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COATING TECHNOLOGY
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s nano-coatings grow in popularity and availability in numerous sectors, the term “nano-ceramics” has entered the space – particularly in association with the automotive sector, where these terms are often interchangeable. So, what is a nano- ceramic, what are their benefits and how do they sit within the nano-coatings category? Here, we explore the basics of silicon dioxide based nano coating technology and how it’s used to extend the serviceable life and looks of many surfaces. Nanotechnology was first researched in 1959 and became a practical engineering science in 1981. Over the past 40 years, it has been rapidly developed for use in a wide range of different industries such as aerospace, communications and more recently, antibacterial applications. In fact, many of us come into contact with nanotechnology coatings every day without realising.
Te glass industry was one of the first
to seize upon the advantages of ‘easy clean’ and the dirt repellent benefits that nano-coatings offered end-users as a way to differentiate their products. Now, much of the shower glass sold in the UK will have been treated with a nano-coating; the effect can be seen in the
What’s the difference between a nano-ceramic and a nano-coating? Simon Mercer reveals all
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beading/shedding of water and prevention of limescale adherence. Coatings have been developed to ease cleaning and maintenance in many areas of life. Within the urban environment, they have been developed to preserve and protect some of our oldest stone buildings from weathering and environmental pollution, maintaining these structures for future generations. Tey can also provide graffiti and chewing gum resistance to more modern concrete structures – allowing both to be removed relatively easily, reducing the need for harsh chemicals. Nano-coatings are not just used to protect
hard surfaces such as granite worktops, car bodywork or glass, they are also used to protect fabrics - extending their serviceable life with stain resistance and water repellence. Tese are performance features that we are most familiar with in our everyday lives when we purchase sofas, carpets and coats. In short, nano-coatings offer a wide range of benefits to many industries, in general reducing wear and tear, cleaning time and expense as well as extending the functional life of surfaces.
BEYOND THE MARKETING SPEAK In a time when the word ‘nano’ has become a fashionable marketing prefix to
describe phones, computers and even a cryptocurrency, what does it have to do with coatings? To begin to understand nanotechnology and the dimension of coating finishes it can create, the first hurdle is comprehending the size of the molecular structures that are used. Tese are measured in nanometres (nm), typically silicon dioxide based nano-coatings are approximately 120mn, this is around 80,000 times thinner than human hair; as a visual guide a piece of paper is nearly 100,000nm thick. Nano-Care coatings are based on nanoscale molecules of silicon dioxide (Si02), hydrogen and nitrogen. Advanced technology combines these elements to produce a ‘glass-like coating’ that can adhere to natural, synthetic or metallic substrates. Te coating becomes part of the substrate – enhancing performance and delivering new functionality to the surface.
Oil on a nano-ceramic treated surface
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Nano-ceramics use on granite and stainless steel
REPEL AND RESIST In many instances, the new or enhanced functionality is often the ability to repel liquids/water, dirt, scratches and resist UV radiation. Due to the permanent and inert nature of the coatings’ bond to the surface,
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