforced Composites

A New Nanotechnology Approach for Micro-crack Prevention and Impact Resistance in Self-healing Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Composites are rapidly becoming the material of choice for various applications. The more familiar carbon fiber composites are used where a lightweight structural material is required. Airplanes, such as the Boeing Dreamliner, utilize fiber composites for their high strength to weight ratio, which ultimately decreases fuel consumption. This also translates to the automotive industry; the lighter the car is, the more energy efficient it can be. Another example is sporting goods, such as lightweight bicycle frames, as they offer a competitive advantage in speed and transport. One can also find composites in newer materials for home decking, where longevity and durability to the outside elements allows these composites to last longer without the maintenance required for wooden decks.

While a composite might provide a major benefit over conventional materials, often they have a deficiency in different materials properties. For example, although fiber composites meet the requirements for strength as a structural material, they are susceptible to microcracking and impact damage due to the brittleness of the epoxy matrix. New material developments can overcome these challenges. For example, an introduction of nanoscale additives to the epoxy resin can provide self-healing and/or damage mitigation through toughening.

Making a Better Composite

Nanomaterials can be incorporated into composite materials in different ways. The nature of nanomaterials allows them to interact in ways not otherwise possible. This is due to the very small size of the nanomaterial, where such properties as strength and electrical/thermal conductivities can be improved in the resulting nanocomposite. We at NEI Corporation, an Advanced Materials Company, have utilized our expertise to design nanomaterials for making better composites.

Fiber Composites:

Improving the reliability, reparability, and reusability of fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) is a key aspect to advancing the current state of the art. The major problem with composites is the inherent brittleness of the epoxy matrix, which is prone to microcrack formation. If not prevented, the microcracks can lead to potentially catastrophic structural damage. NEI has taken on this challenge by developing several technologies to both mitigate damage, as well as repair any damage that may have occurred. These technologies, based on nanoscale materials and nanoscale structures, can be combined into one composite system to create a toughened composite material with self-healing capabilities (examples shown in Figure 1).

FRC_Fig.1

Figure 1: (Left) – Self-healing FRC composite fabricated as a panel; (Right) – Compression overwrapped pressure vessel (COPV).

The self-healing technology enables the composite to heal microcracks through the use of a novel self-healing agent, which is combined with the epoxy matrix to form a microcrack prevention technology. The two technologies have been demonstrated for proof of concept in FRC structures consisting of flat panel carbon FRCs, as well as in carbon fiber composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs). In the self-healing technology, a brief heat treatment is used to initiate the healing process. Self-healing can be repeated multiple times. When introducing new functions to the composite, the intent is to ensure that the original material’s properties are not compromised.

In one resin system containing a surface-modified nanoadditive, a significant increase in burst performance was observed after the COPV was cryo-impact-damaged and then self-healed. Initial cross-sectional analysis via microscopy showed good resin infiltration of the carbon fibers and no voids. Steps were taken to improve the mechanical properties of the COPVs by using a low-viscosity resin system that contained a different curing agent. This lower viscosity improved the processing of the COPVs, and results show that the burst pressure of these new vessels was 20 to 25% higher than the original.

Recently, we have developed a self-healing system that does not require thermal initiation. The system is a multi-scale, hybrid fiber system that incorporates multiple functionalities, including self-healing and increased strength and is compatible with FRC manufacturing. As such, it can be tailored to give specific properties of interest to the end-use applications of the customer. This approach utilizes core-sheath fibers, which comprise of a straw-like morphology in which a self-healing fluid is entrapped within a polymer straw (see Figure 2). When a crack forms and cuts through the sheath, the core fluid flows out and begins to fill the crack before finally curing.

FRC_Fig.2

Figure 2: (Left) – Schematic of a core-sheath fiber showing the straw-like morphology; (Right) – FRC mat containing self-healing, core-sheath fibers.

Unlike single-target approaches, where one material property is often improved at the expense of another, robustness can be introduced to a COPV by a combination of a modified resin and nanoparticle additives. Unique nanoparticles are surface-functionalized to be compatible with the resin. Both organic and inorganic components toughen the matrix and result in a more impact-resistant COPV.

Nanocomposites:

Self-healing is one technology that can be imparted through the use of nanocomposites; however, nanocomposites can also be used to improve the bulk mechanical properties of different neat materials by incorporating nanoparticles into the matrix. For instance, NEI has developed nanoadditives for elastomer seals. These nanoscale particles act as “network modifiers” that have chain characteristics and thus are reactive, bonding to the elastomer network. The altered network structure has unique properties that are not possible with simple nanoscale fillers. For example, the nanocomposite elastomer has improved stiffness while preserving the flexibility and stretchability of a rubber (see Figure 3). Improvements in modulus and hardness, without decreasing the elongation at break, have been obtained in these novel nanocomposite materials. As the network structure largely determines the mechanical properties of an elastomer, traditional fillers (e.g. clay and silica particles) – even if they are at the nanoscale – do not alter the network structure of the elastomer. Therefore, these particles bring unbalanced changes to the properties of the elastomer. That is, they invariably increase the modulus but decrease the elongation at break of the elastomer. NEI’s nanoparticle strategy is fundamentally different from that of conventional approaches. The nanoparticles have been designed to become part of the elastomer network and alter the network structure.

FRC_Fig.3

Figure 3: Nanocomposite elastomer seals (left) show an improvement in mechanical properties with increasing nanoadditive concentration (right).

The examples above present the platform for new technologies that introduce nanoscale additives as a means to create bulk, composite, or coating materials with unique morphologies and improved physical and chemical properties. NEI has the capabilities to develop novel nanocomposites materials that can be tailored to a specific application. These capabilities include nanoscale particle synthesis including electrospinning for nanofibers, surface functionalization of nanoparticles, and prototyping of bulk nanocomposites materials and fiber reinforced composites. We also have experience in the scale-up of processes through numerous commercial endeavors.

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About NEI Corporation

Founded in 1997, NEI Corporation develops, manufactures, and sells nanoscale materials for a broad range of industrial customers around the world. NEI’s products incorporate proprietary nanotechnology and advanced materials science to create significant performance improvements in manufactured goods. NEI’s products include advanced protective coatings, high performance battery electrode materials, and specialty nanoscale materials for diverse applications. NEI has created a strong foundation in the emerging field of nanotechnology that has enabled the company to become a world leader in selected markets.

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