NanoMagic is using Nanotechnology - Introduction to Nano Coatings Technology
Industry Vocabulary Gloss
Nanotechnology is a science, engineering, and technology conducted at the nano-scale, which is about 1 to 100 nano-meters. Nano-science and nanotechnology involve the ability to see and to control individual atoms and molecules. Everything on Earth is made up of atoms—the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the buildings and houses we live in, and our own bodies.
Nano - (10-9 or 0.000000001) for example nano meter (nm) is a billionth part of a meter, 1 nm=0.000000001 m or 10-9 m)
Coating - is a covering that is applied to the surface of an object. The purpose of applying the coating may be decorative, functional, or both. We are focused on functional purpose.
Self-Cleaning Coating - many technologies existing in today’s world have been derived from nature. Self-cleaning technology is one among them. Many surfaces in nature exhibit self-cleaning properties. Self-cleaning coatings offers various benefits, which include reduction in maintenance cost, and also reduction in the time spent in cleaning work. Self-cleaning coatings are broadly classified into two major categories: hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Both of the categories clean themselves by the action of water.
Hydrophobic Coating - hydrophobic coating when applied to surface has many characteristics of which are its self-cleaning and anti-corrosion functionalities - that
are desirable across various industries. A modified surface becomes water repellent and force water droplets to form high water contact angles. This allows droplets to easily roll off and pick up dirt and debris across the surface while also preventing water from penetrating the surface.
Hydrophilic Coating - in a hydrophilic coating, the water is made to spread (sheeting of water) over the surfaces, which carries away the dirt and other impurities.
Photo-catalytic Coating– coating that include photo-catalytically active ingredient (Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Aluminum Oxide) and in the in presence of the of sufficient UV light energy, the active ingredient (photo-catalyst) creates positive and negative cells that, in the presence of oxygen and water from the very strong oxidizing agents hydroxyl and oxygen radicals. Anything that is able to oxidize and is also in contact with the coating will be oxidized. As this reaction continues, even fairly complex organic or inorganic species will continue to be oxidized to their simplest form, such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, etc.
Sealer - substance to form a hard coating on a porous surface as a coat of paint or varnish used to waterproof or size a surface.
Functional Coatings - the term "functional coatings" describes systems which possess, besides the classical properties of a coating (i.e., decoration and protection), an additional functionality. This additional functionality is self-cleaning, anti-static, anti-reflective, anti-bacterial or far infrared reflecting and generating.
First Generation (1G) Functional Coatings are known for years. They all around us: in kitchen (table, frying pan), in bathroom (bath, sink), in wardrobe (waterproof jacket) electronics devices (phones). Some examples of coating purposes are: protective, anti-scratching, anti-fouling, fireproofing, self-cleaning, waterproofing, anti-ageing, anti-bacterial, far infrared reflecting and emitting, UV - blocking and so on. All those coatings are hi-tech products and need to be applied in controlled environment with use of professional tools and machinery, often treated with heat for adherence purpose.
Second Generation (2G) Functional Nano Coatings – coating that include nano particles (functional agents) in size from 30 to 100 nm. Coatings are produced in the form of multi mono-molecular layers or lacquer films by treating a material with solutions, emulsions, or less frequently, vapors of
functional agents, which are substances that attach themselves firmly to a surface. Can cure in room temperatures but applying heat improves the adherence and overall coating lifespan.
Substances used as functional agents: Titanium, Zirconium, and Silica. The coatings characterize weak adherence / short lifespan (few weeks up to 6 months)
Third Generation (3G) Functional Nano Coatings - coating that include nano particles (functional agents) in size from 10 to 30 nm dispersed in inorganic binder agent. Coatings are produced in the form of mono molecular layer attached firmly to a surface by binding agent. Cure in room temperatures, low VOC, solvent based, long lifespan (2-3 years).
Fourth Generation (4G) Functional Nano Coatings – coating made by sol-gel, and chemical nanotechnology. Include modified in nano scale particles (functional agents) in size from 3 to 25 nm, usually dispersed in water. Single nano particles are modified using many techniques like doping and others, to achieve specified function or adherence to chosen substrate. 4G Functional Nano Coatings are usually 1-3 ingredient liquids. 4G Nano Coatings are usually: multi-functional, cured in low temperatures, VOC free, easy spray-on application, high performance, resistant to mechanical or chemical damage, and long lifespan (2-5 years). The 4G Functional Coating example is Magic IQ Coat, that consist 3 nm (nano meters) in size modified particles of Titanium, a work of 9 years of research, and patented method of particles production, made available for us by one of our partner. Another great example is our Magic Zn-T Coat. Magic Zn-T Coat is the state of art product specially developed for hi-tech textile fabric modification purpose. This coating contains nano engineered particles of especially modified Zinc particle to generate far- infrared energy, reflect body infrared, block UV light, neutralize odour, and kill bacteria and fungus. Treated textile will constantly emit 8~15μm light wavelength and also can absorb and transmit body needed far-infrared energy. This product is produced by science compound .Widely applied to cotton fabric, blended fabric, chemical fibre fabric, non-woven fabrics, leather and other types fabric's, can be cured in low temperatures and perform long-lasting wash-resistant finish. The processed fabric's antimicrobial and far-infrared effects are still be able to meet the relevant international standards after 50 washing cycles.
How nanotechnology can help us ?
Most benefits of nanotechnology depend on the fact that it is possible to tailor the essential structures of materials at the nano-scale to achieve specific properties, thus greatly extending the well-used toolkit of materials science. Using nanotechnology, materials can effectively be made to be stronger, lighter, more durable, more reactive, more sieve-like, or better electrical conductors, among many other traits. There already exist over 800 everyday commercial products available on the market.
What is Nano protection ?
Nano protection is an invisible, durable coating protecting the surface from water, dirt.... Once the nano particles are on or inside the surface, they proceed to wage a war against dirt, dust, algae or any intruder. For example, if the surface is smooth and non absorbent, then nano particles simply combine with the surface, and repel any liquid intruder. So no contaminants can get into the surface!
