An affordable, eco-friendly, non-toxic waterproofing spray that doesn’t just repel water, but actually makes water run from the surface, sound like magic? It’s nanotechnology. Nanex’s AquaShield waterproof spray is what’s called a nanostructured superhydrophobic coating. It’s made from billions of sub-molecular “nano-polymers” that bond to the fibers of any fabric creating a waterproof coating that is 100% invisible and doesn’t change the texture of the material.
When I first heard of the stuff I have to admit I was skeptical, but the video below is pretty convincing. Nanex demonstrates AquaShield not only repelling water, but blocking fluids of all kinds including red wine and coffee.
So how does it work… AquaShield repels water the same way the leaves of a lotus plant does, in fact another name for superhydrophobic is the lotus effect. The waterproof spray is actually mostly water which acts as a delivery agent for the nano-polymers. Once the nano-polymers have penetrated the fibers of the material they create a surface that causes water to increase its own surface tension. In other words, the water balls up trying to make as little contact with the surface as possible, which has a very startling effect.
There are a number of superhydrophobic coatings on the market, but many of these are highly toxic or leave a white film. Some are great for fun if you just want to see that superhydrophobic water beading effect, but they won’t last longs. Nanex states that its nanotech waterproof coatings will last two years, are completely transparent, and due to the water base are entirely non-toxic and eco-friendly. It’s the combination of these properties that designate AquaShield as the industry leader in these new water repellent technologies.
There are obvious uses for consumers when it comes to waterproofing their boots, shoes, or even their clothes, but the possibilities with superhydrophobic coatings go far beyond consumer use. Nanex also offers a waterproof spray for concrete and stone, which will no doubt revolutionize much of the way a city is built.
Water is an exceptionally destructive force. It gets into every crack and begins to stone and cement, leaving behind damaged unstable foundations infected with mold and algae. In a house or building the mold can grow and create a toxic environment. Once the mold is there it can be very difficult to prevent its further growth. In the past a common solution for the waterproofing of basements and other foundations was the use of a tar based coating on the exterior surface, but these are unsightly and have a short lifespan. Further advancements saw the use of epoxies, but these were very toxic and difficult to use.
Nanotechnology based waterproof coatings seem to offer a new solution to these costly and hazardous issues, one that adoesn’t harm the environment but demonstrates the same level of durability, perhaps with even more results.