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FAQ about Functional Coatings
Supporting the Revolution in Surface Technology
- Ultra-Thin Silica Coatings Deliver Functional Ingredients At Optimal Location
- Nanotechnology Promises a Nearly Endless Array of Functional Coatings with Some of the Most Exciting Yet to Come
- Delivery is the Challenge – Ultra-Thin Silica Coatings is the Answer
Who is Delphi Labs?
Delphi Laboratories Inc. is a coatings company, bringing functional nanotech coatings to the US market. Our business partner, Sketch Co., Ltd., is
an innovative Japanese manufacturer of nanotech coatings that is at the center of the development of key functional coatings.
What are functional coatings?
Functional coatings are coatings that exhibit functionality beyond the traditional purposes of decoration or protection. Examples of functional coatings include: (a) self-cleaning coatings; (b) easy maintenance coatings; (c)
anti-bacterial coatings and (d) electrically dissipative coatings.
Why are Nanotech coatings attractive?
Ultra-fine nano-particles that are one thousandth of a micron exhibit qualities and characteristics that are completely different from micron-sized particles leading to the discovery of new functionalities that transform conventional wisdom.
Under 100 nanos nearly anything is transparent. The new functionalities of
various metal oxides as well as their synergistic interactions in compounds
yield an almost unlimited number of characteristics or properties. It is now
possible to apply a transparent functional nano-coating on top of an existing product without changing the appearance of the underlying product and
yet add new functionalities or properties to the existing product. In contrast
to micron-size paints, these new nano-coatings can cover up to 100 square
meters per liter. Thus, at a cost of as little as $0.05 per square foot, a wide
variety of functions can be added to existing surfaces.
What role does Sketch play in nanotechnology?
Sketch has positioned itself as a specialist in binder technology. Building
on its technology for an inorganic binder that cures at room temperature
and is strongly adhesive, Sketch’s goal is to develop binders for functional
coatings that are transparent, ultra-thin, adhere to most substrates, dry
quickly and exhibit good leveling qualities.
What proficiencies are needed to produce the ideal functional coating?
- The ability to produce ultra-fine particles of metal oxides or other chemical elements that are 10 nanometers or less in size. Most manufacturers are capable of producing particles at the micron scale. To produce ultra-fine particles of 200 nanos or less in size, particularly those that are less than 10 nanometers, requires substantial investment in equipment or partnering with major chemical manufacturers. Ultra-fine particles less than 10 nanos in size exhibit markedly different or greater functionality than do particles on the micron scale.
- Technology to Prevent Agglomeration of Ultra-Fine Particles of Metal Oxides. The very particles that have been so carefully produced at the 2~10 nano size scale typically recombine or agglomerate to a size of 100~200 nanos. As a result, transparency is lost and functionality is dramatically reduced. This is the field where the technological proficiency of Japanese chemical companies is most widely recognized. Dispersion technology entails significant know-how and cost.
- Technology to Produce an Ultra-Thin, Strongly Adhesive, Inorganic Binder that Optimizes the Functionality of the Various Nano-Particles that are Evenly Dispersed Throughout the Coating. There is little value in either covering up the functional ingredients that have been developed at such great cost or to have the functional ingredients not adhere to the target surface. Only with all three of these technologies available is it possible to complete an advanced multi-functional nano-coating.
What technology fuels Sketch’s success?
Cooperating with the largest chemical companies who possess the first two
technologies outlined above, Sketch has specialized in the third field of
inorganic binder technology. Sketch has focused on developing a liquid
coating that hardens at room temperature and is the thinnest membrane in
the world available at a low cost and able to deliver high and varied functionality.
What functional coatings are possible today?
Sketch is already capable of producing a variety of silica binders ranging
from 0.1~0.5 in thickness and dispersing three or more metal oxides in such
a way that their functionalities are expressed to maximum advantage.
What is attracting most attention at this moment is Sketch’s ability to take
a minimal amount of silica binder to firmly attach functional ingredients,
such as visible light activated titanium dioxide or electrically dissipative
antimony tin oxide, to a wide variety of substrates. Because these
functional ingredients can be predictably arranged on the surface of the
coating to maximum effect, the amount of the ingredient required can be
reduced by as much as 50% of that typically required and still produce an
effective coating.
What is the composition of the inorganic binder?
Sketch’s binder is composed primarily of silica. Methanol is used as a solvent for 85% of the mixture with another 10% being reserved for the functional ingredient or ingredients. Nearly any functional ingredient, especially those whose efficacy is a factor of surface area, will be more effective in
Sketch’s ultra-thin silica coating.
What are the unique characteristics of Sketch's binder?
- Highly adhesive coating that adheres whether substrate is organic or inorganic. Please note that the appropriate primer may vary with the substrate.
- Extremely safe, reliable and long-lasting because it is inorganic.
- Highly transparent because it uses minute silica particles (10~30nm).
- By controlling the placement of the silica particles, we are able to ensure that adequate portions of the photocatalyst, for example, 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.
- Creating a membrane of only 0.1~0.2 microns thick, one liter can cover up to 100 square meters.
- Because the membrane is thin, the cost is very low making it attractive to all markets.
- Easy application. 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.
What advantage does Sketch’s silica binder offer for research and development?
Employing Sketch’s binder as a standardized delivery system makes it easier to make comparisons of the efficacy of various functional metal particles and solutions. Being able to test which size of particles and which
solutions permit functional ingredients maximum surface exposure, major
chemical manufacturers obtain data and feedback that contributes significantly to the development of high grade materials. The greatest strength of
Sketch’s products may lie in providing immediate feedback on the qualities
and characteristics of ultra-fine particles that are being developed and
improved in laboratories today.
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