Researchers said the process creates a tightly packed layer approximately one nanoparticle thick without requiring an additional adhesive, binder or chemical-grafting step. 

"The idea is simple: rather than making a completely new material, we give the surface of an existing one a new functional skin," said Shengfu Yang of the University of Leicester's School of Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences. "The polymer holds the nanoparticles in place, but leaves enough exposed to do their job."

Testing a Protective Coating

To evaluate the technique in a coatings application, the researchers applied cerium oxide nanoparticles to Belzona 5721, a commercial epoxy coating used for wind-turbine blade protection. PCI has previously covered the use of Belzona 5721 in wind-turbine leading-edge protection systems. 

The nanoparticles settled partially into the coating surface and remained attached following washing, ultrasonic treatment and repeated tape-peeling tests.

The exposed portion of the cerium oxide particles also remained chemically active. Cerium oxide can interact with damaging oxidizing chemicals and recover its chemical state, potentially allowing the protective effect to be renewed.

In accelerated laboratory testing, the nanoparticle-treated coating experienced less degradation than an untreated coating. Short-term outdoor weathering in Leicester and artificial seawater testing also indicated improved degradation resistance. 

The researchers separately demonstrated the process using silver nanoparticles on two forms of polyethylene, indicating that the approach may be adaptable to other polymer substrates and functional particles.

Potential applications identified by the research team include degradation protection, antimicrobial surfaces, environmental and chemical sensing, photocatalysis and electronic or energy applications.

The research was published in Communications Materials. The University of Leicester has filed a patent covering the technology and is seeking industrial partners for collaboration, co-development and licensing.

Sources: University of Leicester

Research: Self-limiting thermal embedding creates surface-accessible nanoparticle monolayers on polymers, Communications Materials, DOI 10.1038/s43246-026-01320-9.

Concentrating functional particles at a coating's surface could provide another approach to developing protective and functional coatings without incorporating large quantities of particles throughout the formulation. The wind-turbine demonstration provides a coatings-specific proof of concept, although additional testing will be needed to establish long-term commercial performance.