Material with Long-Term Antifouling Properties

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a method for creating materials, such as elastomers or polyamides, with long-term antifouling properties. The process involves activating the surface of the material—preferably using atmospheric plasma—and then grafting a polymer layer onto this surface through a polymerization step. The treated material resists the accumulation of unwanted organisms or particles on its surface over an extended period.

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

• Coating surfaces in marine environments to prevent biofouling on ships, boats, and underwater equipment
• Manufacturing antifouling medical devices (such as catheters or implants) to reduce infection risks
• Producing self-cleaning surfaces in industrial settings
• Creating anti-stain or easy-to-clean household products
• Protecting sensors or critical parts in aquatic research equipment

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides long-term resistance to the accumulation of unwanted material (biofouling)
• Reduces maintenance frequency and associated costs
• Enhances the performance and longevity of coated items
• Broad applicability to different base materials (elastomers or polyamides)
• Environmentally friendly compared to traditional chemical antifouling treatments as it uses surface modification instead of toxic coatings

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

Described is a method for producing a material with an elastomer surface or a polyamide surface that is coated by means of graft polymerization with a polymer, wherein the method comprises the steps of activating the elastomer surface or the polyamide surface, preferably by atmospheric pressure plasma, of contacting the activated elastomer surface or the activated polyamide surface with at least one polymerizable monomer and of polymerizing the at least one polymerizable monomer to form a layer of polymer on the elastomer surface or the polyamide surface. Further described is a material obtainable by this method as well as specific uses thereof.