Polymeric additive paste to provide high wettability and photocatalytic characteristics

The polymeric additive paste is developed by the Singapore institute to overcome the challenges of self-cleaning solutions or surfaces. Most of the self-cleaning solutions are in the form of coatings which can wear off over prolonged usage, leading to the need for constant reapplication, which is time-consuming and involves increased maintenance costs. A probable way of addressing the challenges is to increase the wettability and photocatalytic characteristics of the solution. The polymeric additive paste, when incorporated into raw materials during the manufacturing process, has the ability to enhance the aforementioned properties. The photocatalytic capability of the additive enables the breakdown of organic particles while the high wettability characteristic helps in washing off of the broken down particles through the formation of water films, thereby providing the necessary self-cleaning characteristics. The additive can be used in the manufacture of various products, such as anti-bacterial surfaces, water purification systems, anti-fouling surfaces, composite structures and others that require durable, long lasting, and sustainable self-cleaning functions. The Singapore institute seeks licensing agreements for the developed additive paste with SMEs of all sizes and MNEs.