Classic coatings are prepared by a number of techniques, e.g. electrodeposition, spraying, etc. Nano-technology coatings require greater control over the structure of the materials, and even more in the case of nano-meters. So, for their production the most advanced technological methods are used, such as, for example, vapor deposition techniques, etc.
BFP Advanced Technologies is the first company in Greece that produces advanced nano-structures either for the preparation of the substrate, or for the direct application of the coating layers. In order to prepare the product in the form of nano-particles or thin films conventional techniques are used, including coprecipitation techniques and sol-gel , and highly advanced techniques such as the technique of chemical vapor deposition from organometallic sources and the technique of thermal decomposition in the gas phase for specific applications.
Hydrophobicity is the tendency of certain substances to be combined by blocking the water molecules. The hydrophobicity of a surface is characterized by the contact angle with water. θc contact angle is defined as the angle at which the interface between gas-liquid meets the solid surface (see. Figure). The super-hydrophobic surfaces are characterized by high contact angles (over 90 °). Hydrophobicity is connected to easy cleaning / self-cleaning, as when a surface is wetted, water is removed without leaving any salts, while, small drops are brought together into larger ones and as they flow on the surface pollutants are removed. This phenomenon is known in international bibliography as the Lotus effect and draws its name from the property the namesake plant displays, to be self-cleaned with water. A simulation of this natural mechanism happens in hydrophobic materials basically when using silicon dioxide as a basic structural unit.
Water contains salt solutions in significant concentrations. These, after the water evaporation are left on a surface as solid salt creating the image we all know. Rainwater on the other hand, contains no salts. It can easily dissolve and remove them from a surface, as long as the latter is coated with a hydrophobic coating. This phenomenon is the so-called “self-cleaning in the rain.”
The term “easily cleanable surfaces” is not new, and is for the acquisition from the surface, which is applied with a hydrophobic material properties, which make it easy to clean, even with the use of water only – thus without the use of any cleaning products. With the term “easy-clean” we usually mean those materials in which the contact angle is at least 90 °.
The performance & functionality last for at least seven years since the application; a guarantee is given in a written form. In any case, the requirement of high performance constitutes in the non-use of hard chemicals and abrasive media.
The abrasive wear occurs when two solid objects are in contact with each other and the harder one removes the material from the softer one. The wear can be mechanical (e.g. scrubbing of a surface for cleaning), but can be caused by natural causes too, e.g. during sliding of dust or small stones, upon a surface due to the wind, rain, etc. The same thing occurs in automobile windshields / vessels or in the glass panels of the photovoltaic.
The proper preparation and cleaning of the surface are very important so that the surface is smoothed out and restored before the application of the coating. Specifically, the micro-pores of the surface trap salts and various particles, which can lead to a permanent damage of the surface, and therefore must be removed. At the same time, the surface must acquire a uniform micro-roughness so that the coating can develop stable covalent bonds with the substrate to as many points as possible (anchor points). One of the secrets of the technology of the BFP Advanced Technologies (a result of a legal patent) is in the proper preparation and activation of the surface. This is one of the reasons of the high durability the coating displays: Growing covalent bonds is at least 12 times more powerful than the bonds (usually of hydrogen) that exist across the common conventional waterproofing products.
No, and it is usually used incorrectly. Waterproofing is linked to the phenomenon of wetting a solid by a liquid – not necessarily water. On the contrary, water removal is properly explained by the term “water-repulsion” or “hydrophobicity”. In English, the corresponding term ‘water-proofing’ is correct, because it refers to the water.
A hydrophobic material is by definition water-repellent. A properly designed material must prevent the compact moisture from penetrating the hydrophobic surface (e.g. in order not to enter in the inside of a house), while on the other hand should allow the water steam to escape. Technically, this is possible because the water molecules in the gas phase are less than in the liquid phase, so that they can escape through the micro-pores of the material. Therefore, the “penetration” of the environmental moisture in the interior of a space through the hydrophobic material is delayed, while the output of the moisture from the interior to the surrounding space is accelerated. Solarskin™ is NOT a sealant and does not close the pores of the surface. It is breathable, further achieves excellent (step coverage), following the topography of the surface to which it is applied, thereby ensuring a healthy and pleasant living environment.
Yes; nano-porous so that it can not be affected by the hydrophobicity and at the same time in order to ensure that the material is breathable.
No. Unfortunately, many traders use products that have no relation to nano-technology, although they extensively use the term. These products initially exhibit intensely the phenomenon of the water-repulsion, but their duration is short. In some cases they are toxic, too.
BFP Advanced Technologies is a purely Greek company which was founded in 2013. In the process of producing the products of BFP Advanced Technologies the people who are in charge are highly qualified scientists with special expertise in new technologies. The key point of the superiority of the products of BFP Advanced Technologies is their technology, as it is reflected in a series of international and Greek legal patents.
The performance of the photovoltaic depends on the proper transmission of the light through the panel. Often, the panel itself has a certain relief, which must be maintained, since it provides decreased reflectivity. Many coatings although ensure easy cleaning of panels, are based on outdated technologies, which “seal” the surface. In such cases, in addition to reduced strength (normally required application of the coating every 6 months), the radiation is either absorbed or reflected by the self-cleaning film itself. Thus, any improvement of the performance of the photovoltaic because of the self-cleaning panels offsets by the reduction of the performance due to reducing transmission of solar radiation. Many times the result of that is the performance of the photovoltaic panels to get worse after coating. Solarskin™ is the only self-cleaned film of nano-technology, which not only enhances system’s performance due to the reduction of unwanted reflections, but also retains the relief of the panels that has been foreseen by the manufacturer to ensure the maximum possible transmission of radiation. Solarskin™ is also distinguished by its high endurance through time (for at least 7 years).
No. The material of the coating is visible only with very powerful electronic microscopes because of its very small thickness. It is completely invisible to the human eye and therefore it has absolutely no impact on visual appearance, transparency or touch.
Yes. However, we should be very careful when the first stage of application is carried out, because if the surface is not sanded well with the suspension, residues will remain, and the new coating will not acquire the perfect grip with the substrate. In practice, we must be certain that all pollutant areas.
Whenever, for whatever reason, it is damaged.
We apply a common cleaner on the surface and rinse well. If during the cleaning of the surface with some water, the drops appear to have lost their spherical shape or the water is spread over the surface, the corresponding product must be reapplied.
We apply a common cleaner on the surface and rinse well. If during the cleaning of the surface with some water, the drops appear to have lost their spherical shape or the water is spread over the surface, the corresponding product must be reapplied.
10-12 ml/m2
Yes, any type. The coating is highly resistant to most chemicals. Cleaners actually improve the performance of the materials, as they contain surfactants, which may remove that proportion (about 5%) of pollutants that are not easily removed from the coating with a wet cloth. In this way the hydrophobicity of the surface is supported, temporarily.
No, clearly, pollutants have been accumulated, interfering between the water and the coating area, thus impeding the appearance of the hydrophobicity. Clean the coating with a common cleaner. The hydrophobicity returns immediately
The surface was not properly prepared or cleaned. In such case, the nano-overlap cannot develop a bond with the substrate. Apply the material again, following the instructions carefully, paying special attention during the first stage.
The surface has not been prepared or cleaned properly. In this case, the nano-coating cannot develop any bond with the substrate. Apply the material again following the instructions carefully, paying special attention to the 1st stage.
* Nanotechnology of 2nd generation
* Super-hydrophobicity
* Friendly for the user and the environment
* Resistance to temperatures above 400 ° C
* Coating thickness of approximately 80 nm
* Transpiration
* Stability in UV radiation
* Resistance to the abrasive wear
* Resistance to cleaners
* Very long lifespan
