Published

UV-Radiation Resistant Coating May Aid Disinfection Efforts

NEI’s new UV-C radiation resistant coating shows promise in helping protect surfaces that are being disinfected using UV-C — a method of cleaning surfaces that is gaining interest during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

Share

UV resistant coatings

Source | NEI Corp.

NEI Corp. (NEI, Somerset , N.J.) has recently developed a short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) resistant coating known as NANOMYTE TC-4001-UVP. The material shows promise in helping protect surfaces that are being disinfected using UV-C,  a method of cleaning surfaces that is gaining interest during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Ultraviolet radiation in the 100nm – 280nm wavelength range, also referred to as UV-C, is increasingly being considered as a means for disinfecting surfaces that large numbers of people are likely to come in contact with, such as parts of transit systems, theme parks, cinema theaters, public restrooms, airports, and other areas of high traffic. However, UV radiation causes significant damage to painted surfaces by creating free radicals that then cause polymer degradation.

According to NEI, NANOMYTE TC-4001-UVP, film that is only 1/5 mil (5 microns) thick, shows an ability to block radiation below 350nm. The transparent coating is reportedly a single component formulation designed to protect metals and other surfaces from degrading, preserving their structural integrity and appearance. The coating is a composite consisting of organic and inorganic phases. It is said to resist scratching and chipping and has the ability to adhere to bare, pretreated, or painted metal surfaces. A variety of other surfaces may be coated as well, such as plastics and composites. The coating can be applied by immersion, spraying or brushing, in thicknesses ranging from microns to mils, and is available in glossy or matte finishes.

RELATED CONTENT

  • Understanding Paint Atomization

    BASF coatings development expert Tim December explains how paint atomization works for both pneumatic spray applicators and high-speed rotary bell applicators.

  • Phosphate Conversion Coatings

    Types of phosphate conversion coatings, how to apply them, and their specific functions.

  • Masking for Surface Finishing

    Masking is employed in most any metal finishing operation where only a specifically defined area of the surface of a part must be exposed to a process. Conversely, masking may be employed on a surface where treatment is either not required or must be avoided. This article covers the many aspects of masking for metal finishing, including applications, methods and the various types of masking employed.