Hydrophyllic solutions to prevent fogging of thermoplastics

The Innovation Exchange is supporting a fast-growing, inclusive, UK-based technology company, through the InnovateUK KTN Net Zero Catalyst programme to find anti-fogging solutions for thermoplastics. The Challenger wishes to engage innovators to find a process or coating that can be applied to its thermoplastic products that makes it hydrophilic and prevents misting or fogging. The challenge is not limited to a thermoplastic but rather any mouldable material that exhibits transparency and does not fog or lose transparency on repeated washing cycles. The solution provider will be able to access part of a £25,000 grant award to work with the Challenger on delivery of a proof-of-concept trial or feasibility study.

Opportunity

Challenge opens

05/12/2022

Challenge closes

13/01/2023

Benefit

Shortlisted applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch their solution to the Challenger. The final successful applicant will deliver a proof-of-concept trial with the Challenger, to demonstrate the solution or a feasibility study if the solution is an early stage concept. The project team will receive a £25,000 grant award, to be apportioned between the Challenger and the successful applicant, as agreed on a bilateral basis.

Background

The Challenger is a fast-growing, inclusive, UK-based technology company that produces mission critical thermoplastic products for multiple industries including Healthcare, defence, construction and heavy industries. It is seeking support to develop a crucial part material that is part of its new product line that requires anti-misting or fogging properties. The challenge is not limited to a thermoplastic but rather any mouldable material that exhibits transparency and does not fog or lose transparency on repeated washing cycles.

Thermoplastics

There are two main forms of thermoplastics being considered for use by the Challenger, which are within the following groups:

  • Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) called styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), which behaves like rubber without undergoing vulcanization.
  • Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) are low-cost, high volume elastomers that combine the advantages of polyolefins with those of rubbers.

Hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials

Fogging occurs when water molecules land on the surface of a material and do not disperse. This causes light to refract and gives the appearance of fog on the material. Figure 1 shows the difference between a hydrophobic (water resistant) and a hydrophilic (water absorbent) material, when water touches it, at a molecular level.

Figure 1 Water in contact with hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials (Source: Ene and Teodosiu, 2021)

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