Abstract
Silanes, and organically modified silanes in particular, are commercially used to protect the built environment from deterioration and, in indoor applications, to minimize water vapor condensation and microbiological contamination. Increasing their uptake, we argue in this study, includes the need to adopt a systems-thinking view of this green chemistry technology. After identifying the key advantages of these coatings, we highlight important educational consequences to undergraduate courses and doctoral programs in chemistry and materials science which are common in many research topics, well beyond nanocoating science and technology.
Highlights
Preventing microbiological contamination due to accidental introduction of hazardous microbes onto surfaces is of the uttermost importance in a number of working, healing, learning, and recreational environments, including food and beverage production facilities [1], hospitals [2], and school kitchens [3].The condensation of water vapor contained in the air when the temperature of the surface reaches the dew point temperature creates favorable conditions for growth and biofilm formation of pathogens such as fungi or dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes [4].Once biofouling occurs, pathogens form a biofilm exhibiting a high level of resistance to various chemical and physical sanitation processes [5]
The protection of buildings from water penetration due to capillary rise [6] and consequent corrosion of reinforcing steel bars in concrete structures due to chloride ingress, efflorescence, salt burst, freeze-thaw damage from deicing salt and biofouling including algae, moss and mold formation, is required to prolong the lifespan of buildings, lower maintenance costs, and preserve the function and aesthetic appearance. Both water vapor condensation and water penetration can be minimized using chemical coatings, most of which are comprised of polymer resins
Long duration, and their unique ability to preserve the aesthetic of the treated surfaces [8]. Increasing their uptake, we argue in this study, includes the need to adopt a systems-thinking. Increasing their uptake, we argue in this study, includes the need to adopt a systems-thinking view view of this green chemistry technology
Summary
Preventing microbiological contamination due to accidental introduction of hazardous microbes onto surfaces is of the uttermost importance in a number of working, healing, learning, and recreational environments, including food and beverage production facilities [1], hospitals [2], and school kitchens [3]. The protection of buildings from water penetration due to capillary rise [6] and consequent corrosion of reinforcing steel bars in concrete structures due to chloride ingress, efflorescence, salt burst, freeze-thaw damage from deicing salt and biofouling including algae, moss and mold formation, is required to prolong the lifespan of buildings, lower maintenance costs, and preserve the function and aesthetic appearance. Both water vapor condensation and water penetration can be minimized using chemical coatings, most of which are comprised of polymer resins.
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