Background

Graffiti is rising in prevalence in many countries around the world and negatively impacts local communities by defacing both public and private property and costing millions of dollars to remove. Considered one of the most visible forms of community crime and anti-social behaviour, graffiti is commonly found on trains, buses, walls, traffic signs, statues, monuments, park benches, and billboards. Consequently, the demand for anti-graffiti coatings that can prevent unwanted substances from adhering to surfaces is growing, particularly non-toxic, environmentally-friendly anti-graffiti coatings with increased durability and transparency.

Technology Overview

This UV-curable polyacrylate-based anti-graffiti coating is clear and transparent, highly durable, free of fluorinated compounds, and can be cured at room temperature, enabling its use on temperature sensitive substrates. Comprising low surface tension liquid polymers grafted onto and within the polyacrylate matrix, this coating readily repels water, oils, paints, permanent inks, and other substances. Further, because the liquid polymers are grafted within the polyacrylate matrix, beneath the surface, the coating does not lose its anti-graffiti properties as the coating is worn away because of a ‘self-healing’ effect.

Benefits

Prevents the accumulation of unwanted substances on treated surfaces
Curable with ultraviolet radiation at room temperature – can be used on heat sensitive substrates
Repels a wide variety of substances including water, oils, paints, inks
Clear and transparent
Durable – does not lose anti-graffiti properties with use

Applications

Anti-graffiti coating
Hydrophobic coating
Oleophobic coating
Self-cleaning coating

Opportunity

Queen’s University are seeking industrial partners interested in developing and commercializing the technology.

Clear UV-Curable Polyacrylate Coatings with Anti-Graffiti Properties

Patents

IP Status

Seeking