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reportLiving comfort and Building safety
4.6.2 Short description

Flame retardants

Nano additives such as nanoparticles have been proven to work as flame retardants in polymers or to improve the function of existing flame retardants ². The nanocomposite will influence the crust formation and works as a barrier for pyrolysis gases. Both are critical factors for fire extinction. In addition, it inhibits the dripping of burning polymers. Nanooptimized flame retardants have been introduced as coatings for wooden surfaces but also as additive in cable coatings.

Fire protection glazing

Fire-resistant windows have a transparent nanogel between glass sheets. In the event of a fire, the gel starts to swell forming a mechanically stable, opaque ceramic foam. The nanoparticles in the gel ensure an excellent transparency and a maximum safety in case of a fire.

Antibacterial surfaces

Silver nanoparticles are used to provide an anti-bacterial effect which can be incorporated in almost any surface. Micro-organisms die due to the uptake of silver ions released from the nanoparticles. The use of silver nanoparticles has been reported for different application. Recently, also paint for wooden surfaces containing silver nanoparticles has been released ⁴.

Scratch resistant & easy-to-clean surfaces

Scratch resistant surfaces can be applied to parquet and furniture. They are based on hard ceramic nanoparticles such as SiO2. Nanocomposites have been used for easy-to-clean coatings e.g. on wall tiles or anti-fingerprint coatings for stainless steel surfaces. Easy-to-clean properties have also been reported for wall paints.

Phase Change Material

Phase change materials (PCMs) are latent heat storage devices capable of storing energy in a phase change. Rooms equipped with phase change material ensure a more constant room temperature. PCMs are able to store heat during the day when temperatures are rising and to release heat at night when the room is cooling down. Wax enclosed in micro-capsules is melting at a certain temperature. The latent heat stored in the liquid wax is released upon solidification ensuring a pleasant indoor climate. The phase change temperature can be chosen adapting the PCM to a desired temperature. PCM ensure a better living comfort and cut down energy costs for air conditioning.

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