While there have been many improvements in paints and coatings it is becoming increasingly clear that surfaces matter, and the development of new thin-film surface modification chemistries and techniques will play a significant role in future progress and breakthroughs of the coatings industry. Whether delivering hydrophobic, oleophobic or hydrophilic surface modifications, the improvements of surface layer functionality is growing to meet the needs of industries that are rapidly innovating and finding that surface modification is important to enhance performance and remain competitive.
When it comes to thin-film surface coatings, however, “one size” definitely does not fit all. They can vary from vacuum deposition to surface solution-applied techniques. There are different technology approaches to solving all waterproofing problems, including gasketing, vacuum deposition and next-generation liquids where new surface modification technologies are used to create an outer skin rather than physical gasketing.