Rico, L.F.; Conejero Iglesias, O.; de la Rua García, R.B.; Moriones Domeño, J.; Fernández de Ara, J.; Fuentes, G.G. Modular UV Curing Sol-Gel Coating for Invisible, Levelling and Easy to Clean Multi-Layer Systems. Materials2023, 16, 5442.
Rico, L.F.; Conejero Iglesias, O.; de la Rua García, R.B.; Moriones Domeño, J.; Fernández de Ara, J.; Fuentes, G.G. Modular UV Curing Sol-Gel Coating for Invisible, Levelling and Easy to Clean Multi-Layer Systems. Materials 2023, 16, 5442.
Rico, L.F.; Conejero Iglesias, O.; de la Rua García, R.B.; Moriones Domeño, J.; Fernández de Ara, J.; Fuentes, G.G. Modular UV Curing Sol-Gel Coating for Invisible, Levelling and Easy to Clean Multi-Layer Systems. Materials2023, 16, 5442.
Rico, L.F.; Conejero Iglesias, O.; de la Rua García, R.B.; Moriones Domeño, J.; Fernández de Ara, J.; Fuentes, G.G. Modular UV Curing Sol-Gel Coating for Invisible, Levelling and Easy to Clean Multi-Layer Systems. Materials 2023, 16, 5442.
Abstract
Current methods for the hardening step of functional coatings over different materials imply the use of high temperatures, high energy consumption or long periods of time, which have repercussions on the speed and cost of the product. We report here a simple and low cost methodology for the functionalization of low cost stainless steel, which is modular, depending of the functionality pursued: a levelling layer for smooth the surface of the material, an “easy to clean” property, or both of them. The research is based on sol-gel coatings cured under UV light without requiring high thermal hardening processes making it applicable to plastics and other sensible materials and possessing high chemical and thermal stability. The film ensures lower processing costs, and higher rates of hardening if the adequate medium-pressure lamps are employed. This formulation is also well defined for scaling up the process, so it is possible to perform a continuous coating in large areas by employing mild processing conditions (low temperature, atmospheric pressure). In addition, the sol gel solution was fully characterized and studied in order to guarantee a long service life before deposition, with a focus on industrial applications in the domestic sector.
Chemistry and Materials Science, Surfaces, Coatings and Films
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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