ITC conducts research into nanomaterials to obtain self-cleaning and wear resistant surfaces

In the frame of the RENAC network (Network for the Application of Nanotechnologies in Materials and Products for Construction and the Habitat), ITC is coordinating three research lines: the first focuses on developing self-cleaning surfaces, the second on developing hybrid (organic–inorganic) materials with high wear resistance, and the third on developing new coatings to enhance high-precision tool and machinery performance.

The Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica (ITC) has been conducting nanotechnology-related research lines for several years, focusing on industrial applications that require high-precision machinery, such as the preparation of nanostructured metal carbides, i.e. materials made up of particle aggregates smaller than 100 nanometres, one nanometre being one millionth of a millimetre. Such nanoscale materials enable the hardness and wear resistance of machines or tools such as drill bits, saws, or heads for tunnel drills to be enhanced.

In addition to ITC, which is coordinating this project, the Materials Science Institute of the University of Valencia and the Polytechnic University are also participating in the project. This collaboration has already led to a patent relating to the methodology that will allow these types of materials to be produced.

A further research line addresses the development of photocatalytic coatings (coatings that react to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation). When such coatings are applied to different types of substrates, they provide self-cleaning surfaces.

According to Arnaldo Moreno, who heads these projects at ITC: ‘This research is applied to materials with outdoor uses, which are activated by the effect of ultraviolet light. When the UV light reacts with the titanium dioxide-based coating, it prevents the proliferation of biological colonies (lichens, fungi, moulds), in addition to having a hydrophilic effect. When water comes into contact with this type of coating, it does not produce groups of drops but a single film that drags the dirt off.’

A third project seeks to develop more wear and scratch resistant surfaces, in addition to providing those surfaces with new functionalities. The research entitled ‘Nanocomposite polymer coatings with enhanced tribological properties’ pursues the development of new organic–inorganic hybrid materials that, applied as coatings on to construction materials such as ceramics, timber, stone, or plastic, enhance surface resistance to damage by various factors.

These three research lines were presented by ITC at Itechpartner, the New Materials Forum held in Valencia on 5 and 6 March 2009. The forum, organised by the Valencia Regional Department of Industry, Trade, and Innovation through IMPIVA, includes researchers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and organisations linked to research and innovation.