Smart Polymeric Coatings for Surface Decontamination

Polymeric “smart” coatings have been developed that are capable of both detecting and removing hazardous nuclear and heavy metal contaminants from contaminated surfaces. These coatings consist of strippable polymeric compositions containing blends of polymers, copolymers and additives that can be brushed or sprayed onto a surface as a solution or dispersion in aqueous media. Upon drying, these coatings form strong films that can easily be peeled or stripped from the surface. When applied to a contaminated surface, these coatings display responsive behavior. Areas of contamination are indicated by a color change. As the coatings dry, the contaminants are drawn into and fixed in the polymer matrix. Subsequent removal of the coating with entrapped contaminants results in some degree of surface decontamination. Here we report the development and investigation of a smart, decontaminating coating developed for uranium and plutonium.