Contact person: Apostolos Salmatonidis
The main aim of this project is the development of a new transparent photocatalytic (PK-active) paint system (primer and PK-active coating) based on modified crystalline titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The respective product must be produced by an inexpensive process and will be applied to flat (2D) and curved (3D) glass and plastic substrates. Part of the project is the synthesis of crystalline TiO2 nanoparticles, based on the non-aqueous sol-gel method, which thereafter are going to be selectively modified in order to achieve improved scratch resistance and adhesion of the coatings. Hence, various coating methods are evaluated which will allow the reproducible and rapid manufacturing of chemical, mechanical, thermal as well as UV-resistant thin films on both glass and plastic substrates. Furthermore, an extensive investigation will be conducted focusing on the effect that the synthesis, the modification and the coating processes have on the photocatalytic properties of the produced coatings, ensuring the optimal photocatalytic efficiency.