Structured self-cleaning surfaces and method of forming same

US7524531B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ferro Corporation · US

Inventors

• Enos A. Axtell, III · Seven Hills, US
• George E. Sakoske · Washington, US
• Daniel R. Swiler · Washington, US
• Michael Hensel · Pittsburgh, US
• Martin Baumann · Hartenstein, DE
• David J. Matalka · Scott Township, US
• Gary L. Nuccetelli · Scenery Hill, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 27, 2005
• Grant date: Apr 28, 2009
• Expiry date: Jul 21, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/259
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention involves growing diatoms on a surface for the purpose of forming nanoscale-sized siliceous structures on the surface. In accordance with the invention, diatom films are grown on various substrates, which are then fired to remove all organic material from the diatoms and produce a surface coated with intricate, nanoscale-sized structures. The nanoscale-sized structured surface is subsequently treated with a hydrophobic film-forming agent to form a structured self-cleaning surface.