This technology is a surface modification method that creates core-shell hydrophobic powder by applying a thin layer of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) onto silica or alumina powder surfaces via atomic layer deposition (ALD), then formulating it into a sprayable coating to form a hydrophobic ceramic film on target surfaces.
Organic polymer modifiers used to convert hydrophilic substrates to hydrophobic ones are heat-sensitive, leading to degradation and loss of hydrophobicity at high temperatures. While rare-earth oxides possess excellent heat resistance, their high cost limits their economic viability for large-scale applications.
By coating inexpensive ceramic cores with a thin shell of rare-earth oxide, this technology minimizes the use of costly raw materials while achieving a contact angle of over 100° and a pencil hardness of 9H. The resulting film maintains its hydrophobicity even at high temperatures. It can be applied to iron soleplates, kitchenware like frying pans, finishing materials, and the interior of concrete pouring pipes, ensuring long-lasting water-repellent surfaces in environments prone to heat and wear.
This invention was developed with support from the Small and Medium Business Administration for the development of superhydrophobic ceramic functional coatings using nanopowder coating technology.
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