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Glass technology has evolved from simply melting a mixture of sand and sodium carbonate, followed by casting, molding or blowing the molten mass, to requiring state-of-the-art technologies to ensure faster and cheaper production. Nowadays varieties of glass are available in market. Intelligent glass, safety glass, thermal insulation glass, fire resistant glass, textured glass ,lacquered glass are recent innovations.
The self-cleaning ability of natural surfaces like leaves has inspired scientists to mimic this property with artificial materials. Mimicking such self-cleaning property in man-made materials can offer exciting possibilities in day-to-day life. Cleaning glass has always been an issue. Self -cleaning glass is glass which has an extremely smooth and clean surface and doesn’t require regular cleaning. It is manufactured by depositing a transparent layer of photo catalytic and hydrophilic mineral material onto clear glass. The coating, which is integrated into the glass itself, ensures a high level of durability. The mechanical, thermal and acoustic properties are identical to normal glass. To activate the coating, the glass must be exposed to natural light. When the particles interact with ultraviolet rays in sunlight, it starts loosing dirt and water. Ultraviolet rays distribute dirt evenly across the surface. As a result most dirt gets washed off easily without streaking whenever it rains.
Special self-cleaning technology has electrified the trend of point-fixed glass facade with self-cleaning coatings. Self-cleaning glass efficiently combats dirt and grime that accumulates on the outside of the window (dried water marks, organic atmospheric pollutants, dust, sea spray and insect residue).Frequency of cleaning a glass is reduced. The glass gives a clear vision through the facade even when it is raining. Less frequent use of detergents in glass helps protect the environment. Facade stays cleaner for longer as less dirt and grime adheres to the glass.
It has been designed for external use, either in the home or commercial buildings. It can be used as facade glazing, exterior shop-fronts, overhead and atria glazing, balconies, conservatories roofs, windows, french doors and other hard to reach areas.
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