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Home / News / Industry News / What is the principle behind the easy-to-clean coating of Heat strengthened glass?
Easy-to-clean coatings, sometimes referred to as self-cleaning coatings, are designed to minimize the adherence of dirt, water spots, and other contaminants on glass surfaces. These coatings are based on the principle of creating a hydrophilic and photocatalytic surface. Here's how the principle works for the easy-to-clean coating of heat-strengthened glass:
1. Hydrophilic Surface: Hydrophilic means "water-attracting." The coating is formulated with materials that have a strong affinity for water. When the coating is applied to the glass surface, it chemically alters the glass to make it hydrophilic. As a result, water droplets spread and form a thin, uniform sheet across the glass rather than forming water droplets. This effect is known as the "lotus effect" or "self-cleaning effect."
2. Photocatalytic Reaction: The coating contains photocatalytic materials, often titanium dioxide (TiO2). When exposed to sunlight or artificial UV light, the photocatalytic material becomes activated. Under UV light, TiO2 reacts with organic substances, such as dirt and pollutants, that come into contact with the glass surface.
3. Degradation of Contaminants: When organic contaminants (dirt, algae, fungi, etc.) land on the glass surface, the photocatalytic reaction is triggered. TiO2 breaks down these organic substances into smaller, harmless particles. This process is called photodegradation.
4. Self-Cleaning Action: As contaminants are broken down, they become detached from the glass surface. The hydrophilic nature of the glass surface then encourages rainwater or other water sources to easily wash away the remaining particles. This process results in a self-cleaning effect, keeping the glass surface clean and free from streaks and residues.
The easy-to-clean coating essentially allows dirt and contaminants to be removed more easily by rainwater or simple rinsing. This not only keeps the glass looking cleaner for longer but also reduces the need for frequent manual cleaning, saving time and maintenance costs.
It's important to note that the effectiveness of the self-cleaning coating depends on factors such as the quality of the coating, the amount of sunlight the glass is exposed to, and the frequency of rain or water rinsing. While self-cleaning coatings can significantly reduce the maintenance requirements of glass surfaces, they may not completely eliminate the need for occasional cleaning, especially in areas with limited sunlight or rainfall.
