Use of Ultraviolet and Aluminum Nanoclusters to Form Water Repellents for Textiles

Case ID:
UO-21-031
Web Published:
6/10/2022
Description:

1. Technology Overview 

The invention introduces a novel methodology for creating water-repellent coatings on textiles using UV light and an aluminum precursor. This ultralow-temperature process forms aluminum oxide (Al2O3) coatings, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for enhancing the durability and water resistance of textiles. The technology leverages solution processing methods, making it suitable for large-scale applications in textile manufacturing, outdoor apparel, automotive, and aerospace industries. Currently in the development stage, this technology holds significant potential for commercialization. 

2. Key Features and Benefits 

  • Low-Temperature Processing: Forms aluminum oxide coatings at ultralow temperatures, reducing energy consumption. 

  • Cost-Effective: Utilizes inexpensive starting materials, lowering overall production costs. 

  • High Scalability: Solution processing methods enable large-scale production. 

  • Versatile Application: Suitable for a variety of textiles and industries. 

  • Enhanced Durability: Provides durable and water-repellent coatings, improving textile performance. 

3. Applications and Market Focus 

  • Textile Manufacturing: Enhancing the durability and water resistance of textiles. 

  • Outdoor Apparel: Providing scalable solutions for performance apparel coatings. 

  • Automotive and Aerospace: Offering protective coatings for fabrics and materials. 

  • Research and Development: Supporting further innovation in textile coatings and materials science. 

  • Custom Solutions: Developing tailored water-repellent coatings for specific applications. 

4. Commercial Advantages 

  • Strategic Benefits: Offers a scalable and efficient solution for water-repellent textile coatings. 

  • Implementation Advantages: Simplifies the development of durable and high-performance coatings. 

  • Market Positioning: Positions the technology as a key enabler in textile manufacturing and related industries. 

  • Competitive Edge: Provides a unique and effective method for forming aluminum oxide coatings at ultralow temperatures. 

5. Partnership Opportunities 

  • Licensing Partners: Ideal for companies in textile manufacturing, outdoor apparel, and automotive/aerospace industries. 

  • Cross-Sector Benefits: Offers advantages to multiple industries, including textiles and performance apparel. 

  • Market Opportunities: Addresses diverse market needs, from textile coatings to protective materials. 

  • Collaborative Development: Potential for joint ventures with research institutions and manufacturing firms to further enhance the technology.

Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Christine Dixon Thiesing
Associate Vice President
University of Oregon
cdt5@uoregon.edu
Inventors:
Darren Johnson
Alex Rosen
Tawney Knecht
Jordan Levine
Keywords:
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