Hydrophilic coating Singapore

The water loving solution: hydrophilic coating

Hydrophilic coating Singapore exhibits water-loving characteristics. Chemically, this means they participate in dynamic hydrogen bonding with surrounding water. This coating is developed to absorb water, saline solutions and bodily fluids, and to provide a low friction surface when hydrated. It is therefor one of the most important coatings for medical devices and health care equipment. In addition it is also used on:

• display applications
• industrial applications
• medical devices
• optical applications
• electronics
• consumer goods

The difference between the definition hydrophilic and hydrophobic

Though these two coatings sound the same, they could not be more different. Hydrophobic literally means “water-fearing” and is used to create a water repellent surface. Water and other liquids “bead up” on the surface. On the other hand, Hydrophilic coatings attract the water to the surface and make the water sit flat on the surface.

There are some clear cases where one type of coating is required over another. You will need to understand your device requirements with regard to water barriers and optics. If you need any advice on this you can always contact our coating experts for free advice.

The following short video shows the difference between a normal nano coating (hydrophobic coating) on a car window and a window coated with a hydrophilic solution.

A highly effective coating for catheters and other medical devices

When near-zero friction is important, as is the case with some probes or insertable medical objects, a hydrophilic coating eases navigation. Metals, plastics, and flexible rubber substrates can be coated to achieve a friction reduction of 95 percent. Because of this, hydrophilic coatings can be the difference between functional and nonfunctional medical devices. Therefor the coating is used to bring advanced functional components to catheters, guidewires, and other devices. Advantages:

1. Provides easy, low friction insertion and removal of devices
2. Friction forces reduced, compared to dry friction, up to 95% when surface is hydrated
3. Translucent color to allow visible depth or markings on device
4. Reduces potential tissue damage and increases patient comfort
5. Adhesion optimized with specific formulations for different substrate  requirements
6. Permanently bonded

Currently, the market for hydrophilic coatings in Singapore for medical devices is expanding by 25% annually.

Application by spray, dipping and other methods

There are several ways to apply hydrophilic coatings. The most common of these is dip coating. Here, the surface is lower and dipped into the coating and then pulled up with controlled speed. The coating adheres onto the surface. Other less common applications take place through:

• Spray coating
• Film coating
• Chemical vapor deposition
• Silk screening

After hydrophilic coating application, a drying or curing process must take place. The two most common curing processes include heat and UV light treatments. For a heat treatment the object is put in an oven and cured under a certain temperature. The heat allows chemical reactions which make the coating adhere properly to the surface and make it durable. UV-curing refers to exposing the substrate to UV radiation which stimulates chemical reactions that hardens the coating. Additionally, there are other, less common curing processes.

Different materials that benefit from hydrophilic coatings

Hydrophilic coatings are ideal due to the fact that they can be applied on almost any surface material. For example:

• metals
• glass and ceramics
• polymers
• fabrics
• semiconductors
• and many more

Buy hydrophilic coating from suppliers in Singapore

Singapore is the Asian leader for medical technology and engineering. Therefore, scientists are constantly developing new hydrophilic coatings in Singapore. For example in 2014, a group of scientists in Singapore, managed to develop a permanent hydrophilic coating system which absorbs water for a clear view. This radically improves viewing conditions in cars for example.

One of the leading hydrophilic coating companies in Singapore is SCS. Others include PPG and  jMedtech Pte Ltd.

Coating Center
SCS Singapore Pte Ltd.
2 Tuas South Street 2, #02-01
Singapore 637895

PPG
13 Joo Koon Cres
Singapore 629021

jMedtech Pte Ltd
Address: 63 Hillview Avenue #10-01,
Lam Soon Industrial Building,
Singapore 669569