Easy to clean nanocomposite metal coatings for food processing

Abstract

Cleaning and keeping clean of food processing equipment is of extremely high importance for hygienic reasons and, in many cases, also a cost factor for the whole process. Various low surface free energy coatings have been developed which show an antiadhesive behaviour to grease or food components, such as mustard, ketchup or fruit juices, even if baked at elevated temperatures on the coating surface. These coatings are composed of sol-gel derived hybrid materials, ceramic nanoparticles for mechanical stabilization and fluorinated silanes. By appropriate processing, gradient coatings with stable low surface free energy are formed. The coatings are stable up to 300°C and have been tested for kitchens stoves, chip-pans and other kitchen appliances. These coatings also show a great application for other fields in food processing, the diary industry, meat processing, bakeries or breweries, where essential savings in cleaning costs were estimated.