Self-Decontaminating Polyurethane Coating with Integrated Actives
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical and biological agent resistant coatings require external decontamination solutions that can damage surfaces and are labor-intensive, and they lack self-decontaminating capabilities and durability in severe environments.
Innovation Solution
A self-decontaminating coating comprising a polyurethane component with porosity and integrated chemical and biological actives, such as N-halamines and silane quaternary ammonium compounds, that can remove chemical and biological agents without external input, maintaining efficacy throughout the coating's life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external decontamination solutions are applied to remove chemical or biological agents, then decontamination is achieved, but surface damage occurs and labor time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coating incorporates biocidal and chemical actives that enable it to decontaminate itself automatically upon exposure to chemical or biological agents, eliminating the need for external decontamination solutions that cause surface damage
Solution Approach 2:
The decontaminating actives are pre-integrated into the coating formulation during manufacturing, allowing the coating to have immediate self-decontaminating capability from the outset without requiring subsequent application of external solutions
2Reliability
If external decontamination solutions are used, then chemical and biological agents are removed, but labor intensity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coating automatically decontaminates itself through integrated actives without requiring human handling or application of external solutions, dramatically reducing labor intensity and associated costs
3Reliability
If actives are applied as surface coatings, then chemical and biological resistance is provided, but durability decreases when surface is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The decontaminating actives are merged with the coating matrix through integration during manufacturing, creating a unified structure where actives are distributed throughout the coating rather than applied as separate surface layers, protecting them from being lost when the surface is scratched or damaged
4Reliability
If traditional coatings are used, then basic protection is provided, but self-decontaminating capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The coating performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides chemical agent resistance, biological agent resistance, and self-decontaminating capability through the integration of specially selected biocidal and chemical actives within the coating matrix
Solution Approach 2:
The coating is formulated as a composite material combining polymeric resins with integrated biocidal and chemical actives, creating a multi-functional material that provides both protective and self-decontaminating properties
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The coating effectively decontaminates surfaces immediately upon exposure, reducing downtime and costs, and maintains chemical and biological agent resistance even after damage or scratches, without requiring additional decontamination solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a polyurethane component having a solids content in the range of about 10 weight percent to about 100 weight percent and having at least one volume percent free space
Implementation Method 2
N-halamines and silane quaternary ammonium compounds, that can remove chemical and biological agents
Implementation Method 3
biological or antibacterial/antimicrobial actives
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides for a self decontaminating coating and method. The coating comprises a polyurethane component having a solids content in the range of about 10 weight percent to about 100 weight percent and having at least one volume percent free space, a chemical active, and a biological active. In another disclosed embodiment, a method of reducing the transportation of chemical contaminants and biological contaminants is provided comprising the steps of providing a self decontaminating coating comprising a polyurethane component having a polyurethane component having a solids content in the range of about 10 weight percent to about 100 weight percent and having at least one volume percent free space, a chemical active, and a biological active, and applying the coating to a surface of an aircraft, rotorcraft, vehicle, item of equipment, or architectural structure.