Synthesis of Bio-Based NP-GLIDE Coatings for Easy-to-Clean Applications

Efforts to produce environmentally friendly surface coatings with easy-to-clean qualities have gained momentum due to their ability to save water and chemicals while improving surface hygiene. nanopools of grafted lubricating layer for dewetting enablement (NP-GLIDE) coatings represent an innovative approach in surface engineering, combining nanoparticle technology with a unique polymer matrix. The present study focuses on the synthesis of bio-based NP-GLIDE coatings designed for easy-to-clean applications, with the goal of providing sustainable alternatives for a variety of sectors. In this work polyester-based coatings are formulated from itaconic acid as a bio-based resource, butane diol and it also contains H-polydimethylsiloxane (H-PDMS) as another diol to provide low surface energy. The synthesis procedure comprises grafting of PDMS onto a polyester chain by chemical pathways, further crosslinking with polyisocyanates resulting in coatings with tailored surface qualities that are easy to clean. The addition of PDMS in the polymer matrix helps in increasing the surface roughness and ultimately the hydrophobicity of the coatings. The synthesized resin and its coatings were examined using several analytical methods, including FTIR, NMR, DSC, TGA, SEM and contact angle. The contact angle study reveals the increase in contact angle from 56.68° of coating without PDMS to 105.25° of the coating with highest PDMS content. The SEM analysis also confirms the formation of nano-pools of PDMS which helps in creating a self-lubricating layer thus preventing adhesion of contaminants and facilitating their removal with minimal effort. The stain test showed that the coatings have good resistance to oil, inks and lipstick with the increase in content of PDMS. The cured coatings were further analyzed for general coating qualities in order to examine their performance properties.