Penn State

Research: Coatings

Coatings to Improve our Environment

No area of nanotechnology offers such a range of commercial applications as nano enhanced coatings. From self-cleaning glass to high performance components for aerospace applications, nano coatings provide improved durability, strength, optical qualities, and thermal stability to materials.

Among the many already developed products using nano coatings are: flat panel displays and optical devices using thin- film coatings; coatings for fiber cables that make them more bendable as well as more resistant to loss of signal; nanocrystalline coatings of silver for antimicrobial dressings and medical devices; thin-film silicon solar cells; thermal barrier coatings; automotive glazing; smart windows that control light and heat; alumina/titania coatings for salt water vessels to reduce corrosion; coatings for biological sensors; extra hard and mildew resistant paints; water and stain resistant fabrics; and water proof papers and cardboard.

Researchers at the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory's Advanced Coatings Technologies unit are studying highly thermal reflective thermal barrier coatings, and nano-flakes for obscurant applications for the Department of Defense. In the Center for Glass Surfaces, Interfaces and Coatings, researchers use scanning electron microscopy and other techniques to understand the nanomechanical properties of glass surfaces and coatings. These researchers have developed and licensed one-molecule-thick coatings that bind to glass on the bottom surface and attach to DNA strands on the outer surface to make inexpensive DNA bioarrays, called bio or genome chips.

Because of their small size, MEMs (microelectromechanical systems) cannot use conventional lubricants, such as oil. Penn State researchers have studied thin-film coatings of alcohol molecules as a candidate lubricant for MEMs. Using gas deposition to completely coat the device parts, they discovered that thin films of alcohol molecules are self- repairing and do not interfere with mechanical or electrical operations.

Nearly 20 Penn State research teams are involved in the study of nano structured surfaces, working with industry to develop new, smart, durable energy saving products for consumers, and with the Department of Defense for the benefit of soldiers in the field and for national defense.


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Related Institutes & Centers

Applied Research Laboratory capabilities in nanocoatings

Center for Glass Surfaces, Interfaces, and Coatings Research

International Materials Institute for New Functionality in Glass


Faculty: Coatings

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