Durable self-cleaning nano-titanium dioxide superhydrophilic coating with anti-fog property

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to design the nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) coating system which has superhydrophilic property, self-cleaning mechanism and antifog property as well as strong adhesion on glass substrate. Design/methodology/approach Two hydrophilic materials have been used such as TiO2 nanoparticles as fillers and hydrophilic copolymer, Pluronic F-127 by using simple sol–gel approach. The prepared solution was applied onto glass through dip- and spray-coating techniques and then left for drying at ambient temperature. Findings The nano-TiO2 superhydrophilic coating has achieved the water contact angle of 4.9° ± 0.5°. The superhydrophilic coating showed great self-cleaning effect against concentrated syrup and methylene blue where thin layer of water washes the dirt contaminants away. The nano-TiO2 coating exhibits great antifog performance that maintains high transparency of around 89% when the coated glass is placed above hot-fog vapor for 10 min. The fog droplets were condensed into water film which allowed the transmission of light through the glass. The strong adhesion of coated glass shows no total failure at scratch profile when impacted with scratch load of 500, 800 and 1,200 mN. Research limitations/implications Findings will be useful in the development of self-cleaning superhydrophilic coating that is applicable on building glass and photovoltaic panel. Practical implications The developed nano-TiO2 coating is developed by the combination of hydrophilic organic copolymer–inorganic TiO2 network to achieve great superhydrophilic property, optimum self-cleaning ability and supreme antifog performance. Social implications The findings will be useful for residents in building glass window where the application will reduce dust accumulation and keep the glass clean for longer period. Originality/value The synthesis of nano-TiO2 superhydrophilic coating which can be sprayed on large glass panel and cured at ambient temperature.