Functional coatings
Functional coatings, in addition to protective and decorative properties, have special functions. Examples are catalytic coatings for air pollution control and insulation coatings for energy savings. Research in this field is special for each type of coating and requires dedicated testing devices and formulation techniques.
Examples
The primary functions of coatings are to protect and decorate substrates. Examples of commercial functional coatings are antimicrobial, colour shifting, conductive, easy clean, photo- and thermochromic, self-healing and super hydrophobic coatings.
In CoaST, we work on the following functional coatings:
- Anti-stick coatings for the cement industry (wet clay)
- Rain erosion-resistant blade coatings for wind turbines
- Catalytic coatings for passive air cleaning
- Self-stratifying coatings for fouling control
- Insulation coatings for safe touch and energy saving
The research within each of these areas requires specialized formulation techniques and testing equipment for design and optimization of the particular function.
Disciplines
Disciplines involved in understanding the working mechanisms of functional coatings are chemical reaction kinetics, rheology, thermodynamics, advanced analytical and characterization tools, materials science, mathematical modelling, and transport phenomena.
Projects
Objective
The main goal is to explore novel catalytic coatings that can contribute to a sustainable development. This goal is achievable by incorporating a catalytically active material into a coating formulation. When the coating is applied to a substrate, the catalytic coatings are able to transfer their catalytic functionality to the surface and promote the chemical processes of interest for various applications.
Background
A previous postdoc project within the framework of the CoaST research center has already investigated the potential of catalytic coatings, and more specifically photocatalytic coatings. Under a suitable light irradiation, the catalytic functionality of the coating will be activated which can be used for many environmental- and health-related applications. Some examples of the application of these coatings are for purification, self cleaning, antifouling and energy conversion purposes.
The project
In order to fully implement the photocatalytic coatings in the society, the development of photocatalytic material is necessary. One of the possible approaches of this PhD project is the synthesis of the titania-based photocatalytic pigment with modified particle properties and enhanced photocatalytic performance. Ideally, the synthesis methods that allow for scale up must be investigated. Finally, the novel photocatalysts will be incorporated into coatings and the activity of the resulting films towards selected reactions will be evaluated. Moreover, the assessments regarding the long-term performance of the coatings will take place.
Funding
The Hempel Foundation and Sino-Danish Center For Education and Research (SDC). The project runs from 1 December 2020 - 30 November 2023.
Supervisors
- Kim Dam-Johansen (main supervisor)
- Amado Andres Velazquez-Palenzuela (co-supervisor)
- Jakob Munkholt Christensen (co-supervisor)
Contact
Contact
Kim Dam-Johansen Professor Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering KDJ@kt.dtu.dk
The project
This project mainly includes three specific parts: the study of rain erosion mechanisms, the modification of the rain erosion lab test device and the formulation and evaluation of leading edge protection coatings.
Funding
The Hempel Foundation
Supervisors
- Søren Kiil (main supervisor)
- Kim Dam-Johansen (co-supervisor)
Contact
Søren Kiil Professor Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering sk@kt.dtu.dk