Building Transformation articles Future Façades | Page 8

Technical information for Nano
Protective Coatings
Nanotechnology
Why use a Nano protective coating?
Anything that has been newly coated, from a car to a plane and from
a boat to a motorbike, is a feast for the eye. But, unfortunately, this
doesn’t last.
Due to natural pollutants and weather and environmental influences
the finish will soon lose its beautiful, shiny look. A specialist Nano
coating will protect and considerably prolong the life and shine of
façade coating.
Nano coating conditioners make coatings live and
shine longer
Some wax, siliconesurface polishes or other coating protectors only
protect finishes for a limited period because they barely permeate the
surface; in extreme UV or high level environment this creates a very
superficial and short-term solution.
However, given the correct coating and application phases are applied
during the treatment, molecules can penetrate evenly and deeply into
the pores of the finish. Thus, the surface becomes extremely smooth
so that dirt gets no chance to attach itself to the coating, plus ensuring
it is fully protected from aggressive weathering. This also applies to
insects, bird droppings, resin from trees and other pollutants that
normally have disastrous effects on a façade surface, its weathering
rates and general life span.
Below is a cross-section of a coating that shows that the coating
treatment is molecular: it is absorbed into the pore of the finish and
because of this, it gives durable protection.
Original situation Cleaning with the
use of special Nano
crystals
(Nano activator)
1. Metal or polyester
2. Layer of rust-preventer
3. Finish
4. Layer of dust or dirt This cleans the coating
thoroughly while at the
same time a positive
ionization is brought about
that makes the finish
attract the negatively
charged coating.
The application of specialist Nano coatings for
newly designed or in-situ buildingfaçades is
fast becoming a popular solution for designers
and building owners. Nanotechnology is the
application of specialist, high performance
particles that offer attractive protective
and restorative qualities. The coatings can
be applied during the manufacturing or
façade refurbishment phase and offers a
cost-effective solution to enhancing façade
performance and increasing the expected
product lifespan.
The application of a coating can be used to
create a lighter, stronger and more durable
material, assist with fire or sound insulation,
and reduce façade maintenance requirements,
self-cleaning and water penetration into the
coating, protection from material UV damage.
Jaypee University of Information Technology,
Application of Nanotechnology on building
materials, 2012
Nano coating application on a façade refurbishment.
Applying the first
layer
Because of the intensive
rotary motions of
application, the coating
molecules are absorbed
gradually. The pores in the
layer of finish are plugged
up.
Applying the second
layer (if needed)
This yields the definitive
shiny layer.4. Layer of dust
or dirt.
Specialist nanocoatings are not only an effective solution for supporting sustainability targets, but also support
commercial objectives through helping to maintain the façade’s quality, architectural intent and increasing the lifespan of
the façade. They are an ideal solution for high value or high access curtain walling and cladding façades that need to be
protected from aggressive weathering systems.