Summary
- Profile Type
- Technology offer
- POD Reference
- TORS20241114006
- Term of Validity
- 20 November 2024 - 20 November 2025
- Company's Country
- Serbia
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Targeted Countries
- All countries
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General information
- Short Summary
- The invention, from the Serbian Institue is an advanced electrochemical surface treatment technology which enables localized, in-situ application of multifunctional coatings on metal substrates using a compact electrolytic cell. It offers precise and customizable coating solutions with significant reductions in chemical usage. The sought cooperation involves partnerships with industrial companies to aid in further development and later manufacture or provide services using the invention.
- Full Description
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The invention originates from the Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Serbia, a leading research institution specializing in materials science. The offering is an innovative electrochemical surface treatment technology designed to apply multifunctional coatings on metal substrates. The invention has 3 main functions: 1) in situ repair of damaged electrochemical coatings, 2) creation of optical sensor patches or QR codes on metal surface, 3) printing of signs by electrochemical methods.
Outline of the Problem: Problem 1: Repairing damaged coatings is a complex and costly process that often requires removing the part, immersing it in large electrolytic baths, and using a substantial amount of chemicals. Problem 2: Current methods for producing sensor coatings rely on binder-based spraying, leading to issues such as poor adhesion, uneven surface roughness, and poor thermal contact. This includes the creation of luminescent QR codes. Problem 3: the creation of custom designs like barcodes or QR codes on metal surface is performed by paint – which has low environmental stability, or by laser ablation – which produces low contrast. Problem 4: printing indestructible and/or glow-in-the-dark signs by electrochemical methods requires anodization, printing, then plasma electrolytic oxidation – the process (and equipment) is costly, complex, time-consuming, and environmentally harmful.
State of the Art: The existing technologies primarily involve large electrolytic baths for electrochemical processes, and binder-based spraying for luminescent applications. Sign printing typically involves multiple electrochemical processes and a specialized printer.
Offered Technology: This invention provides a compact, customizable electrolytic cell for localized, in-situ application of multifunctional coatings. The system supports various electrolyte compositions, allowing direct growth of coatings. Key features include: 1) Localized Coating and Repair: Enables targeted applications without needing to remove parts from their assemblies. 2) Customizable Coating Shapes: The elastic part can be shaped into patterns like QR codes, barcodes, and other symbols, allowing precise, high-quality marking directly on metal substrates. 3) Minimal Chemical Usage: The invention’s in-situ approach significantly reduces chemical waste, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. 4) Versatile Application Fields: the technology can be used for repairing coatings, applying luminescent sensor patches, or creating durable and eco-friendly signs with customizable properties.
Expertise and Experience: The Vinča Institute’s expertise in materials science and electrochemical processes underpins the development of this invention. The team consists of experts in coatings technology, electrochemical processing, and prototype development, ensuring a deep understanding of the challenges in the field and the capability to address them effectively.
Justification for the Cooperation Type: The desired cooperation involves partnering with industrial companies to facilitate the invention’s further development and industrial-scale deployment.
The goal of this partnership is to: 1. Enhance the Invention’s Capabilities: Collaborating with industry partners will allow the development team to refine the technology based on practical requirements and industrial standards. 2. Scale-up for Manufacturing: Industrial partners will contribute the expertise and infrastructure needed to scale up the technology for large-scale production and application.
The aim is to establish long-term partnerships that support the invention’s ongoing development, leading to its integration into industrial processes. The collaboration will focus on validating the technology in industrial environments, refining it based on real-world applications, and expanding its commercial use. - Advantages and Innovations
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The invention offers a compact, customizable electrolytic cell for precise, in-situ coating applications on metal surfaces, making it unique in the field. Its innovative design allows targeted, environmentally friendly electrochemical processing, which reduces chemical waste and eliminates the need for large electrolytic baths. Key advantages include:
1. Eco-Friendliness: Uses significantly fewer chemicals, minimizing environmental impact.
2. Enhanced Efficiency: In-situ application reduces downtime and eliminates complex setup processes.
3. Superior Adhesion and Precision: Direct growth of coatings from substrates ensures high-quality adhesion and thermal contact.
4. Versatility: Allows creation of luminescent sensor coatings, durable markings like QR codes, and glow-in-the-dark signs with customizable electrolyte additives.
These benefits make it an attractive, cost-effective alternative to conventional electrochemical methods, particularly suited for industries requiring high-quality, localized coatings. - Stage of Development
- Under development
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
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For this invention, the ideal partner is an industrial company specializing in metal surface treatments, coatings, sensor applications, or manufacturing. Potential partners may also include research organizations or academic institutions with a focus on electrochemical processes, materials science, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
Tasks for Industrial Partners:
1. Support Further Development: Collaborate with the Vinča Institute team to refine the technology, adapt it to industry standards, and enhance its functionalities based on practical and commercial needs.
2. Manufacturing and Scaling: Provide resources and expertise to scale up the invention for industrial production, ensuring reliable and high-quality output.
3. Field Testing and Validation: Conduct testing in relevant industrial environments to validate the technology’s performance, particularly for applications like luminescent sensors, durable markings, coating repair, and eco-friendly signage.
4. Market Integration and Commercialization: Incorporate the technology into existing product lines or services, with the potential to develop new market segments for sustainable coatings and precision metal marking solutions.
Tasks for potential Research or Academic Partners:
1. Collaborative Research: Contribute to research that advances the scientific understanding of localized electrochemical processes and improves the efficiency and durability of the coatings.
2. Prototype Development and Testing: Support the development and optimization of prototypes for specialized applications, such as temperature-sensitive sensors or decorative metal finishes.
The aim of these partnerships is to establish a robust pathway for the invention’s commercialization. While the primary goal is to find industrial partners in Serbia and the EU, collaborations with academic institutions can help expand the technology’s applications and refine its technical capabilities. - Type and Size of Partner
- SME 11-49
- Big company
- SME 50 - 249
- R&D Institution
- University
- SME <=10
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 02002002 - Coatings
- Market keywords
- 08001007 - Coatings and adhesives manufactures
- Targeted countries
- All countries