In recent years, with the breakthrough development of nanomaterial technology, the field of new functional ceramics has witnessed a major innovation. Constructing nano-scale functional coatings on the surface of traditional ceramic substrates has become a key direction for enhancing material performance. This article will focus on analyzing the principles of nano-modified self-cleaning ceramic technology and its industrial application.
The surface of traditional ceramic products is prone to pollutant adhesion, and long-term exposure to outdoor environments easily leads to stain accumulation. By introducing a nano-scale metal oxide composite system, a micro-nano composite interface with a special surface topological structure can be formed during the glaze sintering process. This structure reduces surface energy and creates a physical barrier between the material and pollutants, effectively achieving the hydrophobic self-cleaning function of the "lotus leaf effect".
The core process adopts gradient composite technology, which nano-scale composites various transition metal oxides (such as zinc, bismuth, and cobalt) with a borosilicate matrix. Through the synergistic effect of each component, a stable heterogeneous interface structure is formed during high-temperature sintering. Among them, the synergistic effect of bismuth trioxide and zinc oxide can optimize the surface charge distribution, while cobalt-nickel oxide helps improve the weather resistance of the material.
Laboratory tests show that the contact angle of the new nano-modified ceramic surface can reach 120-125 degrees, demonstrating excellent hydrophobic properties. When continuously immersed in a simulated acid rain environment (pH 4.0) for 240 hours, the surface contact angle decay rate is less than 5%, proving its outstanding chemical stability. Compared with traditional hydrophobic coatings, this technology achieves bulk modification rather than surface coating, extending the service life by more than 3 times.
This technology has been commercially applied in multiple fields:
In the power system sector, the modified insulating porcelain insulators have been operating in high-salt-fog coastal areas for three years, with the pollution flashover accident rate dropping by 92%.
In the architectural ceramic sector, the application of self-cleaning ceramic tiles in curtain wall projects has reduced building maintenance costs by 40%.
In the domestic ceramic sector, tableware with antibacterial and self-cleaning functions has passed the FDA food safety certification.
According to the forecast of Global Market Insights, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the global functional ceramic market will reach 8.2% from 2023 to 2030, among which the proportion of self-cleaning ceramics is expected to rise to 35%. With the continuous optimization of preparation processes, the cost of nano-modification has decreased from the initial RMB 58 per square meter to RMB 22 per square meter, laying a foundation for large-scale application.
In the future, the technology will move towards the direction of multi-functional integration, such as innovative directions like photoelectrocatalytic self-cleaning and smart responsive surfaces. This technological breakthrough not only innovates the traditional ceramic manufacturing industry but also provides key material support for national strategic emerging industries such as green buildings and smart power grids. With the advancement of the "dual-carbon" strategy, smart ceramic materials with environmental adaptability will surely embrace a broader development space.
