Next-generation coating based on reversible deactivation radical polymerization

PROJECT COST:

300 000 $

PRIMA CONTRIBUTION:

60 000 $

PROJECT DETAILS:

Coatings are an integral part of the materials used in the aerospace industry. Safran Cabin Canada Co. considers it vital to develop its own coating. The desired varnish must have high crack resistance, high flame retardancy, very good adhesion to wooden substrates, and must not shrink. In addition, the solution must be suitable for spray application and have a long shelf life. Through previous collaborations, we have developed a highly concentrated polymer solution with very low viscosity, which allows for effective spray application, a long shelf life, and a reduction in volatile organic compound (VOC) content.

Beyond meeting the initial requirements, the next step toward developing a coating would be to create more environmentally friendly processes with a greater reduction in VOCs. Environmentally friendly processes involve not only reducing VOCs by developing coatings that use water as a solvent, but also by incorporating bio-based monomers. The use of the RDRP (reversible deactivation radical polymerization) technique allows for precise control of the microstructure and enables polymerization in aqueous dispersions, resulting in reduced viscosity. The combination of all these characteristics will truly result in a coating that will lead the industry.