Nanoparticle coatings for vehicles can self-clean - they surface is made super-hydrophobic, causing water to form beads on the surface and run easily off, collecting and removing dirt in the process. Cleaning is therefore much easier, and required less frequently. Image re-drawn from Nanovere Technologies.
For several years, nanotechnology research has been working towards coatings and paints which are highly scratch resistant, self-healing and dirt repellent. These technologies would allow automotive paint to last for the lifetime of the vehicle without aging, and require cleaning much less often.
These technologies are now becoming commercial. Some after-market products are available which use hard, water-repelling polymer nanocomposites or quartz nanoparticles - this enables the coatings to remain clean themselves and protect against scratches and chips, and reduce corrosion, without altering the appearance of the paint underneath.
Paints are also available which can alter their heat-reflecting properties depending on the intensity of the incident sunlight. This helps to regulate the temperature of the vehicle, making the job of the air conditioning system easier and therefore saving fuel.
Developing technologies in this field which are not yet commercially available include coatings which are not just more scratch-resistant, but actually heal any minor damage which they do sustain. This is achieved by embedding ceramic nanoparticles in a flexible polymer, which can flow over itself to heal cracks and scratches whilst remaining robust.
Nanoparticle coatings for vehicles can self-clean - they surface is made super-hydrophobic, causing water to form beads on the surface and run easily off, collecting and removing dirt in the process. Cleaning is therefore much easier, and required less frequently. Image re-drawn from Nanovere Technologies.
Source: Deutsche Welle (English), Nanovere Technologies & Azonano
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