Development of Thick Bacteria Resistant Coatings on Stainless Steel
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Matthew Bernards, University of Idaho
Presentation Date
7-15-2026
Abstract
Biofilm formation in potable water systems can have significant impacts on the health of the people consuming and using that water. Buildup of biofilms in these systems results in heavy costs in both system maintenance and human healthcare. Previous research has identified [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (TMA) and 2-carboxyethyl acrylate (CAA) hydrogel coatings applied to stainless steel substrates as an effective measure to significantly reduce biofilm formation. However, this previous work suffered from insufficient film thickness, which would lead to faster degradation and increased maintenance needs over the long term. In this study, the effects of solvent formulation and crosslinker density on the physical swelling of these hydrogel coatings were investigated for the purpose of improving the overall coating thickness and adhesion of the coating onto the stainless steel. TMA/CAA hydrogels were synthesized and coupled to stainless steel simultaneously. Thickness and hydrogel quality were assessed before, during, and after swelling in various solvent formulations. It was determined that a reduction in crosslinker density during hydrogel synthesis led to significantly higher success rates for hydrogel coating. In on-going work, these thicker films will be evaluated for their ability to prevent bacteria adhesion and their degradation rate will be assessed.
Development of Thick Bacteria Resistant Coatings on Stainless Steel
Biofilm formation in potable water systems can have significant impacts on the health of the people consuming and using that water. Buildup of biofilms in these systems results in heavy costs in both system maintenance and human healthcare. Previous research has identified [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (TMA) and 2-carboxyethyl acrylate (CAA) hydrogel coatings applied to stainless steel substrates as an effective measure to significantly reduce biofilm formation. However, this previous work suffered from insufficient film thickness, which would lead to faster degradation and increased maintenance needs over the long term. In this study, the effects of solvent formulation and crosslinker density on the physical swelling of these hydrogel coatings were investigated for the purpose of improving the overall coating thickness and adhesion of the coating onto the stainless steel. TMA/CAA hydrogels were synthesized and coupled to stainless steel simultaneously. Thickness and hydrogel quality were assessed before, during, and after swelling in various solvent formulations. It was determined that a reduction in crosslinker density during hydrogel synthesis led to significantly higher success rates for hydrogel coating. In on-going work, these thicker films will be evaluated for their ability to prevent bacteria adhesion and their degradation rate will be assessed.