The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U-Illinois) has inked a license agreement with Hoowaki, LLC, of Pendleton, SC, that allows the start-up to use nanotechnology developed in the laboratory of William P. King, PhD. The technology provides a method to manufacture microstructures that alter the surface properties of various materials. The microstructure manufacturing technology allows for the surface structure of manmade products to be molded in ways that replicate the micro- to nanometer-sized details found in nature. Surfaces of metals, ceramics, and polymers can be altered to affect appearance, color, friction, adhesion, lubrication, drag, and flow control.
One potential application is to create super-hydrophobic materials, which are self-cleaning, reduce ice and mud buildup, and can be used to increase performance. Hoowaki focuses on surface transformation technology for clients in industries ranging from aerospace engineering to biomedical applications to consumer goods. The broad potential for microstructure manufacturing technology will allow Hoowaki to diversify its products and services, which include systems to make industrial tooling surfaces as well as custom surface design, surface engineering, and licensing of patterns.
Source: BusinessWire