Print this pageNano Technology
WHAT IS NANO TECHNOLOGY
Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing science of producing and utilizing nano-sized
particles that measure in nanometers (1 nm = 1 billionth of a metre).
The term nanoparticle is generally used to indicate particles with dimensions
less than 100 nanometers (one nanometer is one billionth of a meter). For
comparison, a human hair is about 100,000 nm in diameter, while a smoke particle
is about 1,000 nm in diameter.
What are potential nano applications
How does anti-fouling work and why is Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) used
Titanium is the 9th-most common element on earth and titanium oxide is used as a white pigment in paint and cosmetics. As a pigment a lower grade titanium dioxide is used. For photocatalyst applications like air-purifying, anti-bacterial use and self-cleaning purposes a very high-grade photo reactive titanium dioxide is used. Our products using Titanium dioxyde are hydrophilic, which translates as "water loving". When the surface of photocatalytic film is exposed to light, the contact angle of the photocatalyst surface with water is reduced gradually. After enough exposure to light, the surface reaches a super-hydrophilic state. In other words, it does not repel water at all, so water cannot exist in the shape of a drop, but spreads flatly on the surface of the substrate. The water takes the form of a highly uniform thin film, which behaves optically like a clear sheet of glass. The hydrophilic nature of titanium dioxide, coupled with gravity, will sweep away dust particles after a wash-down or rainfall, thus making the product self-cleaning.
Why is it anti-bacterial
The high levels of reaction to light of the high-grade photo reactive titanium dioxide used enables it to act as a catalyst to produce large quantities of hydroxyl radicals. These radicals cause oxidation of organic matter, sterilise most bacteria and clear the air of pollutants. Micro-organisms carry a negative charge while TiO2 coated surface carries a positive charge. This creates an "electromagnetic" attraction between the microbe and treated surface. Once contact is made, the microbe is oxidized and dies instantly. The most powerful advanced oxidation systems are based on the generation of hydroxyl radicals. They act as very powerful disinfecting agents by oxidizing cells of micro-organizms, causing rapture of the cell and leakage of vital composition.
Titanium dioxide can do this without changing its own structure, thereby causing it to have an indefinite life span. Add to this the fact that it is non-toxic to the environment and humans, it is no wonder it is being talked about in the same glowing terms used to describe the future of plastic when it first came to the market.
What is a photocatalyst
Photo-Catalysis
is defined as "acceleration by the presence of a catalyst". A catalyst
does not change in itself or being consumed in the chemical reaction. This
definition includes photosensitization, a process by which a photochemical
alteration occurs in one molecular entity as a result of initial absorption of
radiation by another molecular entity called the photosensitized.
Chlorophyll of plants is a type of photocatalyst called photosynthesis.
Photocatalysis is when chlorophyll captures sunlight to turn water and carbon
dioxide into oxygen and glucose. Photocatalysis is the creation of a strong
oxidation agent to breakdown any organic matter to carbon dioxide and water in
the presence of the photocatalyst, light and water.
Fig-1 Photocatalyst & Chlorophyll
What are VOC's and where do they come from ?
VOCs - Volatile Organic Compounds - are gases given off by a number of indoor sources. Formaldehyde is one of the most common VOCs. Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with an unpleasant smell. It is common in many building materials such as plywood, particleboard, and glues. Formaldehyde is also found in furnishings (furniture, drapes and carpets) and in some types of foam insulation. Other sources of VOCs and formaldehyde include burning of fuels: gas, wood, kerosene, and tobacco products. VOCs also come from personal care products such as perfumes and hair spray, from cleaning agents and dry cleaning fluid, paints, lacquers and varnishes, and from copying and printing machines.
VOCs can be released from a product for several years, though the amounts given off tend to be less as the product ages and "dries out". VOCs can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, nausea and dizziness, and skin problems. Higher amounts can cause irritation of the lungs and wheezing. Higher exposures to formaldehyde may also cause memory problems and anxiety.
Are Nano-products safe or toxic ?
TiO2 used as photocatalyst is physically and chemically safe, the US certified it as a food additive in 1968 and Japan did in 1983. It is now used widely in making white chocolates and functional cosmetics, including lipsticks. The Food Analysis Center of Japan Food Research Laboratories and Mitsubishi Chemical Safety Institute Ltd. demonstrated its safety through skin simulating tests and acute oral toxicity test.
Why is this TiO2 treatment semi-permanent ?
Although it is originally water-soluble, it dries quickly after application and becomes water-insoluble. It also becomes very hard in ten to fourteen days after application. It does not come off unless the surface is polished. Titanium dioxide is merely the catalyst and is not changed, its effect is semi-permanent except when walls and ceilings are repainted.
Nano-Clean spray
Nano Clean Spray is a multi purpose, broad spectrum, ready to use, highly effective cleaner
and disinfectant for use on the surfaces of inanimate objects. Currently it is the only EPA-registered
Tox Category IV disinfectant product in the US. This means there are no harmful
dermal (skin), ocular (eyes), inhalation (breathing), or ingestion (swallowing)
effects.
This
Cleaner/Disinfectant is effective and recommended for use in kitchens, bathroom
surfaces, hospitals, clinics, medical offices, dental offices, veterinary
offices, laboratories, industrial clean rooms, nursing homes, ambulances,
hotels, restaurants, schools, airplanes, trains, boats, buses, health spas. It
acts quickly and effectively on medical equipment and beds, surgical carts,
counter tops, telephones, furniture, wheelchairs, walkers, sinks, walls, light
switches, door knobs, etc.
Contact Us
Email: info@ecosmarte.com.au
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Address:
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Australia