Smart Particles

SynMatter’s Smart Particles are inorganic microparticles that contain active agents. They are designed to be compatible and easily incorporated into a variety of matrices, such as coatings (both solvent- and waterborne systems), resins, plastics, varnishes, caulks, putties, sealants, adhesives, liquids, dispersions, and many others, and provide those matrices with improved properties and smart functionalities. This is achieved through the Smart Particles’ built-in release mechanism that is triggered by changes in the environment. Currently, Smart Particles are designed to sense and react to changes in pH, but formulations that respond to changes in temperature or ion concentrations, or are light sensitive (visible, infrared or UV light), are being developed.

 

Active Agents

A very wide range of active agents have been successfully encapsulated using SynMatter’s technology.

  • Highly water soluble inorganic to insoluble organic material
  • Small inorganic salts to large organic molecules
  • Molecular masses from 50 g/mol up to 240,000 g/mol & greater

We can custom engineer our Smart Particle technology to suit the properties of the active agents important to you.

 

 Applications

Our delivery systems have been implemented in both waterborne and solventborne coating applications, enhancing coatings with corrosion indicators microparticles, to show the location and extent of corrosion under an intact coating; corrosion inhibitors, to prevent corrosion from propagating; and antifouling materials, to mitigate the spread of biofouling.

We envision a wide range of smart enhancements to other materials using the triggered release mechanism of our engineered microparticles. Some of these are fluorescent materials, catalysts, monomers, polymers, pigments, curing agents, biocides, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, etc. to make smarter plastics, precisely deliver catalysts in synthetic reactions, advance fertilizer & pesticide dosage control, and enhance personal care products.

 

How it works

The video below schematically demonstrates the method of action for corrosion inhibition for microparticles incorporated into coatings.