Retrofitting of solar glasses by protective anti-soiling and -graffiti coatings

The present investigation proposes the design and manufacture of organic inorganic hybrid silicone-epoxy anti-soiling coatings for the retrofit of "already-in-use" glass panels. Synthesis of the anti-soiling formulation, setting-up of the deposition and drying process and analysis of the operational parameters were investigated. The resulting coatings were characterized in terms of micro-mechanical and tribological response and resistance to chemicals. In addition, the anti-soiling and anti-graffiti performance against inorganic dusts, carbonaceous pollutants and permanent markers was tested according to standardized procedure. The silicone-epoxy coatings were found to protect the glass substrates from soiling with contaminants, showing a high potential to preserve the initial efficiency of the related solar-energy systems over long time. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.