Particle flotation enhances efficiency of self-cleaning coatings
Thursday, 24 November 2011
A single-layer coating designed to cause flotation of photocatalytic particles was found to offer superior transparency, cleaning efficiency and weathering resistance to a two-coat system.
A developed single-layer coating shows lower dirt pickup, superior transparency and better resistance to weathering. Source: Rainer Schmittchen/Fotolia
Photocatalytic paints can damage the underlying substrate if photocatalysis occurs in contact with this surface. Using a protective primer involves extra work, and some areas may not be adequately coated. One solution is to introduce phase separation, causing the active particles to migrate towards the surface during drying. However, this still leaves many particles below the surface of the coating, where they may degrade the coating and do not contribute to surface photoactivity. Japanese scientists have developed a single-layer coating designed to cause flotation of the photocatalytic particles and using a silicone binder with high surface energy and compared it to a two-coat system. Test results show that the floating system gives lower dirt pickup, superior transparency and better resistance to weathering. Read the complete article in the December issue of EUROPEAN COATINGS JOURNAL.
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