Nanoparticles in facade coatings – a survey of industrial experts on functional and environmental benefits and challenges

Authors

Ingrid Hincapié1, Tina Künniger2, Roland Hischier1, Dario Cervellati3, Bernd Nowack1, Claudia Som1*

1 EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology. Technology and Society Laboratory, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.

2 EMPA, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology. Applied Wood Materials Laboratory, Überlandstrasse 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland

3 GFC Chimica S.r.l, Via Guglielmo Marconi 73, I-44122 Ferrara, Italy

*Corresponding author:

Contact e-mail:

Tel: +41 58 765 78 43

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Section 1: Survey questionnaire

Section 2:Answers from paint and ENP producers to the survey questionnaire

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Section 1.Survey questionnaireand answers

The specific questions of the survey were:

  1. Do you produce nanomaterials?
  2. Do you integrate nanomaterials in facade coatings?
  3. Would you be willing to provide us information on the energy consumption for theproduction of nanomaterials or your integration process?
  4. Which of the following properties would you like to improve or bring in new façade coatings?(several answers possible)
  5. UV protection, protection from mechanical wear, photocatalytic activity (dirt degradation), water and dirt repellent („easy to clean“), antimicrobial, dripping behavior, drying behavior, thermal insulation, extension of product life, substitution of hazardous substances (e.g. biocides), material and energy savings, flame retardant
  6. Which facade coatings functions can be improved with the followingnanomaterials?
  7. Silver (Ag), Ag ions, silicium dioxide (SiO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), iron oxid (FeO), aluminium(hydr)oxide (z.B. Al2O3), nano clays (e.g.Montmorillonite)
  8. What ecological performance potential may be achieved by integrating nanomaterialsin facade coatings:
  9. Extended life span of the coating, substitution of hazardous substances, saving energy by shorter drying cycles after the application of the facade coatings on the walls, saving materials
  10. What nanomaterials are currently used in use in Europe for facade coatings?
  11. What is your estimate of the total amounts of nanomaterials used in Europe forfacade coatings (tons/year)?
  12. What tests have you carried out to analyze the improvement of facade coatings enhanced with the mentioned nanomaterials?
  13. Adhesion, air permeability, alkali resistance and resistance to water, durability and color brilliance, fungal resistance, liquid water permeability and crack bridging, release of substances, resistance to impact, resistance to wind load, spreading rate, thermal insulation proof, water vapour permeability, watertightness, weathering.
  14. According to the abovementioned tests: Do nanomaterials enhanced facade coatings compared to conventional facade coatings?
  15. What amount of nanoparticles would you recommend to ensure the facade coating functionality?
  16. How long will be the effectiveness of nano facade coatings properties guaranteed after the first use?
  17. In what areas of the company you have made experience with the following certifications?
  18. ISO 9000, ISO 14000, OHSAS 18000, Ecolabel, TÜV
  19. How do you treat nanomaterials leftovers and how do you recommend to treat the leftovers (paint residues) from facade coatings which contain nanomaterials?
  20. In which topics would you most likely need more information?
  21. What does your company to evaluate and minimize health and environmental risks? (more than one answer possible)
  22. Are you constantly following the current developments in the field of nanomaterials?

Section 2.Answers from paint and ENP producers to the survey questionnaire

The following figures show how every type of industry answered the survey questionnaire

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