TransCond · Development of film and coating products to replace conventional high volatile organic content and heavy metal filled formulations for the speciality electrically conductive coatings market

The project will develop a series of film and coating products, and production technology for their manufacture, to replace conventional high volatile organic content (VOC) and heavy metal filled formulations for the speciality electrically conductive coatings market. The products developed will be multifunctional polymer coatings featuring the following advancements over the state of the art:•Capable of conforming to ATEX Directive 94/9/EC for lighting in explosive environments•Electrical resistivity in the range 101 to 108 Ohm.cm•Transparency, in the visible spectrum, in the range 80 to 90%•80 to 100% improved scratch resistance versus current coatings•Modulus and hardness of 100% versus current coatings•Permeability to water and air reduced to 50% versus current coatings•Or equivalent performance at 30% thinner coating versus current coatings•30% cost reductions versus metallic shielding paints•90% reduction in VOC versus current formulationsCurrently available electrically conductive coatings products comprising colloidal dispersions of silver, nickel, and copper in organic solvents will be replaced with water based dispersions of modified carbon and hybrid metal / carbon particles. Moreover, coatings for new applications in electronics where current technology cannot meet cost / performance demands will be formulated. Particle and polymer modifications will be developed that optimise the coatings leading to new formulations for the product portfolios of the partner SMEs permitting them conform to EU Directive 1999/13/EC on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds and Directive 94/9/EC for lighting in explosive environments.