Invented in Turkey and patented by Nanopool, a German company, the spray-on liquid glass might become one of the most useful inventions in the field of nanotechnology. The product was tested at the Saarbrücken Institute for New Materials. Currently the representatives of the German company are in UK negotiating with several firms and the National Health Service on the widespread use of the liquid glass.
It is worth mentioning that the invention is transparent and non-toxic. The liquid glass can protect any type of surface from damages caused by water, UV radiation, dirt, heat, and bacterial infections. Besides, it is flexible and breathable, which means that the liquid glass can be applied on plants and seeds as well. The invention was tested in vineyards where researchers found that the spray considerably increases the resistance of plants to fungal diseases. The trials also showed that the sprayed seeds grew faster.
The main ingredient used in the liquid glass is silicon dioxide that is obtained from quartz sand. Depending on the type of surface that is to be covered, researchers can add water or ethanol to the spray. Scientists say that their latest invention boasts a long-lasting anti-bacterial effect. The spray produces a coating that is just 100nm thick. This coating can be easily cleaned using water or a damp cloth.
According to Neil McClelland, UK project manager with Nanopool, due to its capabilities, the spray-on liquid glass can become of the most useful inventions around the world, ending up being used by a lot of industries that will cover their products. Currently the invention is being used by a train company and a hotel chain in the UK, as well as a hamburger chain in Germany that are carrying out tests of the liquid glass for various uses.
The spray-on liquid glass was also tested in a Lancashire hospital, where it showed "very promising" results, being used to cover equipment, medical implants, catheters, sutures and bandages. The invention could be also used on clothing, because it cannot be seen by the naked eye, thus clothes could become stain resistant. Due to its unique properties, the liquid glass can be used to cover bathrooms, tiles, sinks and many other surfaces in the home. According to the researchers, the spay-on glass can last for a year. It is expected to hit the DIY stores across Britain at a price of GBP5 ($8).
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