Functionalizing Glass Surfaces

Cleaning windows is just the beginning.  Chemistry and nanotechnology now allow us to completely change the physical and electrical properties of window glass.  This is known as functionalizing.  What are the benefits?

             First we can give glass a “rain guard”.  The surface is made hydrophobic.  Such a treatment is desirable for vehicles as it greatly improves visibility in rain storms.  It is also great for greenhouses.  Choosing the right chemical and knowing how to best apply it is critical to longevity and performance.

Gaurding glass from stains can be done using specialized hydrophobic treatments.  Hard water spots from concrete efflorescence, and sprinkler systems (ground water) can be a real problem as they take away from the aesthetics of the building.

Invisible scratch/mar guards work well on high traffic doors, entryways, high profile exterior glass, and mirrors.  These also are hydrophobic and help with routine cleaning.

Hydrophylic (water loving) reactive coatings are great for antifog properties on bathroom mirrors and certain windows.  These treatments also make it easier to clean the outside of high windows using a water fed pole.

Another  very interesting application for hydrophobic treatments of mirror glass is what I call peekaboo stenciling.  It is possible to create images and lettering on bathroom mirrors that are completely invisible until the mirror is fogged.  But when the fog goes away so does the image.  This process will repeat forever.  It is permanent over the life of the mirror if cleaned correctly.  It is a great advertising idea that works especially well for motels and hotels.  These could even sell small mirrors with their logo, name,  phone number, and website to their customers for advertising purposes. 

For this matter even hair salons might be interested in doing this on small four by four inch mirrors that they could pass out to their best customers.  Young girls especially find this fascinating.  They would keep the mirror in their hand bag.  Then they would show their friend by taking it out and breathing on it. 

The idea  even works on ice box glass doors.  Every time they are opened they fog up.    Anything can be advertised such as ice cream or anything else that must be kept frozen.  There are likely many other ideas for functionalized glass that can be explored.

Written By Henry Grover jr.

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