COATING TECHNOLOGY
Water beading on treated metallic surface
they are highly abrasion resistant. For any such coating, mechanical, weathering and abrasion resistance information should be readily available, ideally to an ISO standard. From this first generation of silicon-
dioxide based technology, an innovation through the addition of nano-scale ceramic particles that have been combined with the base active ingredient has been commercialised – and it is this group that are described as (and are) true “nano- ceramics”.
Tese offer enhanced ‘hardness’ to the
protective layer; this is measured on the Moh scale of mineral hardness rated 1-10 (as for pencils). Tese coatings are designed to prevent scratches and to maintain the aesthetics of the original surface. Tey are commonly used within the automotive and transport sectors to maintain bodywork and interior surfaces against everyday wear and tear.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN FEATURES? Tere are several main key features of nano- ceramics. Tey are non-stick: water and dirt repellence offers long-term protection and facilitates cleaning. Tey offer graffiti
and stain protection: barrier properties of ultra-dense ceramic and quartz structures protect from dirt and contamination ingress. Scratch protection is another feature: surfaces are more resistant to wear and tear. Tey also offer corrosion prevention (ultra-density halts rust at source) as well as UV-protection (anti- ageing preserves valuable surfaces). Te perfect finish is another feature: colour enhancements and gloss bring outstanding aesthetics to surfaces. Although the phrases ‘nano-coating’
and ‘nano-ceramic’ are frequently used interchangeably in marketing material, the bottle never lies: a true nano-ceramic will always have several characteristics due to the chemical constitution. Firstly, it will have ammonium hydroxide smell – polysilazanes can only be manufactured using it. It will have sensitivity to humidity – they react with air humidity to create a chemical bond. It will be sold in pressure-resistant aluminium or glass bottles. Finally, it will not have an ethanol solvent odour (this is used in silane or polysiloxane technology with only a fraction of the durability and protection).
Beading properties A nano-ceramics coating’s ability to
preserve the functional life of a surface is a benefit that is coming to the fore with the drive for greater sustainability within manufacturing processes and extending the usable life of products; while also reducing the need for costly replacements or environment- damaging cleaning solutions.
Simon Mercer is with Signo-Nanocare.
www.nano-care.co.uk
www.engineerlive.com 29
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