Anti-Rain / Anti-Glare Coating on Building Panels with Electrospun Fibers
Category:
Physical Sciences & EngineeringInventor(s):
Dr Seeram Ramakrishna
Internal Ref No.:
Ramakrishna S 10
Description:
The present invention relates to a coating method and, more particularly, to an anti-fog and anti-rain coating method useful in providing a coat of electrospun polymer nanofibers onto a variety of surfaces, such as glass and the like. Anti-fog properties on building panels, for example, are presently achieved by coating surfactants and/or nanoparticle dispersions. Visibility usually hindered during dry weather conditions. A thorough pre-cleaning of the surface is needed before coating with surfactants or nanoparticle dispersions, or else the performance of the coating will get severely affected due to the rupture by the dirt and stains on the panel. The coatings, made of electronspun polymer nanofibers in this invention, are very versatile. By introducing super-hydrophillic nanofibers the condensation rate is increased. And with hydrophilic nanofibers the condensation rate is increased. With hydrophobic nanofibers, the droplet is transformed into thin film, leaving the transparency unaffected while achieving the anti-rain function. The pre-cleaning step is eliminated, as the nanofiber web acquires dust repelling properly during electrospinning due to residual charge accumulation on the nanofiber surface.
Applications:
Windows, Windshields, Visors, Mirrors, Buildings, Automobiles
Development Status:
Work in progress
Patent Status:
Patent application: PCT
Contact Information:
Mr Ma Mun Thoh (MaMunThoh@nus.edu.sg)
Updated on: 13/07/2009