“SiO2- ultra thin layering” (that’s the technical name) comes in the form of a liquid glass which can coat surfaces with a 15 to 30 molecules thick (500 times thinner than human hair) film. It is eco-friendly, non-toxic and it protects almost any surface from dirt, bacteria, UV radiation, heat and acids.
The liquid is almost completely composed of silicon dioxide which is extracted from quartz sand, one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. The liquid forms a water-repellent (hydrophobic) layer. Dirt or whatever lands on it can easily be washed off with water.
Potentially, it could dramatically cut the amount of pollutants and toxines released into the environment through the use of cleaning agents by factories, offices, homes, hospitals, schools, airplanes, cars… you get the idea. Another advantage is that results for every application last for months. (Imagine having to clean your kitchen floor just once a month. It’s a bachelor’s dream).
One big obstacle to its widespread adoption is that many supermarkets won’t embrace the technology since it will certainly cannibalize other cleaning product sales. I also bet that big cleaning companies will not be happy to compete with a product that replaces theirs with just water and that doesn’t need to be used that often.
The patent belongs to a company from Germany called Nanopool.
According to Nanopool’s UK project manager “Very soon almost every product you purchase will be protected with a highly durable, easy-to-clean coating … the concept of spray-on glass is mind boggling”.
Source and image credit Nanopool
Article by Fernando
This is my blog - I write about careers, talent management and organizational development. I've been featured at Monster.com, Alltop, WeBlogBetter and BloggingPro among others. I hope you leave this blog with more than you arrived and I look forward to discussing your ideas and projects with you. See you in the comments section.
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