Surface Coatings

Overview

Free radicals in the environment from sources such as pollution and UV radiation can damage paints, plastics, metals and other materials. Therefore, surface coatings are important technologies to protect and extend the life-time of these materials from degradation. Paradoxically, free radicals can also be used to protect materials and monitor their damage in products such as surface coatings.

Together with its industry partners, the Centre is:

• gaining a detailed understanding of the chemical mechanisms that underpin the durability of surface coatings, and
• developing improved surface coating technologies for the building, automotive and aeronautical industries.

Research Projects

This research initiative aims to further knowledge into the key free radical reaction mechanisms involved in the degradation of surface coatings, and in turn use free radicals to develop new surface coating technologies.

The Centre researchers are currently working on projects to:

• Eliminate weaknesses in polymer structures;
• Improve methodology for polymer production and laboratory testing,
• Improve art conservation strategies; and
• Develop new compounds for the assessment of and protection against oxidative stress in materials.