Epilame (epilam) - the technology description

Epilam coating technology , or epilamization, used to make multifunctional nanosized monofilms with enhanced anti-friction, anti-adhesive, hydrophobic, bactericidal properties in order to improve resistance, reliability and operating life of different units and assemblies, cutting tools, accessories, etc.
All epilame compositions are based on fluorinecontaining surface active agents (SAA) containing synthesized fluorocarbon polymers which cannot be found in nature.

Use of nano-scale multi-functional coatings - epilame in machine industry: enhanced wearing capacity, better reinforcement, anti-corrosion, moisture protection, ets.

Epilame coatings may be used in many fields of industries

Fluorine-containing SAA was applied by dipping, spraying in chambers, brushing, etc. Both manually and automatically. When the composition penetrates into the surface, its solvent is evaporated while fluorine-containing SAA molecules undergo a reaction that produces Langmuir structures (or "Langmuir palisade") in the form of spirals with directed to the surface axles being a sort of a buffer between the contacting surfaces and capable to retain lubricating medium

Fig. 1 Langmuir Palisade on Epilame Coated Solid Surface

1 - Spiral fluorine-containing SAA molecules;
2 - Lubricating medium;
3 - Solid Surface.
 

Adsorption, surface diffusion and solvent evaporation together form a unimolecular film (or monofilm) with thickness of 10 ... 100 angstrom (1 ... 10 nm). Film thickness depends on the quality of surface preparation (the level of surface roughness or nano-roughness), epilame coating conditions and procedures, base material structure as well as on, the chemical compounds applied. The film formation is attended by chemical reaction (or chemical adsorption) between the base material and surface active agent.

Fig. 2 Epilam Coating Surface: A - three-dimension picture, B - profile diagram

Epilame treatment process does not require expensive equipment so that it can be done at any machine-building enterprise and includes the following steps:

Taking into account the field of activities and operating conditions for equipment, the enterprise may chose the relevant way to apply epilame coating, i.e. stationary epilamizing station or mobile epilamizing station.

                The mobile epilamizing station                             The stationary epilamizing station