Antifouling and easy-cleaning coating material has been developed [2005.10.24] Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd (SOC, CEO: Yasuyuki Odagiri) has successfully developed and commercialized an antifouling and easy-cleaning coating material (patent pending) using nano-size particles as ingredient. This new material has already been applied to a stainless kitchen sink: "Super Silent e-sink" by a joint-development with Cleanup Co., Ltd. This is the first commercialization in the world as a transparent coating for kitchen sinks. 1. Background of the development Kitchen sinks get dirty easily; therefore, it has always been a major challenge to reduce the amount of labor to keep sinks clean. Various ceramic coating materials such as enamel or silica, which are hydrophilic materials, have been tested as antifouling and cleaning materials for sinks. However, enamel has problems with durability, and silica has problems with water-resistance (low tolerance especially for hot water and alkali). Therefore, they have not been widely used. 2. Features of easy-cleaning coating This coating consists of nano-size compound ultrafine ceramic particles that were developed by SOC using their own synthesizing technique. The following are the main features. > Antifouling and easy-cleaning Nano particles used in this product have a strong affinity for water (hydrophilic) by *)hydration reaction; therefore, grime such as grease or water stains can be easily removed with water. > Transparency Because the particles are nano sized, a transparent thin coating layer is formed, and metallic luster, which is a characteristic of stainless, can be sustained for a long time. > Hardness The hardness of regular stainless surface is equivalent to HB in pencil lead; however, this coating increases the hardness up to 9H. Hence it becomes more durable to scratches. > Durability This coating is durable against alkali or hot water. It is tested and confirmed that a coated stainless sink can tolerate daily use for 10 years. Indeed, a comparative trial of a coated sink and uncoated sink proved a clear improvement after coating. *) hydration reaction: A chemical reaction that occurs when a substance comes in contact with water. For example, cement hardens after being mixed with water. 3. Outlook SOC projects new usages and applications of this product for kitchen and bathroom materials, home appliances, plastic components, etc. Also, SOC expands their distribution chains abroad, and increases yearly sales to 500 million yen by the fiscal year 2008. <Contact information> Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd. Advanced Materials, Sales group e-mail: materials_sales@socnb.com