Nanostructured coatings are particularly suited to protecting the surface of construction materials such as glass from environmental influences such as water staining, moss, algae as well as soot and oil stains. Nanoparticles exhibit properties of water/dirt repellency, UV protection, antibacterial, anti-corrosion for application on glass. Strong oxidation power can be used to kill bacteria attached on glass and super-hydrophilic properties allow dirt and stains to be easily washed away with water or by rainfall when the coating is applied to exterior surfaces.
Nanocoatings enhance the performance and quality of glass substrates giving more functionality and aesthetic value. They add new functional properties to a number of surfaces inside THE home, for example, preventing limescale in the bathroom, keeping windows and sanitary surfaces clean as well as providing algae and moss resistance on outdoor furniture. These coatings contain functionalized nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide, silicon oxide and nano silver that impart a bacteria-free surface which is anti-fouling & anti-algae. Due to the anti-sticking properties surface dirt does not adhere. Nanoscale coatings prevent fingerprints, facilitate cleaning glass doors, prevent limestone deposits in shower cabins and also offer long-term protection against glass corrosion. They have also been applied on automotive windscreens where hydrophobic and oleophic properties greatly improve visibility in the rain, and reduced adherence of dirt and contaminants. Most products are based on fluoropolymer modified nanoparticles in solution and can be applied to the substrate by spin-coating, spraying and dip coating..
There are a number of nanocoated glass products available, with Asia and Germany in particular proving to be strong markets. Pilkington Activ Glass uses nano-scaled titania (TiO2) that shows photo-activation with UV light in order to prevent or reduce the soiling of surfaces. Presently, titanium dioxide can only be activated by the UVA present in sunlight. But work is ongoing activating titanium dioxide with indoor light by modifying TiO2 nanoparticles with other elements such as iron and nitrogen so they can absorb light at longer wavelengths. Lab trials show that glass coated with the nanoparticles can be activated by visible light from a lamp to kill Escherchia coli.
Nanocoatings have also been applied as a solution for fog-free eyeglasses, sports goggles and sunglasses and to protect those surfaces from scratches, contaminants, water and wear. US-based company Nanofilm produces coatings for these applications. These coatings add functionality without affecting color or gloss.
