Crystalline Nanotechnology Coatings

Nanotechnology -crystalline non-organic polymers

[: the study of the controlling of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally nanotechnology deals with structures of the size 100 nanometres or smaller in at least one dimension] [1]


Nanometre dimensions are at the atomic dimension scale. Nanotechnology refers to the study, creation and application of molecular materials with a particle size that is typically less than one nanometre (nm) is one billionth, or 10−9, of a meter. By comparison, typical carbon to carbon bond lengths, or the spacing between these atoms in a molecule, are in the range 0.12–0.15 nm. The significance of a polymer nano-coating is that is can form a very tight bond with the surface of most materials; including glass, paint, plastic, rubber, aluminium, chrome, stainless steel, fabrics, and leather will have surface imperfections i.e. peaks and valleys, micro-fissures when viewed under high magnification. These undulations allow a nano-coating polymer to form a tight molecular bond with the surface it’s applied to.


Surfaces sealed with Nanotechnology sealants repel water, oil and dirt, have antistatic characteristics and protect against chemical and biological damage. Water, oil and dirt can be removed easily, but if the car is very dirty it can be cleaned with a high pressure hose and a microfiber cloth.


• Nanotechnology polymers form a very tight matrix chain-link structure, which forms both a very strong bond and one that is not easily breached by chemicals or detergents.


• This type of nanotechnology coating with its small particulate size are much smaller than those of water; making them hydrophobic (water resistant)


• Due to their size they fill any surface irregularities (micro fissures) which results in a flat surface, one that reflects light without hindrance


Through self-organizing anti adhesion components, the nanostructure forms an invisible barrier similar to glass. Only the nanostructure remains on the sealed surfaces, while the water evaporates. Surfaces sealed with Nanotechnology sealants repel water, oil and dirt, have antistatic characteristics and protect against ultra violet radiation (UVR) chemical and biological damage. Water, oil and dirt can be removed easily, but if the car is very dirty it can be cleaned with a high pressure hose and a micro fibre towel.


To-date my paint protection product of choice has been a polymer product manufactured by a company named Zaino, before nanotechnology nothing could match it for durability, hydrophobicity and ease of maintenance.


Nanotechnology offers superior durability, hydrophobicity, surface hardness and scratch resistance, resistance to environmental contaminants, works like a clear coat in providing ultra violet (UV) and heat radiation protection without colour change (yellowing) or oxidation and easier maintenance, simply rinsing with plain water results in a clean surface without loss of gloss. I think these products will have a profound impact and radically change auto detailing


Nano the next dimension (Film produced for the European Commission) - http://www.nanopaprika.eu/video/nano...dimension-film


Notes


1. Pressure and kinetic friction (heat) assist with the bonding process


2. Nanotechnology polymers form a very tight matrix chain-link structure, which forms both a very strong bond and one that is not easily breached by chemicals or detergents.


3. This type of polymer coatings with its small particulate size are much smaller than those of water; making them hydrophobic (water resistant)


4. Due to their size they fill any surface irregularities (micro fissures) which results in a flat surface, one that reflects light without refraction


Silica (quartz)


The most common mineral in the earth’s crust is silicon dioxide (or silica), SiO2. There are at least seven different crystalline forms of silica, including quartz. The sol-gel process, also known as chemical solution deposition, is a wet-chemical technique widely used in the fields of materials science and ceramic engineering.


Such methods are used primarily for the fabrication of materials (typically a metal oxide) starting from a chemical solution which acts as the precursor for an integrated network (or gel) of either discrete particles or network polymers. See also Nano-crystalline silicon powder


Differing Nanotechnologies


1. AQuartz is an inorganic silica / silicon dioxide
2. G'zox is an organic polymer
3. G| techniq is an inorganic silicate crystallization compound
4. Nanolex is an inorganic, solvent-based formula nanostructure coating


Particles and polymers


The sol-gel process is a wet-chemical technique used for the fabrication of both glassy and ceramic materials. In this process, the sol (or solution) evolves gradually towards the formation of a gel-like network containing both a liquid phase and a solid phase. Typical precursors are metal alkoxides and metal chlorides, which undergo hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions to form a colloid. The basic structure or morphology of the solid phase can range anywhere from discrete colloidal particles to continuous chain-like polymer networks.


Catalyzing Additives


Hydroxyl [: a compound containing an oxygen atom bound covalently with a hydrogen atom. The neutral form of this group is a hydroxyl radical. The hydroxyl anion (OH−) is called hydroxide; it is a diatomic ion with a single negative electronic charge.] [1]


Professional painters add chemicals and compounds to their paint mix prior to painting to promote cross-linking, improve paint flexibility, reduce paint imperfections, increase hardness, and improve gloss. The same line of thinking has been used in the development of polymer catalyzing additives; it’s a reactive catalyst that actively bonds protective polymers together during the curing process to greatly enhanced durability.


After 48 hours, most products will thicken to a level that they are no longer usable.


Polymers can be formulated in a variety of densities and hardness’s by varying the type of monomer(s) used and adding other substances such as a catalyst to modify their characteristics; notably density, accelerate cross-linking or enhancing their performance (strength, durability, etc).


All modern car waxes and paint sealants use polymer technology for shine and protection. Polymers are long molecules capable of interlinking to form a mesh type matrix. This interlocking capability, called cross-linking, is what gives polymers their strength and durability, most waxes do not fully cross-link with the paint film surface.


Once cross-linked, all applied paint protection systems begin to deteriorate. The rate of deterioration depends on many factors, including the chemicals used; bonding qualities, environmental conditions, and type of use the vehicle is subjected too, etc


Notes


1. The accelerant in catalyzing additives causes liquid coatings and sealant products to begin cross-linking (curing)


2. Apply your coating in two thin layers; not a single heavy coat; ensure the first layer is thoroughly dry before you apply the second.


3. Opened containers should be immediately closed /sealed to prevent premature curing of the product. Should the product start curing and forming a gel the product cannot be used


4. Do not mix more product than you plan to use in 48 hours or the accelerant wax / mixture must be thrown away, as the wax will harden in the bottle.


5. Wash the mixing bottle inside and out with a heavy concentration of liquid dishwashing detergent and thoroughly rinse. The mixing bottles cannot be reused if the polish remains in the bottle for more than 12 - 48hours (dependent on mfg). After 12-48 hours, it is not possible to completely clean the mixing bottle.


Surface tension


[: is an attractive property of the surface of a liquid. It is what causes the surface portion of liquid to be attracted to another surface, such as that of another portion of liquid (as in connecting bits of water or as in a drop of mercury that forms a cohesive sphere] [1]


Water has a property called surface tension; it’s caused by the attraction between the molecules of the liquid, due to various inter covalent forces. In the bulk of the liquid each molecule is pulled equally in all directions by neighbouring liquid molecules, resulting in a net force of zero.


This tension causes water to bead up on surfaces, you can see surface tension at work by placing a drop of water onto a clean surface that has no wax / sealant, and the water drop (dependent upon contact angle) will hold its shape and will not spread. Surface tension can be compromised mechanically by dirt breaching the sphere and causing it to lose its shape; this does not necessarily mean that the surface protection has diminished.

Contact angle


[: the contact angle is the angle at which a liquid/vapour interface meets a solid surface].


The degree of (surface) wetting is determined by a force balance between adhesive and cohesive forces. If the liquid is very strongly attracted to the solid surface (for example water on a strongly hydrophilic solid) the droplet will completely spread out on the solid surface and the contact angle will be close to 0. °. Less strongly hydrophilic solids will have a contact angle up to 90. °. On many highly hydrophilic surfaces, water droplets will exhibit contact angles of 0° to 30°. If the solid surface is hydrophobic, the contact angle will be larger than 90. °A. On highly hydrophobic surfaces the surfaces have water contact angles as high as ~120. °


If the angle ° is less than 90 the liquid is said to wet the solid. If it is greater than 90 it is said to be non-wetting. A zero contact angle represents complete wetting. The instrument of choice to measure contact angles and dynamic contact angles is Theta optical tensiometer.


The smaller the contact angle the tighter the water sphere (bead) conversely the larger the angle (°) becomes the sphere’s shape will change until the water sheets from a sloped surface.


Hydrophobic Effect


Hydrophilic; from the Greek (hydro) "water" and φιλια (philia) bonding


Bonding [: refers to a physical property of a molecule that can transiently bond with water (H2O) through hydrogen bonding] [1] these compounds have an affinity to water and are usually charged or have polar side groups to their structure that will attract water.


Hydrophobic; water fearing, these compounds are repelled by water and are usually neutral (zero charge)


Highly water repellent (hydrophobic); at the macroscopic level, the hydrophobic effect is apparent when oil and water are mixed together and form separate layers or the beading of water on hydrophobic surfaces such as waxy leafs.


Due to their high surface tension water droplets tend to minimize their surface trying to achieve a spherical shape. On contact with a surface, adhesion forces result in wetting of the surface: either complete or incomplete wetting may occur depending on the structure of the surface and the fluid tension of the droplet. The cause of self-cleaning properties is the hydrophobic water-repellent double structure of the surface. A nano-coating has a particle size that's smaller than water.


This enables the contact area and the adhesion force between surface and droplet to be significantly reduced resulting in a self-cleaning process. This hierarchical double structure is formed out of a characteristic epidermis (its outermost layer called the cuticle) and the covering waxes. The epidermis of the lotus plant possesses papillae with 10 to 20 µm in height and 10 to 15 µm in width on which the so-called epicuticular waxes are imposed. These superimposed waxes are hydrophobic and form the second layer of the double structure.


The hydrophobicity of a surface is determined by the contact angle. The higher the contact angles the higher the hydrophobicity of a surface. Surfaces with a contact angle < 90° are referred to as hydrophilic and those with an angle >90° as hydrophobic. Some plants show contact angles up to 160° and are called super-hydrophobic meaning that only 2-3% of a drop's surface is in contact. Plants with a double structured surface like the lotus can reach a contact angle of 170° whereas a droplets actual contact area is only 0.6%. All this leads to a self-cleaning effect.


Dirt particles with an extremely reduced contact area are picked up by water droplets and are thus easily cleaned off the surface. If a water droplet rolls across such a contaminated surface the adhesion between the dirt particle, irrespective its chemistry, and the droplet is higher than between the particle and the surface. As this self-cleaning effect is based on the high surface tension of water it does not work with organic solvents. Therefore, the lotus-effect is no protection against graffiti. [1]


Hydrophilic Effect


Sheeting (hydrophilic) - the self cleaning (sheeting) ability of the hydrophilic polymer seems to be much better than the hydrophobic organic wax (beading) effect, as it may accelerate the oxidation when drying after rain.


If your goal is maximum protection, don't use water beading/sheeting as an indicator; while it’s true that it is a visual indicator that a wax / sealant previously applied is still present it does not guarantee that it’s actually providing protection.


Lotus Effect (Nelumbo nucifera)


[: refers to the very high water repellency (superhydrophobicity) exhibited by the leaves of the lotus flower. Dirt particles are picked up by water droplets due to a complex micro and nanoscopic architecture of the surface, which enables minimization of adhesion] [1]


Wilhelm Barthlott of the University of Bonn, Germany, discovered and developed the Lotus effect


The story of self-cleaning materials begins in nature with the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), a radiantly graceful aquatic perennial that has played an enormous role in the religions and cultures of India, Myanmar, China and Japan. The lotus is venerated because of its exceptional purity. It grows in muddy water, but its leaves, when they emerge, stand meters above the water and are seemingly never dirty. Drops of water on a lotus leaf have an unearthly sparkle, and rainwater washes dirt from that leaf more readily than from any other plant.


The leaves of Lotus plants have the unique ability to avoid getting dirty. They are coated with wax crystals around 1 nanometre in diameter that repel water droplets falling onto the leaves, which bead-up and if the surface slopes slightly will roll off taking dirt with them, so that the leaves are self-cleaning.


Microscopic bumps on a lotus leaf transform its waxy surface into an extremely water repellent, or super hydrophobic, material. Raindrops roll easily across such a surface, removing any dirt. At the nano (i.e. much smaller than micro) scale rough surfaces are more effective in repelling water than smooth ones as there is less contact between water and solid. This rough surface structure is also essential to the easy-cleaning effect on a smooth surface such as glass.


Researchers have developed synthetic self-cleaning materials, some of which are based on this “lotus effect,” whereas others employ the opposite property, superhydrophobicity as well as catalytic chemical reactions. Future products may combine the two water affinity properties or use substances that can be switched back and forth to control the flow of liquids through micro fluidic components.


Surface Hardness


Is defined as the ability of a material to resist local deformation (or penetration) from externally applied pressure, and is directly related to its tensile strength; stronger materials are generally harder. The enamel paint finishes on vehicles from the 50’s and 60’s era were as tough as porcelain. But rightly due to environmental concerns, those high percentage petroleum based paints have been generally superseded, resulting in the softer water-based paint finishes of today and the unavoidable orange-peel seen on many new and re-painted vehicles.


Today’s paints, unfortunately, rank somewhere near the bottom of the scale of hardness, especially single coat black / red paint the exception being white single stage and CeramiClear, when compared to all the materials your paint can possibly come in contact with (always bear that in mind).


An adaptation of that hardness scale (1 - 10)

• Talc = 1
• Carbon Black [black paint pigmentation] = 2
• Glass = 6
• Titanium dioxide [white paint pigmentation] = 7
• Diamond =10


Hard and soft are both relative terms; you can scratch the hard surface of a vehicles paint with a soft towel by the application of enough pressure. Both pressure and mechanical stress are defined as force per unit area. These two forces are the subject of Newton's third law of motion; the law of reciprocal actions [: to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction]


How can a hard clear coat be so easily scratched? Force acts through a body that has a surface area; if the surface area is really small while maintaining an equal force, the pressure becomes astronomical and the object under pressure capable of penetrating the surface of an otherwise tough material. That’s why a micro fine thread that is twice as fine as silk and a 100 times finer than a human hair, in an otherwise soft towel will scratch your paint. And the same reason a mosquito can penetrate a rhino hide with its proboscis (stinger)


AQuartz Surface Protection Characteristics


AQuartz is a high synthesis with 45% silica particles (Silicium-dioxide, when you melt quartz sand, it becomes glass) with very high density molecules, a coating system that forms a thin crystalline film comprised of hard dense particles turning the surface into an ultra durable nanostructure. The chemical reaction bonds to form an ultra-thin protective layer of optically clear material which, makes the surface significantly easier to clean and more resistant to weathering


• Stain Resistance - the cured AQuartz coating is highly resistant to most common water and air borne pollutants, and even to sticky contaminants such as tree sap and insect impacts, due to its nano structured surface topology. Resistant to leaching of calcium and sodium (etching caused by hard water)


• Self-cleaning- when saturated with water AQuartz coating exhibit Lotus effect self-cleaning properties. Dirt particles with an extremely reduced contact area are picked up by water droplets and are thus easily cleaned off the surface. If a water droplet rolls across such a contaminated surface the adhesion between the dirt particle, irrespective its chemistry, and the droplet is higher than between the particle and the surface. The hydrophobic micro-nanostructure surface water beads during the flush-rinse off phase, most surface contaminants present will be rinsed away by the water


• Sunlight exposure - the cured AQuartz coating is are extremely transparent and colourless, and therefore yellowing of the film itself over time is negligible. The nanostructure structure provides highly effective physical ultra violet (UV) blocking, providing colour stability with >98% visible light transmission


• Heat exposure - the cured AQuartz coating are highly resistant to ultra violet (UV) radiation (heat) and can withstand surface temperatures as high as 500.0F


• Durability and abrasion resistance - the AQuartz nano-structure produces a tough; hard finish 9H (Pencil Hardness Scale) that exhibits far superior abrasion resistance than that of traditional polymers, wax, silicone, or other OEM paints, for up to 2 years (depending on ambient conditions)


• Surface Bonding - the bond created is a covalent bond, which means that the coating shares the electrons with the surface molecules, thus becoming a part of it, forming a nanostructure. Covalent bonds are approximately 10 times stronger than hydrogen-bridge bonds, which are commonly present in most other water repellent coatings.


• Hardness – Mohs equivalent hardness scale between 6-7, requires a 2-3 week cure cycle


• Scratch-resistance- anti-scratch Hardness Mohs Scale – 5 /10 (Absolute Hardness - 48) Requires a 2-3 week cure cycle


• Coating final thickness - each layer is approx 0.3µ, apply two layers to ensure complete coverage, three layers are recommended; this will provide better durability and maximum hardness and scratch resistance.


AQuartz Coating System


[: Silica / Silicon Dioxide / SiO2 and Tatiana / Titanium Dioxide / TiO2]


AQuartz is a nano paint sealant that is based on nanotechnology, the next generation of protective coatings for automobile surfaces. It protects automotive paintwork and glass, while enhancing the appearance with a deep gloss finish. Through aqueous and oily liquid repellency, foreign matter, such as oily substances, chalk, dead bugs etc are prevented from adhering to the paint. Even dried on dirt, dead bugs etc can be removed easily after prior treatment


Unlike traditional organic waxes, AQuartz is water- based hybrid nano silica-titanium coating system, which chemically bonds to a vehicles paint surface, creating an ultra durable coating. The special nano-technology coating provides long-term protection and a permanent easy to clean surface, due to the unique self cleaning (Lotus effect) [1]


Washing the vehicle is therefore easier and less time consuming. If the repelling effect decreases, it's probably something to do with soiling or a surfactant. In that case, clean the surface with a mild chemical cleaner (Isopropyl alcohol) and thoroughly rinse. The repelling effect will be reinstated. If the coating is actually damaged, the surfaces can easily be retreated.


This is a professionally orientated product that relies on the application of a uniform coating thickness and has potentially serious usage risks that should be fully understood; please read and adhere to the application instructions carefully.


AQuartz


Is a nano technology hydrophobic coating, which results in less spotting and staining and is also a dirt-repellent. AQuartz cannot be removed by water, alkaline detergents or high pressure washing equipment. AQuartz is UV stable and treated surfaces maintain original clarity and exhibits long term durability on paint, on both glass and polyurethane surfaces.


It reduces minor surface swirl marks by 50%, increases surface hardness and provides enhanced acid protection. This unique coating has another major benefit "Anti Calcium Effect”, with most other sealants or nano coatings, dried water spots penetrates the coating and then it is very hard to wipe them off, with AQuartz it will not bond to the coat and will be very easy to remove


This is not a sealer that forms a barrier but rather a modification of the surface chemistry on a molecular level, that is easy to clean and provides a durable protective coating. This type of coating is classified a semi-permeable membrane; that has both tensile strength and elongation (elasticity) allowing it to move with fluctuations in surface temperatures. It also provides a high gloss and with a glass like transparency that maximizes reflected light


On a microscopic level any painted surface is not completely smooth, so water and dirt on the surface can build up easily; AQuartz allows the dirt to simply rinse away and provide a clean surface, reducing any water marks on surface. It is not miscible and therefore resists water, alkaline detergents or high pressure water spray equipment. The surface retains its original clarity and transparency. Product also provides ultra violet (UV) protection and scratch resistance.


Coating Thickness


For its unique attributes to be realized the coating must have an evenly applied thickness. Each layer should be approx 0.3µ, apply two layers to ensure complete coverage, three layers are recommended; this will provide better durability and maximum hardness and scratch resistance. A HVLP spray gun will provide a consistent thickness and a faster more effortless application


Curing Period


After approximately 48 hours (with porous surfaces) the coating develops it’s full anti adhesive characteristics. The surface tension decreases through the coating, so that liquids and contaminants can no longer adhere and are simply repelled.


AQuartz film protection system has a 9H hardness rating, which effectively adds an anti-scratch effect to the finish, and so greater resistance against key, fingernail and car wash scratches; swirl marks, spider-webbing and micro-marring. To obtain products maximum scratch resistance and hardness a curing time of 2-3 weeks is required


Application Methodology AQuartz


The micro nanostructure develops a strong molecular bond with the paint surface. For its unique attributes to be realized the coating must be an evenly applied thickness. Each layer is approx 0.3µ, apply two layers to ensure complete coverage, three layers are recommended; this will provide better durability and maximum hardness and scratch resistance.


The cleaning process is absolutely crucial in order to achieve long lasting results. The cleaner your cars’ paint is before the sealant is applied, the longer the protective layer will last. Prepare the paint surface to your personal level of perfection (washed, clayed, decontaminated, polished and an isopropyl alcohol wipe-down process)


Alternatively use P21S Total Auto Wash a d-limonene (citrus) based All-Purpose-Cleaner (APC) may be used as a once off and a decontaminated and detailer’s clay process applied as necessary. Polish the paint surface to remove any surface scratches as this product will highlight them.


This product dries and cures, with applied heat and/ or friction. Continue buffing for a few minutes, until you are happy the product has cured. This is when you can speed up the application process, by using a hot air gun if desired. Pressure and kinetic friction (heat) assist with the bonding process, heat will aid to fully cure the lower layer prior to the second application on AQuartz, as recommended. The user can also leave the car outside to take advantage of the suns radiation heat or a warm place to aid the curing process.


For best results apply in a dry, cool environment with good lighting.


Like all applied paint coatings it is of paramount importance to apply a consistent thickness to a clean surface that is free of any silicone, wax or oils. The efficiency and durability relies on the pre-cleaning of the surfaces to be treated. Use a higher concentration of car wash concentrate and slightly warmer water as the wash solution.


Simple wipe-on, wipe-off method ensures easy application in without access to controlled environments or specialist tools. These products can be applied; Hand application, HVLP spray gun, Random orbital polisher (our preferred method) or a Rotary polisher


a) Hand application-use 4 short mists from the spray on the applicator and start to wipe immediately. Spread evenly over the surface and then with firm pressure and fast hand movements wiping over the area, for a few passes Then continuing to wipe but decreasing the pressure as you go. Continue to do so for sometime as the longer you wipe the better the bond will be on the panel. I’ve found that a sponge inside a zip-lock bag avoids too much product being absorbed by the sponge, wrap in a micro fibre towel, using medium pressure


b) Random orbital polisher - (speed #4) and a 100 PPI soft foam pad or a micro fibre towel, spread a thin coating


Once the first layer has cured I would recommended you apply a second coat to ensure complete coverage and a recommended third layer; for optimal durability and scratch resistance.


Take your time and experiment with different application methodologies. You'll soon develop your own method of application after some trial and error.

Methodology


1. It cannot be emphasized enough ‘Apply products very sparingly’ (0.75 – 1.0 oz should be sufficient for most vehicles)
2. Before you apply the sealant shake the bottle thoroughly
3. Spray a thin layer onto the applicator and spread in an overlapping circular motion to one ‘section at a time
4. Do not apply during direct solar irradiation or to hot surfaces
5. Using an orbital (speed #4 ) and a 100 PPI soft foam pad or a micro fibre towel , spread a thin coating
6. Once the surface felt sticky then remove any residue with a micro fibre towel, aggressively buff as this helps the bonding process, until the surface looks ‘clear’
7. Use an IPA wipe down process to clean the surface
8. Heat Cure –once the surface finish is too your personal satisfaction; use heat gun (or a Short Wave Infrared Curing Light) to cure; 30 to 130. °C ( 85 – 265.0F) for approx five minutes over the entire surface, or let the car cure by radiation heat (sun) a heat gun will only be required in winter time
9. Allow to cool for approx one hour
10. Repeat this process for second and any subsequent layers (three is optimum)
11. Buff surface to a high gloss with a clean micro fibre towel
12. Once finished, allow coating to cure for 1 hour (avoid moisture contact) optimal protective effect within 24 hours.


Take your time and experiment with different application methodologies. You'll soon develop your own method of application after some trial and error.


Aquartz - ReLoad Spray Sealant


Reload is a water- base spray sealant, based on modified Silicon (should not be confused with man-made silicone) glass fibre polymer. It can be used as a stand-alone product or used in conjunction with the Aquartz coating. It provides Instant protection with quick detailer (QD) type application, it exhibit hydrophobic (water sheeting), so dirt just won't adhere to the paint, and high gloss properties. Easy to use on all surfaces (vehicle trim, glass, rubber and vinyl); wipe on – wipe off (WOWO) can be used on wet or dry surfaces.


Application - I’ve found that a sponge inside a zip-lock bag avoids too much product being absorbed by the sponge, wrap in a micro fibre towel, using medium pressure


Reload is a temporary sealant coat, not a quick detailer (QD) per se and has no cleaning properties, durability up to 3-4 months. Use Reload 24 hours after applying the Aquartz coating, which provides further protection from water until Average consumption per car 50ml, shelf life - 12 months, store in a cool dry shaded place.


Application Notes:



1. Apply to a ‘section’ as opposed to large areas, this will avoid "start and stop lines". A hood, for example, has centre body lines that separates the two sides, so first apply the right side, buff surface and then repeat for the other side. The problem encountered with applying to a large area is that the product will dry and set before you can properly work the product over that large an area
2. Avoid washing the vehicle for 12 hours after product application
3. Test the product on an inconspicuous place before applying.
4. Do not use in strong sunlight or a damp environment
5. Paint surface must be absolutely dirt-free and thoroughly dry.
6. The product must not be applied on surfaces contaminated with silicone, oil, polymer, Teflon or wax.
7. For hand applications use a foam applicator inside a zip-seal plastic baggie and then covered with a thin flat micro fibre cotton towel. This method will place more of the product on the paint not absorbed by the applicator.
8. The spray method is very efficient but uses quite a lot more product than hand or machine application.
9. To add layers - leave to cure for an hour in sunlight between each layer
10. Each layer is approx 0.3µ, apply two layers to ensure complete coverage, three layers are recommended; this will provide better durability and maximum hardness and scratch resistance.
11. Apply layers and then apply the ReLoad

Precautions
1. Avoid spraying in direct sunlight or on hot surface.
2. Please work in adequate ventilated or open space (we strongly suggest using surgeons mask while working).
3. Wash hands after handling with soap and water.
4. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting, immediately rinse your mouth, please get medical attention.
5. Eye and skin contact, please rinse with capacious amounts of clean water.
6. Keep out of the reach of children.
7. Keep out of surface water and drains.
8. See also personal protective equipment (PPE)


After care


1. After about two days (with porous surfaces) the coating develops its full anti-adhesive characteristics. The surface tension decreases through the coating, so that liquids and contaminants can no longer adhere and are simply repelled.
2. After you applied the AQuartz system you don't need to wash with usual dilution of a pH neutral car wash concentrate (1z einszett Perls, P21S Bodywork Shampoo, Griot's Garage Car Wash or Swissvax Car Bathe, 0.25 oz per gallons, or more dilution is recommended) all that is required is enough to provide surface lubrication for the waffle weave micro fibre towel, most of the time a plain water rinse is all that is required.
3. It’s very important to thoroughly rinse after washing when using any type of nanotechnology coating as a build up of soap residue will dull the surface gloss and will either greatly reduce or completely eliminate the coating's hydrophobic function.
4. Some detailers have reported that their client was using car wash concentrates containing surfactants; these include Optimum Polymer Technologies (ONR). As a result they had the impression that the nano (Lotus) self cleaning effect dissipated after a short time. Surfactants will disturb the nano structure. In such cases, clean the surface with Isopropyl alcohol, rinse and the nano self cleaning effect will be restored


Maintenance


1. Rinse paint surfaces thoroughly with clean water, if necessary use a neural pH car wash concentrate that doesn’t contain surfactants
2. On the final rinse of the washing process remove the nozzle from the hose, reduce the water pressure and hold the end of the hose parallel to the paint and reasonably close as this is will prevent splashing as you flood the surface. Follow up with a waffle weave micro fibre towel to thoroughly dry the paint surface. These techniques are the best way to avoid the need for polishing
3. Use an organic Carnauba paste wax as a sacrificial protection against environmental contaminants (bird excrement and alkaline water marks, which no coating will provide protection from) (See also Environmental Pollutants)
4. An organic wax will provide a deep gloss, and will also enhance the hydrophobic properties, as this function is not permanent. It is a mistake to judge a coating's protection properties or its durability by whether or not it has stopped repelling water, as well as providing a deep gloss


Similar products –


• G |Techniq Surface Coatings (UK)
• Nanolex (Germany)
• Optimum Polymer Technologies, Opti-Coat (USA)
• G'zox Polymer Coatings (Japan)


The information in this article is based on the current status of the technical development as well as our ongoing experience with the product.


Health and environmental concerns


A major study published more recently in Nature Nanotechnology suggests some forms of carbon nanotubes – a poster child for the “nanotechnology revolution” – could be as harmful as asbestos if inhaled in sufficient quantities.


Anthony Seaton of the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Edinburgh, Scotland, who contributed to the article on carbon nanotubes, said "We know that some of them probably have the potential to cause mesothelioma.


So those sorts of materials need to be handled very carefully." In the absence of specific nano-regulation forthcoming from governments (Paul, J. & Lyons, K. (2008) Nanotechnology: The Next Challenge for Organics) have called for an exclusion of engineered nanoparticle from organic food


[A newspaper article reports that workers in a paint factory developed serious lung disease and nanoparticle were found in their lungs]


AQuartz Video Demonstrations


http://AQuartz.net/video-demos.html


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymIcsA7LRgg


Bibliography


1. Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Library & Information Centre
2. Glossary of Chemical Terms - Faculty of Chemical Technology
3. Basic Concepts of Nanotechnology, History of Nano-Technology, News, Materials and Potential Risks
4. Lotus-inspired nanotechnology applications, B. Karthick1 and Ramesh Maheshwari
5. SpecialChem4 Polymers
6. Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics

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