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Nanopool says the case is clear for spray-on glass

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Nanopool's Liquid Glass being applied to a statue at Ataturk's Mausoleum in Turkey
Nanopool's Liquid Glass being applied to a statue at Ataturk's Mausoleum in Turkey

Yep, you read it right, spray-on glass. It could revolutionize the fields of agriculture, medicine, fashion, transportation - really, it would be easier to list where it might not be applicable. The remarkable product, called Liquid Glass, was developed by the German nano-tech firm Nanopool GmbH. Their patented process, known as “SiO2 ultra thin layering” involves extracting silica molecules from quartz sand, adding them to water or ethanol, and then... well, they won’t tell us what they do next, but the end result is a 100 nanometer-thick, clear, flexible, breathable coating that can be applied to almost any surface. We’re told that there are no added nano-particles, resins or additives - the coating is formed using quantum forces.

The possible uses are endless.

Liquid Glass can sprayed on within seconds, creating an anti-microbial, easy-to-clean barrier that will last from one to several years, depending on the surface. It has already been used at Ataturk’s Mausoleum in Turkey, in certain UK hospitals, on a train, and on furniture. Liquid Glass has also been used in agricultural trials, where it was applied to the leaves and seeds of vines. The leaves were successfully protected from mildew, while the seeds didn’t require anti-fungal chemicals. It could also be used on clothing such as gowns or tuxedos, on kitchen surfaces (it’s food-safe and environmentally-friendly), on car interiors - really, on anything that people want to keep clean. Because you would essentially just be cleaning glass, objects treated with it would supposedly clean up easily with plain water, as opposed to harsh cleansers.

Liquid Glass is already available for domestic use in Germany, and should be coming to the UK early this year. No word on other markets yet.

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9 comments
bio-power jeff
Could this be also applied to use in photo bioreactors to help clean the inside of the chamber?
matthew.rings
If it only lasts for \"one to two years\"... then where do the little micro-glass fragments go? This will be a real problem around food products if food is prepared on a micro-glass surface... and the micro-glass particles are ingested into the gastrointestinal tract. It\'s not lethal, but not ideal, either.
Let\'s just keep it away from food, please...
Harry
Liquid Glass only last 1 - 2 years according to the company. There are already plenty of water based environmentally friendly products on the market that last 10 - 15 years
The guy spraying the Ataturk\'s Mausoleum from top down -- he does obviously have no idea that professionals treat such structures from the ground up.
Looks like a marketing gimmick to me there is not one word of the product on Nanopools website.
alcalde
Come on Matthew... I was going to suggest this could be used on teeth!
Facebook User
I have already knew for 15 years, about a liquid solution that turns the dirt roads in a ceramic. Is a Japanese product, I suppose. The liquid that is absorbed into the earth, creates a complex hydrated salt that keeps the floor waterproofed and erosion resistant by rain.
Sérgio Werneck de Figueiredo RJ Brazil
Craig Jennings
Graffiti Guard! Shotgun on Australasia distribution rights! hahaha (that\'s how it works isn\'t it?)
CarolinadeWitte
I wonder if it would be financially feasible to use it over wall paint? Or, even house paint. It might protect against fading and colour changes as well as having a washable surface. (For when the children and their crayons meet the walls?) It does sound like a wonderful product. I only hope it\'s as safe as they are saying it is. I notice the guy coating the statue isn\'t wearing a respirator or even a protective mask.
Nano
A new Western Australian company, Asantiindustries.com.au, seems to be the only company able to supply this product in Australia. The company uses the products on limestone fences and paving to maintain the new look and bore water staining as well as mining vehicles to prevent the red dust staining vehicles, enhancing resale value. Its used on train and bus seats to prevent staining. Excellent for anti-grafitti as well.
Kwazai
I'd be wondering how small a 'chicken wire' fence it would take to use this like 'aerogel'--ie- making greenhouse translucent walls out of fence and 'glass' spray.