Silicone- or Fluorosilicone-Coated Solid Substrates and Process for Their Preparation

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This patent describes a process for coating solid substrates, such as metals, ceramics, glass, or silicon, with a silicone or fluorosilicone layer using UV light. The coating process involves applying a silicone-based fluid to the surface and irradiating it with UV to enable covalent bonding between the silicone molecules and the substrate. The resulting coated surfaces are highly hydrophobic, resistant to fouling (including bacteria and marine organisms), blood-repellent, reduce friction, and significantly improve corrosion resistance. The method is simple, scalable, does not require catalysts or harsh pre-treatments, and is suitable for a wide range of materials and shapes.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Coating of medical devices and surgical instruments to provide blood-repellent, corrosion-resistant, and anti-bacterial surfaces.
• Application on glass lenses (e.g., for endoscopes, laparoscopes) to improve visibility and prevent biofouling during medical procedures.
• Protection of marine equipment and ship hulls from biofouling and corrosion in harsh aquatic environments.
• Application on solar panels to enable self-cleaning surfaces, maintaining efficiency by reducing soiling.
• Treatment of sanitary ware (e.g., sinks, toilets) to reduce water usage and prevent staining or buildup.
• Industrial machinery and tools for enhanced lifespan and reliability due to reduced corrosion and fouling.
• Use on optical components for improved cleanliness and performance in sensitive environments.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly enhances corrosion resistance and extends service life of coated materials.
• Reduces surface friction, facilitating smoother cuts or movement (particularly beneficial for surgical blades and tools).
• Inhibits biofilm and bacterial adhesion, lowering infection risk on medical devices and tools.
• Prevents blood and complex liquids from adhering to surfaces, aiding cleaning and reducing contamination.
• Creates slippery, self-cleaning surfaces reducing maintenance needs (e.g., on solar panels or sanitary ware).
• Environmentally friendly and biocompatible process—no toxic chemicals or harsh treatments required.
• Rapid, one-step process suitable for various materials and scalable to industrial applications.
• Repeatable and easy to apply or renew coating without degrading substrate mechanical or optical properties.
• Does not require complex nano/micro-structuring of surfaces, preserving material strength.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Provided is a process for the preparation of a silicone or fluorosilicone-coated solid substrate, which process comprises the following stepsa) providing a solid substrate having at least one surface to be coated,b) bringing the surface to be coated in contact with a coating fluid comprising linear silicone or linear fluorosilicone molecules, andc) irradiating the coating fluid in contact with the surface by UV light to photo-dissociate a silicon-carbon bond in linear silicone or linear fluorosilicone molecules contained in the coating fluid, and allowing them to form a new covalent bond to the surface of the solid substrate, thus providing a solid substrate having at least one surface that carries a coating comprising a layer of silicone or fluorosilicone molecules covalently grafted to the surface, and further comprising silicone or fluorosilicone molecules adhering non-covalently to the layer of the grafted molecules. Moreover, coated solid substrates are provided, which are obtainable by the process in accordance with the invention.