Hydrophilic/hydrophobic coatings

on glass and metal change their wetting properties: either with a hydrophobic effect by increasing the contact angle (lotus leaf effect) or with a hydrophilic effect with the formation of a closed film achieved by reducing the contact angle.

An anti-fog coating is often used in combination with other coatings (e.g. anti-reflection coating).

With hydrophobic coating ("lotus effect"), the water forms large drops and then drains off.

With hydrophilic coating, a continuous film of water forms that does not hinder transmission - important at horizontal surfaces

Material types and sizes

We offer the following materials with anti-fog surface coatings:

We coat not only different types of glass but also different metal surfaces – in each case according to the customer’s specific application requirements.

You can find all technical data here:

Technology

Glass - standard thicknesses

Float glass	2 mm	3 mm	4 mm	5 mm	6 mm
Borofloat glass	1.1 mm	2 mm	3.3 mm	5.5 mm	6.5 mm
Clear glass	2 mm	3 mm	4 mm	5 mm	6 mm

Thicknesses of metal or plastics

according to specification / customer request

Standard sizes

minimum	in mm range depending on material
maximum	gross 1,150 x 850 mm / net 1,080 x 800 mm

Application examples

Display Außeneinsatz hydrophobe Beschichtung

Outdoor displays

Hydrophobic surfaces can be created, for example, using a nanoscale structured coating, similar to a lotus plant. The type of wetting on the smooth surfaces of the optical filters is changed to be water-repellent by the subsequent application of organic silane compounds.

Hydrophobic coated filters are used for outdoor displays, for example.

Verkehrsspiegel mit hydrophober Beschichtung

Traffic mirrors and displays in humid environments

We create hydrophilic surfaces through coating with the superhydrophilic material TiO2 in its anatase crystal modification. The highly porous structure, together with corresponding charges on the surface, creates an energy-rich hydrophilic structure that brings the individual water droplets together to form a closed film.

The inorganic TiO2 layer is constantly reactivated by sunlight and UV light.

We manufacture another product range by coating organic co‑polymers whose polar groups absorb water and form a transparent water film. These coatings are used for displays and for traffic mirrors to improve legibility and visibility even in humid environments.