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Self-cleaning Glass
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
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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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