Spray-on anti-soiling coatings that exhibit high transparency and mechanical durability

Daniel A. Schaeffer, Georgios Polizos, D. Barton Smith, Dominic F. Lee, Slobodan Rajic, Panos G. Datskos, Scott R. Hunter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

A superhydrophobic (SH) surface has many characteristics, one of which is its self-cleaning, anti-soiling functionality, that are desirable across various industries. A transparent, self-cleaning surface utilizes the right combination of surface chemistry and roughness that force water droplets to form high water contact angles (CA). This in turn allows droplets to easily roll off and pick up dirt and debris across the surface. In theory this is simple but in practice this can be very difficult as superhydrophobicity and optical transparency are competitive. We have developed a simple, spray-on coating based on functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles that can easily be applied to surfaces whose application requires high transparency including, but not limited to, optical sensors, photovoltaics, sights, and lenses. In addition, these coatings exhibit practical mechanical and environmental durability that allow prolonged use of the coatings in harsh environments.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSensors, and Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) Technologies for Homeland Security and Homeland Defense XIII
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Print)9781628410112
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
EventSensors, and Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) Technologies for Homeland Security and Homeland Defense XIII - Baltimore, MD, United States
Duration: May 5 2014May 6 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9074
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceSensors, and Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) Technologies for Homeland Security and Homeland Defense XIII
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore, MD
Period05/5/1405/6/14

Keywords

  • Anti-corrosion
  • Nanoparticles
  • Optical components
  • Self-cleaning
  • Superhydrophobic
  • Transparent

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