News Release Archives

Smart Air Coating forms a micrometer-level concavo-convex surface coating with super-water repellence to protect the surfaces of metal and plastic materials. Its superhydrophobe surface made of hydrophobic resin with nanometer particulates is applied on top of a reinforcing layer that contains coarse, micrometer-sized particles to form homogenous concavo-convex surfaces, which trap air. The acuteness of the surface's convex and concave angles is controlled by the size and shape of the coarse particles. As a result, the superhydrophobe surface forms a micrometer air film that prevents water permeation and inhibits the adhesion of substances including dirt, water, ice and snow.

Other Features

1)	Highly practical Coarse particles help to suppress electrostatic charges and the homogeneous air layer achieves a smooth surface, both of which help to reduce dust and water adhesion to a far greater level than possible with conventional super-water-repellent coatings. The air coating also reduces the adhesion of micro-droplets, such as mist.
2)	Easy coloring and coating The coating film, which originally is milky white, can be colored. The film simply can be sprayed onto products without the need for high-temperature heating, reducing the environmental load of the process.
3)	Applicable to metals, plastics and more Smart Air Coating can be used to form a protective film on various base materials, including metals, plastics and paper. The double layer consisting of the air film and reinforcing layer enhances adhesion between the coating and base material, and improves the coating's durability.

Mitsubishi Electric's existing antifouling coating technology, Hybrid Nano Coating, reduces the adhesion of various types of hydrophilic or hydrophobic dust. It is applied to the surfaces of products such as room air conditioners and ventilating fans to reduce grime, which can hinder the operational efficiency of such products. Smart Air Coating also inhibits the adhesion of water, snow or ice mixed with dirt, which can further degrade operational efficiency as well as appearance.

Trademarks
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has registered "hybrid nanostructured coating" as a trademark and has applied to register "smart air coating" as a trademark.

Patents
Pending patents for the technology announced in this news release number seven in Japan and four abroad.