The Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology has licensed a patented nanotechnology designed to create self-cleaning paints, which will get rid of accumulated dirt on their own. The process created by the Institute, part of the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), produces a photo-catalytic self-cleaning coating using titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Exposure of the coating to UV light from a fluorescence source or the sun causes selective oxidation at its surface, causing the self-cleaning effect. Exploit Technologies — A*STAR’s commercialization arm — will execute a license for the technology with Singapore-based paint and chemical producer Haruna Pte Ltd. tomorrow during Exploit’s TechLicensing Fair 2008. In a release announcing completion of the deal, Exploit officials say the cost saving potential of self-cleaning coatings is immense, given that a typical commercial building has its surface washed at least once a year. Other commercial structures such as shopping malls may pay for cleanings as often as once a quarter, with each wash costing between S$10,000 to S$50,000 (about $6,600 to $33,000 US), depending on the size of the building. Go to: Exploit Technologies

Posted November 19th, 2008 under Innovation of the Week, Tech Transfer

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