TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: FortiCoat Steel

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 surface damage, making it attractive for operators seeking stronger performance with less maintenance over time.

How it Works

FortiCoat Steel uses a two-step treatment process for steel and other metals. First, a highly oxidizing ion, such as Ce(IV), Ag(II) or Co(III), etches the metal surface. The ion is continuously regenerated in an electrochemical cell, which makes the process efficient and reduces waste by recycling the solution. That controlled etching creates a high-surface-area, wettable surface that accepts coatings more effectively. Next, a specially selected polymer coating is applied, often with nanoparticles mixed into it to improve wear resistance and add functions such as antimicrobial performance.

Technical Description

FortiCoat 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

• Improves coating adhesion on stainless steel and other difficult metal surfaces
• Helps protect against corrosion, wear and harsh environmental exposure
• Creates a smooth low-friction surface that can support easier cleaning
• Uses a recyclable etching solution, which can reduce secondary waste
• Allows performance tuning through different nanoparticle additives
• May reduce maintenance demands and extend useful service life

Market Applications

• Maritime and Marine (ship hulls, offshore structures, port equipment)
• Energy and Industrial Operations (wind energy structures, large fabricated components, process tanks, plant equipment, piping systems)
• Civil Infrastructure (bridges, buildings, dams)
• Nuclear and Radiological Environments (gloveboxes, controlled handling systems, protected enclosures)

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 licensing@lanl.gov.

Note: This is not a call for external services for the development of this technology.

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