Silica Coat [Tofumaku Non-Stick Coat]

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basic information

Tofumak is an extremely hard film with properties comparable to quartz, such as hardness and chemical resistance, and it can also possess non-stick properties by compounding the coating. By using an organic solvent solution of Tofumak precursor material (primarily xylene or dibutyl ether) as the coating solution and firing it in the atmosphere, it reacts with moisture and oxygen in the air to yield a high-purity silica (amorphous SiO2) film. Once the solvent evaporates after application, it quickly hardens, and a hard coating with properties comparable to quartz can be obtained through treatment at relatively low temperatures (100-150°C). A very thin film thickness (less than 2μm) can be achieved. Since a one-component treatment solution is used, it is easy to handle. In competing materials (siloxane produced by sol-gel methods), organic groups remain in the silica, and only thin films can be created.

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Applications/Examples of results

■ Food and industrial blades ■ Molds ■ Rubber rollers ■ Hoppers ■ Glass for touch panels ■ Artificial blood vessel tubes ■ Vacuum suction stages for LCD manufacturing equipment ■ Mobile heavy-duty frames, etc.

Detailed information

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  The active ingredient of the processing solution for forming Tofumaku is an inorganic silicon compound containing nitrogen. This reacts with moisture in the air and transforms into silica. Spray application, dipping, etc.

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  Tofumak can be processed with various materials, but due to its silica component, its adhesion (i.e., suitability) is superior in the following order: Glass > Metal > Resin > Rubber > Wood Since Tofumak has no toughness, cracks may occur if the substrate bends. Therefore, the desired effect may not be achieved with resin or rubber. Additionally, resin and rubber may be affected by the solvent of the processing solution.

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  - Improved slip resistance of cutting tools - Rust prevention effect By applying and firing Tofumak, a hard silica coating is formed on the surface of metal cutting tools. The continuous silica coating is impermeable to gases, so when coated on metal cutting tools, it blocks oxygen and water vapor, preventing the tools from rusting. On the other hand, when Tofumak is applied in a dimpled pattern without sharp edges, the contact area between the fired silica and the surface material is reduced, which decreases friction resistance and improves slip resistance. Patent 4751713 Surface processing method for cutting tools and their use Patent 5540242 Surface-treated cutting tools and their manufacturing method

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  - Improvement of rubber's abrasion resistance By applying and firing Tofumak on the rubber surface, a thin film of less than 1μm is formed. The silica film on the surface increases the hardness of the rubber and enhances its abrasion resistance. Additionally, this silica film has excellent adhesion, and even if the rubber deforms, it follows the deformation without peeling off. It is applied to rollers that send paper to printers, without compromising mechanical properties or solvent resistance. Patent 3725608 Sheet feeding roller