Abstract: Disclosed are methods for quantifying the cleanability of a surface of an article, for instance an aircraft interior component. In embodiments, a solution containing an artificial “dirt” is introduced to a surface under test to simulate a sullied condition. The sullied surface is subjected to at least one cleaning process. Obtained reference and post-cleaning light measurements are compared to determine a measurement difference corresponding to a cleanability of the surface and/or effectiveness of the at least one cleaning process. In embodiments, the measurement difference is assigned a cleanability score for at least one of determining a passing or failing cleanability, modifying the cleaning process, indicating the need for a second or subsequent cleaning, modifying the barrier coating formulation, redesigning the article, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for forming a barrier coating on a surface of a substrate. The method includes applying a barrier coating forming solution to the substrate, allowing the applied barrier coating forming solution to partially cure, applying an antimicrobial coating forming solution atop the partially cured barrier coating forming solution, and allowing the two applied coatings to fully cure or dry to produce a multifunctional surface coating. The barrier coating forming solution includes at least one performance component other an antimicrobial component, and the antimicrobial coating forming solution includes an antimicrobial component. A formed multifunctional surface coating produced according to the method positions the antimicrobial component at a concentrated amount at or near the surface of the formed multifunctional coating.

Abstract: Disclosed are multifunctional barrier coating forming solutions for surface coating substrates, for instance interior surfaces in aircraft. In embodiments, the solutions include a base coating component in an amount from 5 to 40% by weight of the solution, a solvent in an amount from 50 to 70% by weight of the solution, an FST resistive component in an amount from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the solution, a UV resistive component in an amount from 0.1 to 2% by weight of the solution, an antimicrobial component in an amount from 0.1 to 5% by weight of the solution, and optionally a dye component in an amount less than 0.5% by weight of the solution. Also disclosed are methods for surface coating a substrate with a multifunctional barrier coating forming solution and detecting the same post application to determine a need for barrier coating reapplication.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for forming a barrier coating including the steps of providing a barrier coating forming solution, applying a single coat of the barrier coating forming solution to a surface of a substrate, allowing the applied barrier coating forming solution to cure or dry to form a barrier coating, and subjecting a top surface of the formed barrier coating to a nanotexturing process to form a predetermined pattern of spaced upstanding features in the top surface of the formed barrier coating to increase hydrophobicity of the coating. A nanotextured barrier coating including a substrate having a predetermined pattern of spaced upstanding features formed in a top surface of the substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a base coating component and at least one performance component, and wherein the barrier coating is applied as a single layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting a presence or absence of an antimicrobial surface coating including applying at least one detectable fluorophoric dye compound to a substrate, irradiating the surface of the substrate with ultraviolet radiation in the 100-415 nm wavelength range to excite the detectable fluorophoric dye compound, observing fluorescence of the excited fluorophoric dye compound, and determining the presence or absence of the antimicrobial surface coating based on the observed fluorescence. Further disclosed are antimicrobial surface coating solutions, methods for their application, and methods for confirming the presence and coverage of antimicrobial surface coatings.

Abstract: A method may comprise measuring at least one of the conductivity or resistance on a surface of a substrate comprising an antimicrobial system; comparing the measured conductivity or resistance to a reference value; and/or determining a presence or an absence of the antimicrobial system on the surface.

Abstract: A method includes depositing an antimicrobial material onto a surface of a substrate. The method includes binding a photochromic material to the antimicrobial material. Depositing the antimicrobial material and binding the photochromic material can include forming a mixture of the antimicrobial material and the photochromic material and depositing the mixture onto the surface of the substrate. It is also contemplated that depositing the antimicrobial material and binding the photochromic material can include first depositing the antimicrobial material onto the surface of the substrate and then depositing the photochromic material onto the antimicrobial material.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting a presence or absence of an antimicrobial surface coating including applying at least one detectable fluorophoric dye compound to a substrate, irradiating the surface of the substrate with ultraviolet radiation in the 100-415 nm wavelength range to excite the detectable fluorophoric dye compound, observing fluorescence of the excited fluorophoric dye compound, and determining the presence or absence of the antimicrobial surface coating based on the observed fluorescence. Further disclosed are antimicrobial surface coating solutions, methods for their application, and methods for confirming the presence and coverage of antimicrobial surface coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting an antimicrobial surface coating on a substrate including the steps of applying an anionic agent to a surface of the substrate, allowing the anionic agent to bond to antimicrobial surface coating present on the substrate, removing unbonded anionic agent, subjecting the surface of the substrate to a predetermined process to effect a change in the bonded anionic agent, observing the change, and verifying, based on the observed change, the presence of antimicrobial surface coating on the substrate. Further disclosed are antimicrobial surface coating solutions, methods for their application, and methods for reactivated antimicrobial surface coatings.