Nanotechnology Coatings Make for a Safe Driving Experience

Nanotechnology is defined as the branch of science that pertains to the study and application of objects that are smaller than 100 nanometers. Most such studies deal with objects at the molecular level. In the recent past, this field has thrown up several path breaking technologies in sectors such as molecular biology, physics, organic chemistry, micro-fabrication, and even surface coatings that enhance the overall quality and life of various objects.

In this article, we shall delve deeper into the uses of this technology in automotive applications. Coating automotive glass with a nano technology based coating makes it more resistant to debris, water and the ensuing pitting and cracks. Here are some reasons why you should opt for nanotechnology coatings for your windshield and side glass:

• Clarity: This is one of the most important things when you are out there on the road, especially in the monsoon. A windshield that has been coated with a special material will not hold water, thus staying clear at all times. This improves your visibility and endows you with better reaction time. The ultimate result is a safer driving experience. In fact, studies have proven that applying a hydrophobic coating on your windshield improves visibility by 30% when you are driving in rainy conditions.
• Glare protection: Night glare is counted as a major impediment to safe driving. It causes stress to the driver's eyes. The glare essentially occurs because the windshield, at the microscopic level, comprises several peaks and valleys. When light is projected on your windshield, these peaks and valleys create a prism-like effect thus dispersing light and causing a more intense glare and distortion. But by using a special coating material on the windshield, the glass surface becomes smooth and doesn't distort as much light.
• Ease in cleaning: As we mentioned before, the peaks and valleys not only distort light, but they also attract flying debris and dust particles. The jagged surface will retain some dirt and dust even after you've cleaned it. Over a period of time you shall notice that the glass is more prone to chipping and cracking. Needless to say, this translates into a higher maintenance cost. On the contrary, a windshield that has been coated with a hydrophobic material will keep away dirt and debris.

Apart from automotive applications, these coatings are also increasingly popular with shower enclosures. Since these enclosures are exposed to water, steam, and chemicals contained in soaps and shampoos, they tend to stain easily. The longer these stains stay on, the more difficult it is to get rid of them. Coating shower enclosures makes them resistant to stains.

As you can see, there are several innovative uses of Nanotechnology coatings. They are increasingly becoming popular in applications such as architectural, marine glass, restoration, solar panel coating etc.