SEARCH:
Sign in | Join | Help
search Mercola.com
 
FREE Subscription 
The World’s Most Popular Natural Health Newsletter
Share this article
Previous Post
Next Post
Windows That Clean Themselves
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
June 11 2004 | 567 views

Glass coated with a very thin layer of titanium dioxide never needs cleaning. This is done through a special nano-scale coating of microcrystalline titanium oxide, which reacts to daylight. This reaction breaks down filth on the glass, with no need for detergent. When water hits it, a hydrophilic effect is created, so water and dirt slide off. Although it is slightly more expensive than conventional glass, adding about 15 percent to 20 percent to the cost of installation, the technology is already being used in sheltered housing windows where easy cleaning is important.

Right illustration

  • 1 - Dirt, glass, Nano-scale Activ coating containing microcrystalline titanium dioxide
  • 2 - Sun shines on window. The UV rays trigger a chemical reaction in Activ coating, called a photocatalytic process, which breaks down dirt
  • 3 - When water hits glass, a hydrophilic effect is created. Water spreads evenly over the surface, instead of droplets, so runs off and takes dirt with it

I can't wait to do up the whole house in this stuff for Mother's Day. Those clever Brits, what won't they think up next? And remember when it was Americans who were ingenious?

BBC News June 8, 2004





Share this article
Previous Post
Next Post
 
 Do you find this article interesting?
Comment on This Article Community Comments (0)

 
Share this article
Previous Post
Next Post
 
 
© Copyright 2009 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.