A German nanotechnology firm, Nanopool, has patented what it calls spray-on liquid glass, which is actually a 15-30 molecule thick coating of silicon dioxide. Spray-on silica might be a more accurate name, but: doesn’t sound as cool.
If the claims Nanopool is making about liquid glass are true, this could be big news: “Spray-on liquid glass is transparent, non-toxic, and can protect virtually any surface against almost any damage from hazards such as water, UV radiation, dirt, heat, and bacterial infections. The coating is also flexible and breathable, which makes it suitable for use on an enormous array of products.”
From the press release: (available on PhysOrg):
The liquid glass spray produces a water-resistant coating only around 100 nanometers (15-30 molecules) thick. On this nanoscale the glass is highly flexible and breathable. The coating is environmentally harmless and non-toxic, and easy to clean using only water or a simple wipe with a damp cloth. It repels bacteria, water and dirt, and resists heat, UV light and even acids. UK project manager with Nanopool, Neil McClelland, said soon almost every product you purchase will be coated with liquid glass.
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The spray cannot be seen by the naked eye, which means it could also be used to treat clothing and other materials to make them stain-resistant. McClelland said you can “pour a bottle of wine over an expensive silk shirt and it will come right off.”
Nanopool is still in negotiations with British companies and regulators about the application of the spray; they say that it will be available in the UK for $8 a container (£5) in the near future.
(images via Nanopool)
