Nano Coating Qatar

Nano coating and its many benefits for you to make use of

From food processing to the automotive industry and from clothing industry to interior design: nano coatings are useful in almost every branch. Not only does nano coating seal wall paint but also makes skyscraper windows self-cleaning (imagine how laborios it is to wash the Aspire Tower windows) . In Qatar nano coatings are being used more and more, and the demand is expected to grow rapidly together with the increasing in construction and investment in the 2022 football world championship to be hosted in Qatar. This article will provide you with deeper insights into the many opportunities nano coatings offer.

To provide you with an initial idea of whether your project would benefit from nano coatings, we will give you 5 examples of beneficial properties nano coating brings along. Nano coating:

1. Protects from short-circuits: Ideal for electronic uses and electrical systems.
2. Slows down deterioration: Durable protection for sensitive and porous surfaces such as concrete bridges and monuments.
3. Contributes to safety: Dangerous fungi and bacteria cannot attach to the surface.
4. Reduces maintenance costs: Grease and dirt slides off windows and solar panels. Cleaning becomes safe and cost efficient.
5. Combats vandalism: Becomes an effective anti graffiti or anti urine layer.

These exceptional characteristics are made possible by nanotechnology which relies on tiny nano particles. Unlike traditional coatings, nano coating does not form a layer on the substrate, but becomes one with it instead. Due to this, liquids can no longer penetrate the surface, and dirt, grease and fungi cannot adhere to it.

The most suitable nano coating is 3 steps away

When choosing a nano coating for your project, you should keep in mind the purpose and material of the substrate: wood, glass, concrete and metal all require different products. For example, you should apply a ceramic coating on car paint, and a water repelling, self cleaning nano coating for windows.

Here we will bring you closer to the most suitable nano coating through the following 3 steps.

Step 1: Determine the wished effect

Nano coating does not let liquids penetrate the surface.

Essentially, the main types of effects nano coatings can have, depending on the chemical composition and ingredients, are hydrophobic, hydrophilic, oleophobic and nano coatings based on glass or ceramics.

Therefore, it is crucial to first determine, what you expect from the coating.

1. Self cleaning

Suitable coating: Hydrophilic coating

What it is: This nano coating is based on titanium dioxide (TiN) and it is suitable especially for smooth surfaces. Titanium dioxide breaks almost any organic bond in UV light. It does not repel water, but attracts it instead; creating a thin, tiny water filter which creates a self-cleaning effect. The coating is extremely hygienic; you will literally see water and dirts slide off the surface.

Examples of applications: Skyscraper windows, medical instrument, solar panels and greenhouses.

2. Oil and water repellent

Suitable coating: Hydrophobic and oleophobic

What it is: Hydrophobic and oleophobic literally mean afraid of water and afraid of oil. The effective ingredient in these coatings is silicium dioxide which prevents water and contamination from adhering to the surface. These coatings also combat corrosion on metal surfaces. This type of nano coating is available for nearly any surface: the most common applications take place on bathroom floors and walls.

Examples of applications: 

Car windows, walls and floors in the food processing industry, eyeglasses, sanitary facilities, textile, plastic, exterior furniture, electronics etc.

3. Impact resistant

Suitable coating: Glass- or ceramic coating

What it is: Like hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings, also ceramic and glass coatings are based on silicium dioxide; however, the dosis is higher. This makes the nanocoating extremely hard, almost insoluble and resistant to a wide range of chemicals. Due to the extreme hardness of the coating, it is also somewhat resistant to impact and scratches. Therefore, it is one of the most popular nano coatings in the automotive coating and refinishes sectors.

Examples of applications: Car paint, statues, machines, as a topcoat on floors and walls.

Step 2: Choose for a product suitable for the specific substrate

Even though nano coatings are suitable for almost any substrate, not every coating adheres to all substrates. The optimal adherence is created by adding ingredients that support adhering to the wished material such as smooth metal or porous concrete. Therefore, the products are  also often named according to the substrate they are suitable for: for example Nano Concrete, Nano Plastic and so on.

Therefore, it is crucial to choose for the product that is especially developed for the surface you wish to coat. If you anyway choose for a product that is made for a different substrate, the coating may not adhere and the effect may not be as wished.

Step 3: Purchase nano coating for professional applications

Once you know which nano coating you need, it is time to purchase the coating. To make the job little easier for you, we have compiled a short overview of nano coating manufacturers in Qatar.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in the products from the following Qatari manufacturers, or if you are looking for a tailored (international) nano coating solution.

Take these 5 things into account before applying nano coating

Although nano coatings are known for their many benefits, they also have a less beneficial side: take into account that nano coatings are not always the right solution. You should consider at least the following 5 things before deciding on going for nano coatings.

1. Limited durability: nano coatings are not for ever. Some products may deteriorate very fast and need another layer shortly after the first is applied.
2. Substrate type: every substrate requires a different nano coating.
3. Product names: the names manufacturers give their products may be confusing; anti graffiti and glass coating are most often names of nanocoatings.
4. Easy to clean: nano coating are however not resistant to harsh cleaning chemicals and microfibre cloths.
5. Contaminants: the coatings are not suitable for old, contaminated substrates. The substrate must be absolutely clean.

Are you convinced that nano coatings are not suitable for your project? We are familiar with all the alternatives. We are happy to help answer any questions you might have about (nano) coatings. Additionally, we have an extensive network of coating experts whose expertise is at your disposal. Do not hesitate to contact us for tailored advice.

Find a nano coating specialist for the application

Let’s assume you are curious about using nano coatings in car manufacture. Or you want to protect electronic devices from short-circuits. Or maybe something completely different. We at Coatings.qa are happy to offer our services to help you find the right nano coating. In cooperation with our coating partners, we can also draw up a competitive proposal for applying nano coatings. In Qatar, there are numerous companies who are working with nanotechnology; for example CAM (Center for Advanced Materials) as part of Qatar University researches and develops nano coatings.

Nano coatings contribute to innovative medical and environmental improvements

Nanotechnology forms the bases for many innovative coating experiments and prototypes. For example use of nanocoating as antimicrobial floor and wall coatings. Next to that, medical equipment and implants can be nano coated to make them safer and sterile.

Nano coatings also contribute to improved and cleaner environment; they are used as anti graffiti coatings which make removing graffiti easy, and as anti urine paint which prevents the fluid from adhering to the surface improving general ambience.