Technology these days has progressed so much that we have things that are even self-cleaning. You may have already heard of self-cleaning litter boxes and self-cleaning ovens. But have you ever heard of self-cleaning?
If this is your first time encountering such a thing, let us tell you more about it!
Self-Cleaning Paint: What is It?
Let us first start with the most basic thing to know: what exactly is self-cleaning paint?
According to an article by LoveToKnow, the technology behind self-cleaning paint was developed by scientists at the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, who working under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. The paint contains nano-particles of titanium dioxide.
"When the coating of paint is exposed to the sun, or any other ultraviolet light source, any organic substances on the surface decompose with the oxidative properties contained in the paint's coating," the article says.
Self-cleaning paint not only repeals water, but it also repels oil, according to HowStuffWorks. This type of paint is seen as particularly useful especially for those who want to have a reduced maintenance schedule as self-cleaning paint suit hard to reach and hard to clean areas.
Related Article : This Paint will Conduct Electricity, Act as Your Circuit in a Pen
So How Does It Work?
SAS Europe expalins how exactly do self-cleaning paints work, stating that this type of paint "creates a microscopic textured surface with a contact angle of 140 degrees, resulting in an ultra-hydrophobic surface that causes water to bead up into pearls of water that run across the surface of the facade."
The beads of water that run over the surface end up collecting the dirt and other particles lying around along the way. Because of this, the dirt and other particles are removed from the surface, cleaning it up in the process.
You can watch a video of car company Nissan demonstrating how self-cleaning paint works on cars below:
Other Paint Innovations and Technologies You Should Know About
Self-cleaning paint is not the only paint-related innovation and technology that people have come up with in the past couple of years.
If there is such a thing as self-cleaning paint, there is also a type of paint that has air purifying technology, per The Family Handyman. One-coat paints have also been developed along with paint that dries faster than usual.
You have probably heard of the term smart home by now as well as smart appliances, smart lights, and more. Given this, you might not be surprised to find out that there is such a thing as smart paint now. "Researchers have recently developed a paint that can turn any wall into a touchscreen, bringing a whole new meaning to the term 'smart home,'" according to an article by Techaeris.
Looking for other eco-friendly paint? Techaeris says that there is such a thing as solar paint these days too. This type of paint "contains tiny light-sensitive particles that absorb sunlight to convert it into energy."
