Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SUNCOAT (Protecting wind-turbine leading edges with nanoengineered superhydrophobic urethane coatings)
Reporting period: 2019-11-01 to 2022-04-30
We have developed a new nanocomposite formulation for fluorine-free and water based self-cleaning coatings. We performed a series of self-cleaning, liquid impact and mechanical durability testing beyond morphology and wettability characterization. Feasibility of scalable application was also thoroughly explored using the project partners. Additionally, the testing protocols for wind turbine application were developed and new applications for corrosion protection, relying on chemical inertness of the coating is also being explored with the help of a new industry partner identified during the project. The dissemination and travel activity suffered badly due to Covid-19 pandemic (which also delayed the recruitment of the Research Fellow at UCL). Follow on translational funding is needed to engage in extensive customer programmes before full scale commercialization.