Ultra-thin bottlebrush polysiloxane brush for razor blade coating

Technology
Conceptual
University

A PFAS-free, ultra-thin bottlebrush polysiloxane coating for razor blades offering low friction and strong adhesion, suitable for high-stress applications. Compatible with manufacturing processes and environmentally friendly.

Overview

The ultra-thin bottlebrush polysiloxane brush is a cutting-edge PFAS-free coating designed for razor blades. This advanced coating offers exceptional lubricity and adhesion, addressing common failures of alternative coatings. It provides PTFE-like friction without the use of fluorine, making it environmentally friendly and biocompatible. The coating is durable under typical shaving pressures and maintains robust performance in humid conditions, ensuring a superior shaving experience.

Technical specifications

Key features:

  • Ultra-thin coating: The polysiloxane film is between 50–300 nm thick, ensuring a minimal impact on blade geometry while providing effective lubrication.
  • Strong adhesion: The coating forms covalent bonds with Cr, CrN, and DLC, preventing delamination on blade surfaces.
  • Excellent lubricity: Provides low shear strength and PTFE-like friction, ideal for high-stress, humid environments.
  • Manufacturing compatibility: Can be applied using scalable processes like iCVD or plasma polymerization at temperatures below 400 °C, making it suitable for mass production.
Technology readiness level

This technology is at TRL 3, indicating it has been validated at the laboratory scale with ongoing efforts to test performance, durability, and scale-up for commercial production. Further studies include tribometry testing, multi-cycle shaving simulations, and large-scale production assessments.


About Drexel University

Drexel University is a comprehensive private research university in Philadelphia, recognized for an urban, industry‑embedded model anchored by a longstanding cooperative education program. Year‑round co‑ops create a ready talent pipeline and align sponsored research with real‑world needs. The campus sits within an innovation district with co‑located labs and incubators, enabling companies to collaborate on prototyping with faculty. Through the university’s medical college and clinical partners, industry teams can access clinical expertise and translational pathways. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, corporate research agreements, and startup formation.

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