Composite Materials & Coatings Group
The activity of the Composite Materials & Coatings Group is focused on the development of new polymer composite materials and coatings with desired properties.
- design and preparation of polymer nanocomposites and protective coatings e.g. hydrophobic and/or superhydrophobic, oleophobic, self-cleaning, ‘easy-to-clean’, anti-graffiti and potentially anti-icing coatings
- coatings deposition using various techniques such as spin-coating, dip-coating or spray-coating
- surface texturization and functionalization by chemical modification from liquid or gas phase, surface activation using the low temperature air plasma system, polymer surface etching by air or oxygen plasma treatment
- testing of polymer materials, nanocomposites and coatings properties in particular the investigation of wettability, surface free energy and liquid-substrate interactions
We are currentyly looking for scientists with functional coatings expertise.
The scientific area of the Composite Materials & Coatings Group is focused on the development and characterization of composite materials and coatings with defined surface wettability properties for potential applications in industry (e.g. self-cleaning, anti-graffiti and anti-icing). Moreover, we provide assessment of the wettability properties, aging tests with the expertise in development of composite materials. We invite you to cooperation for applied and basic research projects.
Abstract
The video summarizes the project “Technology development for the production of passive anti-icing systems based on innovative superhydrophobic epoxy nanocomposite coatings” financed under the LIDER IX program by the National Center for Research and Development.
Crucial for many industry and life aspects is passive anti-icing system production. Passive anti-icing systems do not need electrical energy to work. Adhesion reduction of super-cooled water droplets to the substrate in different weather conditions and thereby ice formation prevention (reduction of ice adhesion to the surface) is the main problem needs to be solved. Technology development of the superhydrophobic coatings with anti-icing properties preparation process is the aim of this project. Obtained superhydrophobic surfaces based on epoxy nanocomposites will be characterized by high efficiency in different weather conditions. This surfaces do not need electrical energy to efficient work. The superhydrophobic surfaces preparation technology developed in this project allows for simple industrial scale implementation.
The proposed research program has strongly application character with defined recipient of developed technology (aerospace and energy industry). The research have a high scientific value. The results of proposed research program are innovative:
– prepared innovative superhydrophobic coatings with anti-icing properties and high efficiency in different weather conditions.
Effectiveness of coatings deposited on the aircraft wing will be verified by: a) tests in wind tunnel with icing conditions b) tests during flight at an altitude of 1000 meters,
– new knowledge in superhydrophobic and anti-icing properties designing.
Currently used anti-icing systems need electrical energy to work, therefore the project has high commercialization potential.
Projects
– NAWA (BPI/PST/2021/1/00060/U/00001), “Implementing international collaboration within the development of the innovative technologies and commercialisation practices” NAWA (01.07.2022 – 30.12.2023) – (Dr. Katarzyna Kowal – Project Leader)
- emulsion stability tests
- wettability (water contact angle – WCA, sliding angle – SA) and surface free energy measurements of solid materials and coatings
- surface tension analysis of liquids
- dynamic light scattering (size and Zeta potential of analyzed coloids)
- color analyzis of solid materials and coatings (L*a*b*, ΔE parameters)
- gloss analyzis of solid materials and coatings in angle: 20˚, 60˚, 85˚
- accelerated aging tests: UV, thermal shock, climate, temperaturę, humidity, corrosion (salt spray, SO2) resistance
- thermogravimetry
- FTIR Spectroscopy
- AFM microscopy (topography and roughness analysis)
1. G. Morgiante, M. Piłkowski, J. Marczak “Influence of chain length of organic modifiers in hydrophobization process on epoxy resin properties”, Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Vol. 19, 1045–1053, 2022
2. Piłkowski, G. Morgiante, J. Myśliwiec, M. Kuchowicz, J. Marczak “Environmental testing of hydrophobic fluorosilane-modified substrates”, Surfaces and Interfaces 23, 100987, 2021
3. Startek, K.; Marczak, J.; Lukowiak, A. “Oxygen barrier enhancement of polymeric foil by sol-gel-derived hybrid silica layers”, POLYMER, Vol. 195, 122437, 2020
4. Siudzinska, A.; Miszczuk, A.; Marczak, J.; Komorowska, K. “Fluorescent sensing with Fresnel microlenses for optofluidic systems”, Optical Engineering, Vol. 56, Issue: 5, 2017, DOI: 10.1117/1.OE.56.5.057106
5. J. Marczak, M. Kargol, M. Psarski, G. Celichowski “Modification of epoxy resin, silicon and glass surfaces with alkyl- or fluoroalkylsilanes for hydrophobic properties”, Applied Surface Science, 2016, 380, 91-100
6. M. Remer, G. Sobieraj, K. Gumowski, J. Rokicki, M. Psarski, J. Marczak, G. Celichowski “Dynamic contact of droplet with superhydrophobic surface in conditions favour icing”, Journal of Physics: Conference Series 2014
7. T. Bobinski, G. Sobieraj, K. Gumowski, J. Rokicki, M. Psarski, J. Marczak, G. Celichowski “Droplet impact in icing conditions – the influence of ambient air humidity”, Archives of Mechanics, (66, 2, 127–142) 2014
8. M. Psarski, J. Marczak, J. Grobelny, G. Celichowski “Superhydrophobic Surface by Replication of Laser Micromachined Pattern in Epoxy/Alumina Nanoparticle Composite”, Journal of Nanomaterials, (Volume 2014, 1-11) 2014
9. M. Psarski, G. Celichowski, J. Marczak, K. Gumowski, G. Sobieraj “Superhydrophobic dual sized filler epoxy composite coatings”, Surface and Coatings Technology(225, 66–74) 2013
10. I. Piwoński, A. Kisielewska, J. Marczak “The application of Langmuir–Blodgett technique in preparation of the macroporous titania coatings”, Journal of Porous Materials (20, 1395–1404) 2013
11. M. Psarski, J. Marczak, G. Celichowski, G. Sobieraj, K. Gumowski, F. Zhou, W. Liu ”Hydrophobization of epoxy nanocomposite surface with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluoro-octyltrichlorosilane for superhydrophobic properties”, Central European Journal of Physics (7, 1197–1201) 2012
Patent Application
P.439553 patent application in Patent Office of the Republic of Poland: „Coating composition, a method of preparation a highly hydrophobic coating from such a composition, and its use for the passive protection of surfaces against icing” (17.11.2021)