Grantee Research Project Results
Triggered-Release Biocidal Nanocomposite Coatings
EPA Contract Number: EPD04047Title: Triggered-Release Biocidal Nanocomposite Coatings
Investigators: Myers, Andrew
Small Business: TDA Research Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: March 1, 2004 through August 31, 2004
Project Amount: $70,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2004) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Nanotechnology , SBIR - Nanotechnology , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
Biocidal additives are vital for both the preservation of coatings in the can as well as for long-term coating integrity after application. Antifungal additives are critical for delaying an attack by fungal and algal growth once an architectural coating is in place. Biocidal coatings are designed to kill microbes and fungi by slowly and steadily releasing biocide from the dried film. Unfortunately, this mechanism also is responsible for the ultimate deactivation of the biocidal activity. Once the biocide has leached out or washed out of the coating, all protection against microbes is lost. The protection of the coating by the biocide typically lasts for only about 18 months, and even less in hot, humid environments such as the South and Southeast United States.
In humid climates, once the biocides have leached out, a new coating must be reapplied, often after a labor-intensive washing or removal of the previous coating. This process creates a variety of undesirable environmental impacts, from the contamination of surrounding areas by nonspecific biocide leaching to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during the reapplication of the coating. A system that prolongs biocidal coating lifetimes and decreases the environmental impacts of the current system would benefit both the environment and property owners.
TDA Research, Inc., will develop a new biocidal coating system that prolongs biocidal activity by immobilizing biocidal additives in a coating. Biocides largely are wasted as they are continuously but slowly emitted, and an imbedded biocide would eliminate the undesired contamination of the surrounding area and would stay within a coating for longer time periods. A coating that retained biocidal activity for twice as long, for example, would require repainting only half as often, leading also to a decrease in VOC emissions during painting. An imbedded biocide also would prevent the formation of biocide-resistant bacteria that can form from a traditional slow-release biocide.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
small business, SBIR, triggered release biocidal nanocomposite coatings, biocidal additives, microbes, fungi, contamination, volatile organic compounds, VOCs, emissions, bacteria, EPA., RFA, Scientific Discipline, TREATMENT/CONTROL, POLLUTANTS/TOXICS, Sustainable Industry/Business, Environmental Chemistry, Sustainable Environment, Technology, Chemicals, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Environmental Engineering, triggered release biocidal nanocomposites, clean technologies, environmentally benign coating, green design, nanocomposite, environmental sustainability, nanotechnology, VOC removal, biotechnology, nanomaterials, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), environmentally conscious designProgress and Final Reports:
SBIR Phase II:
Triggered-Release Biocidal Nanocomposite Coatings | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.