Steven Block is commercial manager for Dow Corning Corp., Midland, MI, developer of silicon-based technology. He can be reached at 989.496.6399 or steve.block@dowcorning.com.
Keeping surfaces free of contamination from fingerprints and dirt, as well as making them easier to clean, is an active field of research and technology development.
Advanced perfluoropolyether coatings can provide innovative stay-clean and easy-to-clean surfaces on appliances, electronics, optical lenses, automotive interiors and other products subjected to frequent skin contact.
Fluorine-based coatings are used extensively for surface protection due to their water and oil repellency, weatherability, chemical resistance, stain repellency and durability. Silicone-based chemistries, which offer fast, low-temperature curing, have been investigated for numerous applications, especially on plastic substrates, for their potential to increase productivity and energy savings. Recently, a silicone-cure fluoropolymer coating has been developed that combines the beneficial attributes of both technologies.
