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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 contractor Triad National Security, LLC, representing Los Alamos National Laboratory, is offering a technology licensing opportunity for FortiCoat Steel under solicitation number S-133877. This technology provides a two-step treatment process designed to extend the service life of metal surfaces, particularly stainless steel, in demanding environments. The process begins with a recyclable etching step using continuously regenerated oxidizing ions in an electrochemical cell to create a high-surface-area, wettable surface. This is followed by the application of a nanoparticle-infused protective polymer coating that creates a smooth, low-friction barrier resistant to corrosion, wear, salt water, acids, and radiation.
Currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 with a pending U.S. patent, the technology utilizes a dual-polymer approach where one polymer coordinates with the metal surface while another forms organized crystal-like structures. Performance can be tuned through additives such as silicon carbide, carbon nanotubes, graphene, or silver to improve wear resistance or add antimicrobial functionality. The system is intended for applications in maritime operations, energy and industrial infrastructure, and nuclear or radiological environments. This opportunity is for the licensing of the invention to commercial partners rather than a request for external development services.
This special notice 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 assigned to this notice, designated as set-aside code NONE. The response deadline is June 30, 2026, and the primary place of performance is Los Alamos, New Mexico. Satya Srinivasan is the designated point of contact for this notice, which contains zero attachments.
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