NSG Group creates coating to combat viruses
Glass and glazing products manufacturer NSG Group has developed a new antibacterial and antiviral coating for glass substrates, based on its proprietary sol-gel technology.
Sol-gel technology is a material synthesis method for producing ceramics and glassy coatings by densifying a gel synthesised by the chemical reaction of the solution raw material by heat treatment. Capable of forming highly adhesive coatings with the same silica structure as the glass substrate, sol-gel produces a coating that is highly durable against friction and chemicals, suitable for frequent contact operations.
Copper contained in the newly developed coating reacts with water, oxygen and other substances in the air to generate active oxygen (H2O2, OH, etc.), which in turn inactivates bacteria and viruses by destroying their envelopes and decomposing lipids, protein and gene materials.
A laboratory evaluation conducted by a public institution based on international standards confirmed a 99.99% influenza virus reduction effect under ISO21702 evaluation conditions. The new coating technology was also confirmed to be effective against human coronavirus NL63 and in an antibacterial performance test on Escherichia coli.
Based on the reaction of copper, the coating retains its antibacterial and antiviral effects even in darker places without ultraviolet rays or visible light.
Being highly durable and almost as transparent as uncoated glass, the coating is suitable for high-contact glass applications as well as for smart phones and tablets and the operating panels and buttons of equipment such as cash registers, ATMs, medical equipment, elevators and household appliances.
The Group believes that the technology can contribute to making homes and public places requiring stringent hygiene, safer and more comfortable. It plans to launch the new coating within fiscal year March 2022.
