Silica makes molded plastics self-cleaning.A novel development for improving the surface appearance of plastics is the "Lotus-Effect" from Degussa's Aerosil & Silanes business unit, Parsippany, N.J. This effect causes the surface of plastics to become highly hydrophobic hydrophobic /hy·dro·pho·bic/ (-fo´bik) 1. pertaining to hydrophobia (rabies). 2. not readily absorbing water, or being adversely affected by water. 3. (water repellent re·pel·lent adj. Capable of driving off or repelling. n. A substance used to drive off or keep away insects. repellent able to repel or drive off; also, an agent that repels. Refers usually to insect repellent. ) so that water droplets resting on the plastic take a spherical spher·i·cal adj. Having the shape of or approximating a sphere; globular. shape. Dirt particles reportedly also are repelled by the plastic and are easily washed away by rainwater. The Lotus-Effect is imparted by two new modified fumed fume n. 1. Vapor, gas, or smoke, especially if irritating, harmful, or strong. 2. A strong or acrid odor. 3. A state of resentment or vexation. v. silicas, Aeroxide LE 1 and LE 2. A dispersion of these white nano-sized powders is sprayed into the injection mold, where it is transferred to the plastic part, making it "self-cleaning." Studies are under way for applying this effect to extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming. Tel: (800) 334-8772 * PT Direct: 857ST |
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