New product concept

Seeking A “Self-Spreading” Coating On Surface A That Stops At Surface B

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Type of Solution sought

  • A coating / a material
  • A technology
  • A partner

Description of Desired Solution

A SpecialChem client, one of the world’s top 100 brands, is looking for a solution to radically improve the application of the coating system they sell.

Precision in the application is key as the coated surface is clearly delineated by other surfaces not intended for coating.  The company is seeking to help the user of the coating by offering a self-spreading coating for the intended surface only that would cease spreading to adjacent not-to-be-coated surfaces.

Background

The SpecialChem client is known as a world leader in the consumer products market. This company’s goal is to help its customers to apply its coating products in a faster and easier way, as the current application process is perceived as long and tedious. The company is pursuing a radical innovation that could change the market benchmarks.

The company has already tried different options that resulted in non-satisfactory solutions (too long or too complex application use of unsafe product…). They would therefore value external proposals that are beyond their current technological landscape.

The company is ready to consider a wide spectrum of proposals in terms of maturity (from early Technology Concepts to ready-to-use solutions) and in terms of collaboration format (R&D partnership, technology licensing, technology acquisition, direct material purchase…).

Detailed Solution Description

The surface to coat (A) has the following characteristics:
  • It is flat or curved (radius of curvature can vary from 4 mm to 21 mm)
  • It is relatively even at macroscopic scale.
  • Area to coat: some cm²
  • Approximate total surface energy:  34 mJ.m(-2) 
  • Approximate Hansen Solubility Parameters: D = 17.7 ± 0.5 / P = 20.9 ±0.3 / H = 18.6 ± 0.6


The delineating adjacent surface (B) not to coat has the following characteristics:
  • It is physically in the extension of A, but of different chemical nature
  • It is relatively even at macroscopic scale.
  • Approximate total surface energy : 57 mJ.m(-2)
  • Approximate Hansen Solubility Parameters : D = 17 / P = 8 / H = 8

The coating material should comply with the following characteristics:
  • It should be self-spreading on surface A
  • It should “self-stop” when reaching surface B (autonomously cease spreading, ideally with no to low mechanical constraint applied)
  • Total application time before usage must be under 60 seconds
  • Adhesion time on A during usage should be at least 24 h
  • Different curing methods could be considered
  • Maximum thickness of the coating should be about 0.5mm
  • Must be applicable at room temperature
  • The coating should be removable (i.e. cleaned-off) on demand 
  • It is sold today in liquid form, but other forms could be considered
  • It must be colorable and even allow a large range of colors
  • Must not damage the surface in any way, neither chemically nor physically
  • Application method today is mostly by roller or brush, but the company is ready to consider any kind of application methods
  • The resulting surface should be smooth and uniform
  • It should ideally enable a large range of optical reflectance.

The chemical composition of the coating should not be harmful at it is in direct human exposure during application and usage. Skin contact should be possible.

Possible Routes To Investigate

  • New coating of a new chemical composition, that plays on compatibility/ incompatibility with surfaces A and B
  • New application methods (machine, spray, specific applicators…)
  • Fast and easy surface preparation of A (physical or chemical)

Solution that are not of interest

  • Solutions that require long surface preparation
  • Solutions that are chemically unsafe to human exposure

Other Comments / Important Considerations

Economical considerations will enter into play at a later stage. The coating solution should be below 70 EUR / kg (approx. 37 USD / lb). In case of technical and commercial success, large volumes could be expected as the SpecialChem Client is able to quickly market globally.

Type of Outcome expected

The SpecialChem Client is open to a wide spectrum of proposals’ maturity.

  • From a Technology Concept of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 on the NASA TRL scale (Basic principles are observed. Applications are speculative, and there may be no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumptions. Examples are limited to analytic studies)
To
  • An Actual System Proven through Successful Usage of TRL 9 (Actual application of the technology in its final form and conditions. Technology is commercially available)


In case you would like to submit a proposal, please indicate the TRL of your solution:


TRL#

Technology Readiness Level

Description

1

Basic principles

Lowest level of technology readiness. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development (R&D). Examples might include paper studies of a technology’s basic properties.

2

Technology concept

Basic principles are observed. Applications are speculative, and there may be no proof or detailed analysis to support the assumptions. Examples are limited to analytic studies.

3

Proof of concept

Active R&D is initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology. Examples include components that are not yet integrated or representative.

4

Validation in laboratory environment

Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. Examples include integration of “ad hoc” hardware in the laboratory.

5

Validation in relevant environment

The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so they can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include laboratory integration of components.

6

Prototype demonstration in a relevant environment

Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.

7

System prototype demonstration in an operational environment

Prototype near or at planned operational system. Represents a major step up from TRL 6 by requiring demonstration of an actual system prototype in an operational environment.

8

Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration

Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development. Examples include developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) of the system in its intended system to determine if it meets design specifications.

9

Actual system proven through successful usage

Actual application of the technology in its final form and conditions. Technology is commercially available.


Company Demographics

  • Industry our client is in: Consumer Markets
  • Annual Revenue: > Multi billion dollars 
  • Years in Business: >50 Years
  • Headquarters Area: Europe

Business considered

  • Licensing
  • Contractual R&D partnership
  • Technology / product acquisition