How to achieve Easy-to-clean surfaces

Easy-to-clean surfaces allow us to improve material properties. Metallic, polymeric and ceramic surfaces allow the manufacture of a wide variety of products. However, some of these surfaces may have limited properties in some aspects. Through different technologies it is possible to improve and adapt the functionality to what is needed. In today’s post we see what Easy-to-clean surfaces consist of and in what applications they can be beneficial.

What are Easy-to-clean surfaces?

Easy-to-clean surfaces are surfaces to which a treatment is applied to protect and facilitate the materials cleaning.  This prevents dirt particles, food remains or contamination from adhering to the surface or subsequent cleaning requires less effort or less aggressive cleaning agents.

These Easy-to-clean surfaces facilitate cleaning tasks, protect against corrosion, reduce the frequency and the time required for the cleaning processes and prolong the useful life of the materials on which they are applied.

Which technologies are used to achieve Easy-to-clean surfaces?

Easy-to-clean surfaces can be achieved through different strategies or technologies, or even by combining both. We tell you about them more in detail:

Coatings

Easy-to-clean surfaces can be achieved through the use of coatings. Coatings can have superhydrophobic and/or oleophobic properties. Usually, they are applied through dip-coating or sprayed on the final piece. The key to this kind of improvement is achieving a good anchor and adhesion, between the material and the material.

There are different chemical families on which these coatings can be based, from titanium dioxide (TiO2), silicon oxide (SiO2), silanes, fluoropolymers… the possibilities are almost endless. These coatings provide the Easy-to-clean effect by creating a colorless film that acts as a barrier, preventing dirt from adhering.

Additivation

An alternative to the use of coatings it is the incorporation of additives. This is a really interesting technique for polymeric materials. Additives can improve some of the polymer’s basic properties such as colour, hardness and mechanical resistance. Moreover, they can achieve new functionalities such as hydrophobicity and/or oleophobicity. The percentage of incorporation of the additive into the polymer is a very important aspect so as not to increase the cost and not affect the mechanical properties of the material.

Microstructuring

Surface microstructuration is a process in which roughness and microscopic geometry of the surface are modified to provide it with new properties. Microstructuring creates periodic patterns on the surface that change the material´s properties. It can be achieved  surfaces that repels water, avoids wear, or in which stains do not adhere.

Sectors in which Easy-to-clean surfaces are used

Easy-to-clean surfaces can be applied in a variety of sectors to improve the durability and maintenance of materials. Some of the sectors in which these surfaces can be applied include:

Home appliances

The choice of surfaces that will be easy to clean is important both from an aesthetic and functional point of view. Thanks to these surfaces it is facilitated maintenance as well as conservation of aesthetic appearance and also lifetime of the materials is extended.

Food industry

Easy-to-clean surfaces are essential to guarantee food safety and meet hygiene standards. Working surfaces, chopping boards and equipment in commercial kitchens must be easy to clean and disinfect to prevent cross-contamination.

Hospitals and clinic laboratories

Easy-to-clean surfaces are incredibly useful in hospitals and clinic laboratories since these need to keep high hygiene standards and prevent the spread of infections. The choice of materials that facilitate cleaning and disinfection is essential to guarantee a safe hospital environment and contribute to medical attention quality.

Construction

They are used on building facades, windows, interior and exterior surfaces, to protect against dirty accumulation and improve resistance againts inclement weather.

Public transport

Due to the great influx of passengers in public transport, easy-to-clean surfaces are essential to keep clean, safe and healthy environments. They are used in windows, railings, bars, seats…

Marine sector

In ships and marine structures they are used to prevent and facilitate the cleaning of seaweed, shells or other marine organisms. These types of structures usually have difficult access so reducing maintenance times is key.

Textiles

To improve and facilitate the cleaning of stains and residues that could accumulate. In this sector in really important the durability since cloths are usually subjected to frequent cleaning.

Examples of projects that we have carried out for Easy-to-clean surfaces

We explain some of the projects that we have carried out in ATRIA on Easy-to-clean surfaces:

Reduce the adhesion of food stains in ABS pieces

In ATRIA we decreased the adherence of food stains to the material improving the cleaning of the interior of the appliance. For this, we studied and selected the best additive. Lately, we carried out different tests and quality tests to evaluate their resistance and select which one adapted better to the client´s needs.

Improvement of a polymer to prevent soiling due to blood stains in the food sector

The material to study became irreversible soiled upon contact with fish blood. Throughout the project, we characterized some real pieces and it was possible to determine that the origin of the failure was in the material´s porosity. We reduced the material´s porosity through the application of a coating and we manufactured prototype pieces. In the laboratory, we performed cleaning and dirtying standardized tests, which allowed us to corroborate that the material with less porosity did not present irreversible soiling and that it could be cleaned easily.

Coating to prevent paint cleaning on hooks of a painting line

The objective of this project was to improve the systematic and expensive cleaning of hooks and holding tools in painting facilities. Thus, we studied the best coverings to avoid the adhesion of paint to metallic pieces and we carried out tests with pieces and paint.

Do you want to apply Easy-to-clean surfaces in some of your projects? Contact us!