So here’s a few of the known applications. We’d love to hear from you if you have some other suggestions that could be HUGE if only we knew. We might even send a nano-prize to the contributors of the best or most unusually practical ideas.

As a reminder, this is what nano-coatings are all about …

Nanolia coatings are based on pure liquid glass, silicon dioxide, SIO2. Among their many qualities they are “superdurable” and “superphobic” – hard wearing substances that reject oil, water, red wine, oil, fruit juices and most acids in liquid form. Surfaces treated with Nanolia products are easily cleaned with water alone. They become highly durable with the potential to last for many years depending on how they are treated. Should Nanolia coatings shows signs of wear, they are very easy to re-condition.
And this how they differ from other surface treatments …
Treating surfaces with Nanolia products gives a similar result to varnishing but without discolouration or the disadvantages of being hydrocarbon-based. Hydrocarbons = oil, which as we are made increasingly aware, is a massive polluter. Other surface treatments that might appear to give a similar result to Nanolia are silicone based which are not nearly so durable.

Other varnishes for stone might be water-based polymers, e.g. acrylics. Not only are Nanolia products much more durable, they are also cationic, i.e. positively charged which destabilises bacteria cell walls. Some Nanolia products also contain nano-silver particles, one of the most effective anti-bacterial, anti-fungal substances known to science.

Nanolia nano-coatings – just a few of the many possible applications

Construction Industry

o Steel components, steel-frame buildings
o Wood – makes water repellent, termite resistant.
o Facades made of concrete, natural stone; prevent efflorescence
o Glass, marble, granite
o Carpets and furnishings (interior of buildings) & exterior

Heritage Buildings

o Protect monuments and archaeological items such as exposed ancient walls, statues and monuments.
o Improves the surface without discolouring, prevents water ingress but still allows humidity to escape.
o Prevent graffiti sticking; make easily removable.

Aviation and airports

o Windows, doors, toilets, concourses.
o Aircraft seats to make more hygienic and easier to clean
o Flight surfaces – there are current trials on gliders, watch this space!

Pools
o Tiles and mosaics to help reduce the effects of oils on pool rims.
o Does not affect “non slip” surfaces
o Prevent growth of algae.
o Make easier to clean with just water.

Agriculture
o Seed coating – protects against moisture, increase shelf life, makes plants bigger
o Nanosilver – protects against plant diseases.

Medical: Hospitals, Doctors, Dentists, Vets surgeries
o Nanolia anti-bacterial liquids contain nanosilver as an active ingredient to kill bacteria, fungi and mould. It can be used to treat surfaces found in hospitals and clinics including floors, door handles, finger pads, bathrooms, shower curtains, food preparation areas and difficult to clean or keep clean surfaces.
o There is ongoing research into its use directly on medical devices.

Industrial
o Release agent for mould tools – As it is 200% flexible, it makes an ideal release agent for rubber mould tools.
o Simply thousands of other applications! Note: each different application would first need to be tested for suitability!

Food Industry
o Conveyor belts
o Food handling areas
o Breweries
o Distilleries
o Wineries
o Dairies
o Piping, flooring, walls, storage racks

Automotive
o Car windscreens – repels rain
o Car exteriors – protect against abrasion, staining, graffiti; improve and protect colour brilliance and sheen; easier to clean using only water.
o Alloy wheels – protects against brake dust
o Engine and gearbox components
o Car interiors – seat fabrics, leather seats, plastic dashboards, wooden fascia, carpeting.

Hotels and Conference Centres
o Concourses
o Dance Floors
o Catering facilities & food prep areas
o Shower cubicles and bathrooms
o Upholstery and Soft furnishings
Marine
o Wooden decks
o Handrails
o Gelcoat hulls
o Anti-fouling additive
o Canopies & cockpits
o Sails
Building & Construction
o Walls, Floors, Ceilings, Roofs
o Stone, concrete, plaster, timber, paviours, bricks
o Kitchens, bathrooms
o Treating & preventing mould, fungus, mildew
o Thermal barriers
o UV protection

Other miscellaneous applications
o Filters – makes them easier to clean and anti-bacterial
o Shoes, clothing
o Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal cosmetics