ASGARDPRO™

Specialized anti-static coating

For tunnels, subways, guardrails and other ROADway facilities

Delphi Labs is preparing to introduce to the US market a proven and innovative protective coating that will turn the tile surfaces of tunnels into easy-maintenance surfaces. The ultra-thin silica coating includes zinc oxide to reduce static electricity and iodine to resist mold. This product is already being purchased by the Japan Highway Association for similar applications. We expect this product to be available for use in the United States by the summer of 2006.

This product is formulated and manufactured by Sketch Co., Ltd, a pioneer in binder technology.

The Development of the Product

Today, in the stain prevention market, photocatalytic self-cleaning coatings using titanium dioxide are rapidly expanding the market throughout the world. However, because photocatalysts have the ability to break down organic matter, primers are absolutely required when applying to surfaces that are common in highway-related signage, safety equipment and building materials such as paint, polycarbonates, acrylics, FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastics) and resins. Unfortunately, there are no inorganic primers available today that adhere strongly to these resins. Moreover, because polycarbonates and acrylics have complex molecular structures, when the surface becomes water-repellant, the surface attracts dirt and grime (because of static electricity) and becomes easily tarnished or stained. There is thus a strong need for an inorganic primer or a top coat with dual capabilities of photocatalysis and reducing static electricity and still bind strongly to these resin surfaces

Furthermore, there is a need for a stain prevention coating that can substitute for photocatalytic coatings in locations that do not receive much light such as tunnels, subways, underground shopping areas and the north faces of buildings and that can be easily cleaned by periodic rinsing with water. And, especially in humid areas which give rise to mold problems, there is a need for a coating with an anti-mold function.

After many years of research, based upon our company’s binder technology, we have successfully developed a binder and a primer for resins that resolves the issues identified above. To our inorganic binder, we have added ATO (antimony doped tin oxide from Mitsubishi Materials) which has superb anti-static electric functions. To this strong base, we have added a powerful visible-light photocatalyst composed of titanium dioxide for those areas receiving light and an anti-mold formulation with iodine and silver ions for those areas not receiving adequate light.

We have also succeeded in preparing a firm inorganic binder that has a strong affinity for resins and organic paints. Using these products in combination, we can substantially increase the anti-stain functionality of coatings even in conditions which of high concentrations of exhaust gases and which would typically result in substantial stains. These coatings can also easily be rinsed clean.

All surfaces, including glass, polycarbonates and stainless steel, may appear flat, but in fact they have minute bumps and indentations that cannot be seen. Using our binder technology, it is now possible to bind to virtually any material by making use of a variety of silicon particles between 5 and 30 nanometers in size. And because we are using very small particles of silicon, those particles that must be exposed to the surface to be effective such as the photocatalyst titanium dioxide or the static-electricity reducer tin oxide are easily able to reach the surface to achieve a high rate of functionality. Because each substrate is different, the manufacturer is happy to work with customers to select the best binder for a given substrate.

(1)   Highly adhesive coating that adheres whether organic or inorganic. Please note that the appropriate primer may vary with the substrate.

(2)   Extremely safe, reliable and long-lasting because it is inorganic.

(3)   Highly transparent because it uses minute silica particles (10~30nm).

(4)   By controlling the placement of the silica particles, we are able to ensure that adequate portions of the photocatalyst break through the surface and provide the photocatalytic effect. Please note that if a product’s binder is not effective, the binder itself may cover the photocatalyst and reduce the catalytic effect.

(5)   Appropriate for all markets, including professional use, DIY and OEM markets.

(6)   Effective with a membrane of only 0.1~0.2 microns thick, one liter can cover up to 100 square meters.

(7)   Because the membrane is strong, the cost is very low making it attractive to all markets.

(8)   A coat easy enough for anyone to apply. Formulated to go on evenly without blotches. Applies directly to the substrate as it is. A very uniform coat can be obtained by applying with a specialized spray gun.

Thick oily stains easily stick to any surface which becomes even more soiled as dirt and dust particles attach to the spot.			Light particles not containing oil float in the air and come into contact with nearly all surfaces and make oily stains even worse when they combine with them. These particles are initially attracted to external walls, tiles and glass by static electricity.
Exhaust fumes from automobiles (NOX, SOX, etc.), smoke from construction sites and restaurants and pollen			dust, dirt, sand, particulate matter
The key to		protecting againststains is to reduce			static electricity
Visible Light Photocatalyst means that either sunlight or fluorescent light will break down the organic matter in the oil and because of the superhydrophilic function, water will loosen the stain and wash it away.			Dust, dirt, sand, particulate matter and other minute pollutants floating in the air are unable to attach to surfaces coated with ATO because the surface is highly conductive.
Photocatalysts’ dual function of decomposing organic matter and generating superhydrophilic self-cleaning coating + Reducing Static Electricity (ATO) + Mold Reduction Function

GLASSBELL AM

1. Developed Stain-prevention coating with anti-static electric features and anti-mold ability by taking an inorganic silica binder, adding Mitsubishi Materials ATO to control static electricity (10^7~8?) and silver ions to prevent mold.
2. Perfect for dark, humid locations (tunnels, subways, underground shopping areas and north faces of buildings).
3. Exhaust gases and airborne dust and dirt have more difficulty attaching due to the anti-static electricity effect and because of the hydrophilicity resulting from the inorganic silica coating that dust and dirt which does happen to attach is more easily removed.
4. The anti-mold effect from both the iodine and the silver ions is long-lasting.
5. Application without a primer is a simple, single coating.

GLASSBELL AVT

1. Developed photocatalyst coating with anti-static electric features by taking an inorganic silica binder, adding Mitsubishi Materials ATO to control static electricity (10^7~8?) and visible-light activated titanium dioxide.
2. Used in combination with the primer (below) that was developed for photocatalysts, resins commonly used in connection with roadways (sound-reduction barriers, billboards, traffic signals, safety materials) and organic membranes (guardrails, poles, buildings, etc.) are made resistant to stains by reducing static electricity and are cleaned by the photocatalytic action of the stongly active visible-light activated titanium dioxide that breaks down organic matter that does attach to the surface. 
3. Given the synergistic interaction of the easy-to-clean in the rain coating and the anti-static electricity effect, the stain prevention ability of this product opens up a substantial lead over competing photocatalysts.

AVT-PM

1. This is the inorganic primer for the GlassBell AVT coat described above.
2. This is a primer developed for resins that has superior adhesive ability for both resins and organic paints that are commonly used on or near roadways.
3. Because this primer is fast drying, GlassBell AVT can be applied efficiently.

Stain-Prevention Coating for Road Facilities and Related Materials