Bioinspired Surface Treatments for Improved Decontamination: Commercial Products

Investigation seeks to determine which coatings shed fluids most effectively.

Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC

In January 2015, the Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) began an effort to evaluate and develop top-coat type treatments suitable for application to painted surfaces that would reduce retention of chemical threat agents following standard decontamination approaches. Four commercially available surface treatments were evaluated: NANOskin Hydro Express, Rust-Oleum® NeverWet®, Eagle One Superior NanoWax™, and Rust-Oleum® Wipe New.

Aluminum coupons were painted with a polyurethane-based system following the directions for those products. Deposition of the surface treatments onto painted surfaces was completed as advised by manufacturer directions. NANOskin Hydro Express was shaken and sprayed onto a clean, cool surface. The product was spread evenly on the surface and allowed to dry. Eagle One Superior NanoWax™ was similarly applied by spraying and wiping. Rust-Oleum® NeverWet® was applied by simply spraying onto the surface and allowing to dry. Rust-Oleum® Wipe New was applied by wiping it onto the surface with the preloaded microfiber towel provided.