A new breakthrough in spraying stuff on stuff has created what could be the next step in creating ultra-durable, easy-to-clean surfaces on most any material.

The versatile spray, which forms an easy-clean coating one millionth of a millimeter thick – 500 times thinner than a human hair – can be applied to virtually any surface to protect it against water, dirt, bacteria, heat and UV radiation.

It is hoped that liquid glass, a compound of almost pure silicon dioxide, could soon replace a variety of cleaning products which are harmful to the environment, leaving our world coated in an invisible, wipe-clean sheen.

Research has proven the claims, with food-processing companies showing that surfaces treated with the spray-on glass were just as clean after being washed with only water as if they were treated with concentrated bleach.

The German company Nanopool holds the patent and is currently in talks with companies and government bodies about rolling out the technology. The spray can be created from an alcohol base (which would serve as a sterile surface) or water (which Nanopool says would be breathable and flexible).

Key to the product’s versatility is the fact it can be sold in a solution of either alcohol or water, depending on what surface needs to be coated. The layer formed by the liquid glass is said to be flexible and breathable.

The patent for the technology is owned by a German company, Nanopool, which is in discussions with UK companies and the NHS about the use of liquid glass for a wide range of purposes.

Before everyone puts on their durable surface party hats, the geeks of Slashdot had some things to say about the dangers of silicon dioxide. One commenter mentioned that inhaling the substance can cause scoliosis or bronchitis and it doesn’t break down in the lungs — decreasing capacity over time.

[Via Slashdot | Telegraph]

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