The development of combinatorial chemistry methods for coating development: I. Overview of the experimental factory

• Published in: Progress in organic coatings 2002-10, Vol.45 (2), p.313-321
• Main Authors: Chisholm, Bret, Potyrailo, Radislav, Cawse, James, Shaffer, Ronald, Brennan, Michael, Molaison, Chris, Whisenhunt, Donald, Flanagan, Bill, Olson, Dan, Akhave, Jay, Saunders, Dennis, Mehrabi, Ali, Licon, Mark
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Clear coatings; Coatings. Paints, varnishes and inks; Combinatorial chemistry; Components, formulation; Exact sciences and technology; High throughput screening; Polymer industry, paints, wood
• ISSN: 0300-9440; 1873-331X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0300-9440(02)00115-7

Combinatorial chemistry has proven to be a valuable tool for the development of new compounds. The combinatorial methodology is well suited to the development of complex, multicomponent materials that, typically, require extensive experimentation for their development. As a result, coating development appeared to be a good candidate for the application of the combinatorial methodology. A “combinatorial factory” capable of preparing and testing over 100 coatings per day has been developed. The components of the factory consist of: (1) an automated system to prepare liquid coating formulations; (2) a novel coating application process capable of making high density arrays of coatings of controlled thickness; (3) curing of the coating arrays either thermally or with UV light; (4) testing of the coatings using newly developed high throughput screening methods; and (5) a data handling process to quickly identify the most promising coatings produced. Various aspects of the application of the combinatorial methodology to coating development are described.