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New Paint Based On Titanium Nanoparticles Creates Self-Cleaning Surfaces
hypnosec writes: Scientists have created a paint that provides self-cleaning surfaces and can maintain them even after being wiped, scratched, or scuffed. The paint, composed of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, is delivered as a suspension in ethanol containing the chemical perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (abstract). Once the coating is applied to a surface, the ethanol must evaporate for 180 seconds before it is ready for use. Depending on the surface, the coating can be sprayed, dipped, or painted.
If it's transparent, I want it on my windshield. Even if it wears off after a year, this is still a major win.
TiO2 is not the magic ingredient here, I think that's fairly obvious.
The joke is going to be on humanity when our kidneys get clogged with nano particles. Careless manufacturing and reckless use of nano particle anything could be trouble in the future. But don't worry nothing will happen for 10 or more years, then we will have to create new laws and regulations and try to remove the stuff like we do lead paint and asbestos. Carry on people, no worries!
It's already being studied. Asbestos is dangerous because it creates naturally occurring nanoparticles. It's not chemically toxic.
These types of manufactured nanoparticles, including carbon nanotubes, won't see widespread use until they're shown to be safe.