Hydrophobicity is defined as, "lacking affinity for water." For many applications, hydrophobicity is essential for proper fuctioning. SilcoTek specializes in applying advanced coatings using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology. While our coatings encompass a range of functionalities, we have formulations that contribute to hydrophobicity. At the core of SilcoTek's hydrophobic coatings lies a science that alters surface properties at a molecular level. These coatings boast low surface energy, causing water droplets to bead up and roll off rather than adhere, resulting in surfaces that stay dry and resistant to water-related damage. Moisture can have deleterius effects on process analytical systems, leading to inaccurate or false results. Moisture also accelerates corrosion, especially in assembly points where water can become trapped. Other sticking problems with chemicals, plastic, carbon coking in high temperature environments, biological samples, and more can be solved with hydrophobic surface coatings.
By leveraging our expertise in surface modification and precision coating application, SilcoTek offers tailored solutions that effectively enhance hydrophobicity, providing numerous advantages across industries where water repellency is crucial.
Given the nature of analytical systems refining or cleaning for that matter, we can expect the surface to be exposed to elevated temperatures. PTFE is high temperature limited and can fail in many high temperature applications. We exposed the Notak surface to an elevated temperature (300°C) for several hours to gauge the impact to wettability and contact angle on various surfaces. The graph below shows consistent contact angle readings over the 90+ hour test. PTFE would have failed at 250°C.
The comparative graph below highlights the water repelling properties of our coatings when compared to stainless steel. As presented below, SilcoTek's SilcoNert 1000, SilcoNert 2000, Dursan, and Notak all vastly outperform bare stainless steel when it comes to hydrophobicity. Let's talk about how our coatings can benefit you.
* Above contact angle measurements taken on rough coupon surfaces.
The best part about SilcoTek coatings? They can be applied to your components without costly re-engineering or significant change to dimensional tolerance. SilcoTek coatings offer a durable high-tolerance alternative to costly super alloys or polymeric coatings. Our coatings can be applied to complex flow paths without changing part functionality.
To improve hydrophobicity in analytical systems, coat the entire flow path. Don't forget to coat the purge gas system and calibration flow path! Here are some common items we typically coat:
The benefits of a hydrophobic coating don't end there, though! Contact us to find out how our coating properties can make your applications easier, cheaper, faster, and more reliable.
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