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Self-cleaning Glass
By Sarah Manners
The chore homeowners most detest is cleaning windows, not only is it a time consuming task but when you're balanced on a flimsy ladder with a bucket of soapy water in one hand and a cloth in the other you tend to realise it's a rather dangerous exercise as well.
With self-cleaning glass homeowners no longer need to waste their time or take their lives into their own hands all for the sake of clear windows.
The Lotus Effect
The Lotus flower is sacred in Buddhism and is the symbol of purity in several Asian religions as it always has a clean surface even though its leaves unfurl within muddy waters. The self-cleaning properties of the Lotus flower have inspired scientists to turn to nature in their quest to make scientific advancements.
Scientists noticed that the Lotus flower remained clean because the leaves of the plant are extremely hydrophobic, which means that any water that comes into contact with the leaves beads up and rolls of taking the dirt with it. The self-cleaning properties displayed by this plant were studied and the concept of the Lotus Effect was born. Today this concept has been examined by scientists who wished to mimic the results displayed by the lotus flower in everyday situations. They have succeeded in developing a range or materials, such as glass which has been adapted into a micro structured, self-cleaning surface born from nature's model in which dirt is carried off by rainwater.
How self-cleaning glass works
Although the Lotus Effect was based on the hydrophobic nature of the flower's leaves it is the hydrophilic nature of self cleaning glass that keeps it clean and streak free.
Self-cleaning glass is essentially a coated glass product with photocatalytic and hydrophilic properties. For the cleaning method to be effective the process has to be twofold. First, the ultraviolet wavelengths in sunlight react with the photocatalyst to break down organic debris (dust, bird dropping and tree sap) and reduce the adherence of inorganic matter (cement, plaster) on the glass. The second process hinges around the hydrophilic nature of the glass - when rain hits the glass, it doesn't form droplets but flows down the glass in a sheet and washes the dirt away. This "sheeting process" allows the glass to dry quickly and steak free.
Maintenance of self-cleaning glass
Self-cleaning needs approximately five days to energise after which it works non-stop – even on cloudy days and during the night – and washes dirt away whenever it rains. However, there are certain circumstances in which a little basic maintenance may be necessary.
The coating on the glass will eventually break down even the heaviest deposits of organic dirt – but if the surface is so dirty that daylight cannot reach the glass, the self-cleaning action will not take effect. In such cases, clean the glass with warm soapy water and a soft cloth – in a few days the process will have re-activated. During very dry spells you may need to clean your windows, as there will have been no rain to wash loosened dirt away. This is easily done by simply hosing down with water – but you can also use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water if you'd prefer to. The special coating on self-cleaning glass should last as long as the glass itself. Tests have shown it will not flake off or discolour, but it will be affected if the surface itself is damaged; for example, by pointed objects or abrasive cleaners. For this reason, ink or paint must be carefully removed from the glass using a soft cloth and methylated spirits and never with harsh scouring agents, steel wool, razor blades or anything else that would scratch the glass.
Places to use self-cleaning glass in your home
Self-cleaning glass can be fitted into any window frame which makes those architecturally splendid yet hard to reach windows and skylights a pleasure rather than a burden. Conservatories are becoming more and more sought after in homes around Europe as well as America – while these home additions are gorgeous they are truly heinous to keep clean and streak free. The entire premise of a conservatory is to bring the outdoors, indoors in one fluid motion, but when the glass is covered in layers of dirt and streaks the aesthetic functions go out the window (literally).
Though self-cleaning glass will cost you up to 20% more than conventional glazing would, the coating lasts for the lifetime of the window. The decrease in cleaning time, and if you're anything like the rest of us, the ladder related hospital visits will help you recoup that excess over time.
About the Author
Having been in the glass industry for 179 years, Pilkington is recognised as the world's technological leader in glass. Out of all of their innovative products, Pilkington Activ™ - the world's first self-cleaning glass is one of their greatest products and is an ideal material for use in homes, businesses and public buildings around the world.
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