Overview of the nanocoatings by Mr. Lecomte, Sirris

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Overview of Nano-coatings Fields of
Application
J.Lecomte, SIRRIS, 15/01/2015

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Content of the presentation
 Definition, advantages and limitations of nano-coatings
 The different fields of application
 The fillers and matrices mostly used today
 Some significative examples
 Health and safety issues using nanos
 SIRRIS involvement in Nanos
 Conclusion

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Definitions, benefits, limitations
 Nano-surfaces= nano-coatings, thin coatings, nano-structured
surfaces
 Nano-coating: coating containing nano-particles
 Nanocomposite = Nanoparticles + Matrix
 Nanoparticles: particles with at least one dimension < 100 Nm
 3D: Nanopowders
 2D: Nanotubes, nanofibers
 1D: Nanoclays

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Definitions, benefits, limitations

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Nanos: why?
Properties at nano-scale are not the
same as at macro-scale
• More particles in the same
volume
• More atoms at the surface
• More atoms at the grain
boundaries
• More grain boundaries
• Quantum physics is more
applicable than traditional
physics!

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Nanos: why?
Particles with diameter up to 100 nm:
- Huge specific surface area: More interactions between particles
and the environment
- Importance of the interface layer as a third component of the
composite
- Less volume of powder needed to improve one property (3-4%
instead of 50%) -> lower impact on other properties and on
processability
- No light scattering in transparent matrix when diameter smaller
than 1/20 of wavelength -> transparent coatings

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Limitations, problems
Due to their high specific surface area, and their high interaction with
the environment, the nano-particles have also high interactions
between themselves and tend to agglomerate .
The toughest challenge is to integrate the particles in the matrix in a
homogeneous and nanometric way.
The interactions between the nano-particles and the environment,
but also the human body, is difficult to control -> Health and safety
issues.
The size itself of the nano-particles prevents from an easy
understanding of their real impact.
- Specific and costly methods are used to assess the size distribution,
specific surface and shape of the nano-objects.
- The influence of the interface between nano-objects and matrix is
difficult to predict.

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Fields of application for nano-coatings
Optical properties
• No light scattering, color can be selected
• Adaptable refractive index (light curing adhesives)
• Photocatalysis, UV/IR protection with absorbing NP
Electrical properties
• Electrical conductive but transparent coatings
• Printable electronics
Magnetic properties
• Temperature increase in magnetic field (bond/disbond control)
Thermo-mechanical properties
• Scratch, anti/abrasion resistance
• Anti-friction, corrosion protection
• Hydrophobic coatings

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Fields of application for nano-coatings
Properties/matrices metal polymer glass
scratch resist. WC, SiC ZrO2, SiO2 ZrO2
printed electronics Indium Tin Oxides,... Indium Tin Oxides,...
hydrophobicity Al2O3, SiO2 Al2O3, SiO2 Al2O3
wearresistance Al2O3, B4C,… ZnO ZrO2
hardness Al2O3, B4C, NTC,… NTC,
friction resistance W2S Nanoclay
corrosion resistance SiC
UV/IRabsorption ZnO, TiO2 ZnO, TiO2
Some examples of matrices/nano-particles combinations already
used for specific applications

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Application cases
Picture and information from : http://www.industrie-techno.com
Ultra-hard Ni-Fe nanocrystalline
coating covering a mould in carbon
fibre, and improving its lifetime. The
mould becomes as resistant as a
metallic mould, but much lighter.
Wood panel with an SiO2 layer highly
scratch-resistant
Other coatings (based on nano-silver) are also
used for their anti-bacterial effects, for instance
in medical environments

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Application cases
Silica-based nano-coatings are used to obtain hydrophobic and oleophobic effects, in
order to make the surface « easy to clean ». This treatment is used on plastics, metals or
painted surfaces, as well as on glass and ceramic surfaces to make them « self-cleaning ».
It may be used also on porous mineral surfaces like concrete, stone, terracotta to make
them waterproof, or on clothes or fabrics.

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Application cases
Protective nanopaint for
cars
Water and dirt repellent
Scratch resistant
Brighter colors, enhanced
gloss
Self-healing
Mercedes covered with tougher, shinier
nanopaint
Principle of self-healing paintings with
micro-capsules

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Application cases
Nanopaint on buildings to clean air
When exposed to ultraviolet light, titanium dioxide (TiO2)
nanoparticles in paint break down organic and inorganic
pollutants that wash off in the rain
Decompose air pollution particles like formaldehyde

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Application cases
Nano-cristalline diamond coatings are
used for cutting tools, where their high
hardness, low friction coefficient and
good thermal conductivity are used for all
non ferrous alloys, and also in the
aeronautics and automotive sector.
Cosmetics: anti-UV products with Zinc or
Titanium nano-articles, which stay
transparent due to their small size.

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Health and Safety
One nano-particle may pass through the skin or the
tissues without any constraint.
The specific surface ratio (surface/volume) is so high
that the chemical reactions are much easier enhanced
(this works also in a human body)…
© sirris | www.sirris.be | info@sirris.be |

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Health and Safety aspects
The situation today:
The different studies show the risks linked to the production,
handling and use of nanoparticles may be important
- More detailed studies are needed to have a better view on this
Reason why the precautionary principle is applied within the
production, handling and use of nanoparticles:
Adequate protection (collective and individual) is needed for
people in contact with nanoparticles

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Health and Safety
Overalls for maintenance
protection Type 4, 5, 6
Light and disposable mask
(125gr)
Panoramic view
Filter« HEPA »
(PAPR-P3)
Autonomy: battery 8h
Overalls for light
operation
Personal protections

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Health and Safety
Different carriers choosen in function of the applications
Assurer la
traçabilité !
Handling and transport

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Synthesis
Nanotech was a 4+4 years project under plan-
Marshall for Wallonia
Development of a plasma process for the
manufacturing of nano-powders.
Set up of the process for reliable production of
various types of powders.
Development of a new process for aluminum
powders.
Process now available for a small company
developing business in the synthesis of nano-
powders
1
SIRRIS involvement in nanos

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Sirris involvement – Health and Safety
Assurer la
traçabilité !
Risk assessment. Procedures foe handling,
transporting and using nanos in industrial
environment.
Coordinator of a belgian « Standards Antenna »
Member of the « task force nano.com » at the
federation of Belgian companies. The aim is to
communicate about nanos and to involve companies
in a commitment to enhance security linked to nanos.

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Sirris involvement – Incorporation
Assurer la
traçabilité !
Target?
- Improvement of properties by the use of nano
OR
- Avoid handling free nanoparticles in the industry
- Provide a product ready to use with existing equipments
How?
- Incorporation of nano in a matrix
- First mechanical tests on lab scale

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Conclusions
Nano-coatings are already used in a variety of application cases in all the
sectors of the industry.
The number of potential applications is still high and the research in this field
is still very active.
The use of nano-objects will help to continue the trend of miniaturisation in
all sectors, and to find new materials with enhanced performances, with the
aim to reduce the use of strategic or scarce materials, the consumption of
energy and the environmental impact of the industrial processes.
There are still questions about the impact of the use of nano-materials on
health and safety, and the industry must be aware of the risks and also of the
regulations, procedures and technical solutions to reduce those risks.