A TECHNOLOGY TO PREVENT STAINS, MOULD AND DAMP
superhydrophobic – lotus effect
The difference between hydrophobic and superhydrophobic
Hydrophobic: a surface is considered hydrophobic when a drop of water forms a contact angle of more than 90° with it; when this angle exceeds 150°, the substrate is defined as SUPERHYDROPHOBIC.
NANOCOATINGS® superhydrophobic treatments change the surface characteristics of the material, drastically reducing the ability of water, liquids and oily substances to adhere to and penetrate the substrate. Coffee, fruit juices, soy sauce, milk, organic and synthetic oils, fats and other contaminants therefore tend to stay on the surface, making them easier to remove and helping to preserve the appearance of the material over time.
In the case of porous substrates, the treatment protects the surface without blocking its structure and while maintaining the natural breathability of the material. The technology does not create visible films or films that can be felt to the touch, is colourless and does not significantly alter the original appearance of the substrate.
The absence of primer and the ability to adapt the application cycle to the characteristics of the surface make it possible to work even on delicate materials, surfaces that are already water-repellent or substrates that require special application conditions. Where technically provided for, the process can also be optimised by heat treatment up to about 100–110 °C to improve anchoring and the performance of the coating.
Over the years NANOCOATINGS® has developed different superhydrophobic formulations, designed to adapt to the characteristics of the different materials:
alcohol-based
water-based
water & alcohol-based
This versatility makes it possible to treat delicate fabrics, porous and non-porous materials, already water-repellent substrates and, with the dedicated formulations, even damp or wet surfaces. The treatments can also be reapplied to previously treated surfaces, making it possible to restore or increase the protective performance over time.
In the textile sector our superhydrophobic treatment has obtained certifications according to the GM (General Motors) standards Test Procedure GMW 3402 – Soil and Cleaner Resistance of Automotive Materials – AATCC 22 and AATCC 118:
| TEST GM | WATER REPELLENCY | TEST GM | OIL REPELLENCY |
| Test method | AATCC 22 (spray test) | Test method | AATCC 118 |
| Mesurament | unit Visual scale (from 0 to 10) | Mesurament | unit Grade (from 0 to 8) |
| Limit GM | ≥ 8 | Limit GM | ≥ 3 |
| Result | 10 | Result | 7 |
| The surfaces that can be treated are: | The benefits that can be obtained are: |
| Textiles & Fabrics Wood Metal Ceramics Concrete Marble Stone Glass Plastics | Barrier against water and oils Spill containment Reduced growth of mould and fungi Anti-damp Stain-resistant UV protection – anti-ageing Anti-slip and anti-icing Better visibility in the rain Better transparency |
NANOCOATINGS® carries out applications at its own facility and at third-party premises for this type of treatment →Read more