Coatings & Surface Engineering

From improving the efficacy of solar cells to creating anti-microbial clothing, the future of surface treatments seems to be nanotechnology. The pursuit of nanoparticle-based coatings is also promoting the innovation of other technologies to support the process, such as the high-temperature gel permeation chromatography (HT-GPC) system mentioned in Industry Trends. However, will the concerns about the safety of nanoparticles, especially those used in food, pharmaceutical, and other applications where people may ingest the particles, overshadow continued experimentation? Or, could new nano developments, like this self-cleaning shower, reduce the amount of toxic cleaning products that people use, thereby reducing exposure to environmental hazards?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Coatings & Surface Engineering, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Coatings & Surface Engineering today.