Self-cleaning by new coating

Nissan's scratch-resistant coating technology has been in use for years, even for iPhone cases. But now, Dutch scientists have created a coating not only capable of self-healing, but also promising to release car users from car wash.

>>> New materials help heal scrapes car

Waterproof or antimicrobial coatings are no longer unfamiliar, but are very limited in application because they are easily lost. This is due to the fact that nanoparticle groups make these properties more susceptible to breakage due to contact or rubbing.

Researcher Catarina Esteves at Eindhoven University of Technology and colleagues say they have solved the problem. When the outer surface is lost due to scratches, the underlying layer will automatically reorient to create a surface with identical features.

The researchers say that this allows for the creation of a water-resistant coating for cars, which helps to heal scratches and water that can not be trapped in the car. That means car users do not need to wash their car anymore, just leave the car in the rain or spray the water up is clean.

The technology can also be used to make a phone screen self-scratch, solar panels or lenses. Airplanes using this technology also reduce the amount of fuel consumed because a cleaner surface reduces air resistance, and ships avoid algae.

However, the team said that the technology only works with scratches on the surface of the coating, but can not 'save' the scratches too deep.

Reference: gizmag