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SBIR Phase I: A Novel Approach to Optically Transparent Hard Coatings on…

Award Information

Agency:
National Science Foundation 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
52659 		Program Year/Program:
2001 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
0060404 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
NEI Corporation
400 E Apgar Drive Somerset, NJ -
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Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2001
Title: SBIR Phase I: A Novel Approach to Optically Transparent Hard Coatings on Polymer Substrate
Agency: NSF
Contract: 0060404
Award Amount: $99,997.00
 

Abstract:

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will lead to an economical wet chemical method for depositing hard and scratch resistant coatings on transparent polymer substrates. The proposed program, when successfully carried out, will solve the ubiquitous problem of transparent polymer surfaces being scratched and worn. Solution methods, which are easily scalable, have been used to develop polymer-oxide nanoparticle (hybrid) transparent coatings on transparent polymers. Such materials lack high hardness values, which can be dramatically increased by incorporating coarse oxide ceramic particles in the hybrid matrix. Based on this innovative approach to maintain transparency even with addition of a significant volume fraction of coarse particles (> 0.25 microns) to a hybrid matrix, transparent coatings will be developed on polycarbonate and acrylic substrates with excellent wear and chemical resistance. Solution methods of forming polymer nanocomposites coatings are far more economical compared to vacuum/gas phase processing (e.g., plasma polymerization), but its use has been restricted because of the poor abrasion resistance of these coatings. This novel approach will lead to exceptional wear, scratch and chemical resistance coatings, which will have a wide range of applications in the automotive, aerospace and other industries.

Principal Investigator:

Amit Singhal
7328855909
amitsin@aol.com

Business Contact:

Gary S. Tompa
President
7328855909
gstompa@aol.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Nanopowder Enterprises, Inc.
120 Centennial Ave Piscataway, NJ 08854

EIN/Tax ID:
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No