self-cleaning – TechConnect Briefs

Fabrication of superhydrophobic PVDF membranes with PTFE nano-film surface coatings

Abdulhussein A.T., Kannarpady G.K., Biris A.S., University of Arkansas at Little Rock, US

Due to their outstanding corrosion resistance, wear resistance, thermal stability, and chemical stability, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes are extensively used for membrane distillation, membrane contactor, oil/water separation, and wastewater treatment. Modifying a PVDF membrane with [...]

Researches of visible light photo-sensitized porphyrin-TiO2 photocatalyst and its related self-cleaning effects

Min K., Manivannan R., Lee S-G, Son Y., Chungnam National University, KR

The sensitization of TiO2 with a wide variety of inorganic and organic dyes for light harvesting has been investigated over the last 2 decades for the development of efficient energy harvesting. Porphyrins, as important biomolecules, [...]

Self-healing and self-cleaning nanocomposite coatings

Song K., Arizona State University, US

This work reports on the healing of translucency, roughness, nanoindents, and shallow scratches in polymer/nano-particle composites. Mechanical loading were applied on polymer/self-healing additive/nano-particle composites. The concentration of nano-particles and self-healing additives were optimized to 1.0 [...]

Improving the optical-radiative properties of TiO2 containing coatings – a side effect of air purification

Paolini R., Sleiman M., Pedeferri M.P., Diamanti M.V., Politecnico di Milano, IT

A manifold positive contribution to climate change mitigation and in the improvement of air quality of built environments can be provided by the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2), also – but not exclusively – as [...]

Wettable Slippery Surfaces. Self-cleaning Effect and Mechanism

Law K-Y, Research and Innovative Solutions, US

The phenomenon of self-cleaning displayed by the Lotus leaf and many other plant and insect surfaces has attracted tremendous attention recently. Self-cleaning surface is usually superhydrophobic and non-wettable, and is characterized by a very large [...]

An Anti-reflective and Anti-Soiling Coating for Photovoltaic Panels

Xu Q.F., Zhao Y., Kujan B., Lyons A., ARL Designs LLC, US

Photovoltaic panels face two major challenges in maximizing and maintaining their electrical output – reflections and soiling of the outer glass surface. To address these challenges, we developed a durable, transparent high-performance polymeric coating on [...]

Superhydrophobic Thermoset Elastomers with Excellent Stability to Rain Erosion and Water Immersion

Kujan E., Farshchian B., Xu Q., Feldman M., Lyons A., ARL Designs LLC, US

Polymeric materials with superhydrophobic surfaces are advantageous for industrial applications such as electrical insulators, roof membranes and seals because their surfaces are self-cleaning and remain dry when exposed to rain. However most superhydrophobic surfaces are [...]

Self-cleaning ability and cooling effect of TiO2-containing mortars

Diamanti M.V., Paolini R., Zinzi M., Ormellese M., Fiori M., Pedeferri MP., Politecnico di Milano, IT

This work focuses on the characterization of a self-cleaning and photocatalytic system for building façades, aimed at improving urban surfaces and the surrounding air quality, and decreasing energy consumption. Mortars containing anatase TiO2 nanopowders were [...]

Self-cleaning ability and cooling effect of TiO2-containing mortars

Diamanti M.V., Paolini R., Zinzi M., Ormellese M., Fiori M., Pedeferri MP., Politecnico di Milano, IT

This work focuses on the characterization of a self-cleaning and photocatalytic system for building façades, aimed at improving urban surfaces and the surrounding air quality, and decreasing energy consumption. Mortars containing anatase TiO2 nanopowders were [...]

Omniphobic Coatings for Self Cleaning and Enhanced Chemical/Biological (CB) Agent Protective Clothing

Truong Q.T., Koene B.E., US Army Natick Research, Development, and Engineering Center, US

An omniphobic coating that employs a dual hierarchical micro and nano surface structure was developed. This dual-size structured omniphobic coating was proven to be more durable than the commercial durable water repellant coating such as [...]