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TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: FortiCoat Steel
Contact and place of performance
Satya Srinivasan
Los Alamos, NM 87545
USA
FortiCoat Steel offers a practical way to help metal surfaces last longer in demanding environments by combining a recyclable etching step with a nanoparticle-infused protective polymer coating. The process, developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory, creates a metal surface that is optimized for coating and then adds a smooth, durable barrier designed to resist corrosion, wear, salt water, acids, radiation and surf...
View moreFortiCoat Steel begins with controlled chemical etching that removes material between grain boundaries on steel or other metals by using a strongly oxidizing ionic species that is continuously regenerated in an electrochemical cell. The disclosure states that the process etches steel quickly and can be controlled to create a very high surface area and an easily wettable surface. This is especially useful for stainless steel because untreated stainless steel is described as difficult to coat. The recycling of the etching solution also helps limit secondary waste from the treatment step.
After etching, the treated metal receives a polymer coating designed for strong surface adherence and long-term durability. FortiCoat uses a dual-polymer approach in which one polymer coordinates with the metal surface and another can form highly organized crystal-like structures, including stacked benzene-ring arrangements. Nanoparticles such as silicon carbide, carbon nanotubes, tungsten, graphene and silicon dioxide can be dispersed into the coating through ultrasonication to improve wear resistance, and additional particles such as silver can be introduced to provide added functionality, including antimicrobial benefits. The cured coating is smooth, low-friction and resistant to salt water, acid, abrasion and radiation.
Advantages
Market Applications
TRL 3
US Patent pending
LA-UR-26-24136
LANL Tech Partnerships: Unlock the Innovative Potential
Los Alamos National Laboratory offers a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and capabilities that may provide your company with a competitive edge in the market and unlock the innovative potential that can enhance, refine, and revolutionize your products.
LANL’s licensing program focuses on moving inventions developed by our researchers to commercial innovations. Patented and patent pending inventions and copyrighted software are available to existing and start-up companies through exclusive and non-exclusive licensing agreements. For specific discussions, please contact [email protected].
Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.
https://www.lanl.gov/engage/collaboration/feynman-center/partner-with-us/licensing-technology
m.lanl.gov/tech-search
The Department of Energy, through its contractor Triad, issued solicitation S-133877 as a special notice regarding the licensing of FortiCoat Steel technology. This opportunity is classified under NAICS 325510 Paint and Coating Manufacturing and PSC AJ12 GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; APPLIED RESEARCH. There is no set-aside designated for this notice, identified as NONE. The performance location is Los Alamos, New Mexico, and the response deadline is June 30, 2026, with Satya Srinivasan serving as the primary point of contact.
FortiCoat Steel is a metal treatment process developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory to extend the service life of surfaces in demanding environments. The technology utilizes a two-step method starting with a controlled electrochemical etching process that uses recyclable oxidizing ions to create high-surface-area, wettable surfaces. This is followed by the application of a dual-polymer coating often infused with nanoparticles, such as silicon carbide, graphene, or carbon nanotubes, to enhance wear resistance and provide antimicrobial or low-friction properties. The resulting barrier is designed to resist corrosion, salt water, acids, abrasion, and radiation.
The licensing program aims to move this technology, which is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3 with a pending US patent, into commercial use through exclusive or non-exclusive agreements. The process is specifically noted for its effectiveness on stainless steel and its ability to reduce secondary waste through the continuous regeneration of etching solutions in an electrochemical cell. Intended market applications include maritime structures, wind energy components, civil infrastructure like bridges, and radiological enclosures such as gloveboxes.
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