7 December 2005
Algae-free fish tanks and barnacle-free boat hulls are closer to reality following the development of a self-cleaning technology for glass by two young scientists from Monash University and Nanotechnology Victoria.
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| Nanotechnology Victoria program manager Dr Larry Jordan (left) and Mr David Menzies, from Monash's Department of Materials Engineering. |
Mr David Menzies, from Monash's Department of Materials Engineering, and Nanotechnology Victoria program manager Dr Larry Jordan came up with the novel idea which needs only light and water molecules to activate the cleaning process.
Their product, which uses nanotechnology, is a transparent film that will initially be used to coat glass for aquariums. Experiments with the glass have been enormously successful.
Potential uses for the product have expanded to include more elaborate applications such as shower screens that don't allow scum build-up and automotive paints that don't get dirty.
Special aquarium glass that stops the growth of algae is the first practical application for the technology.
"This technology could also be used to coat the glass of large commercial facilities such as the Melbourne Aquarium, alleviating the need for cleaning and maintenance of its interior submerged surfaces," Mr Menzies said.
Dr Jordan said the aquarium sector provided a low risk entry point to a market full of enormous possibilities.
"The aquarium is a nice demonstration of how to use this technology as it is a very visual representation of its success," he said.
Recognising the potential of this nanotechnology, a group of six young people aged in their 20s and 30s, including Mr Menzies and Dr Jordan, are marketing the product through their newly formed company Barracouta.
The team has already secured $10,000 in funding in the Monash New Enterprise Challenge, along with sponsorship from Nanotechnology Victoria and financial support from several other businesses.
For further information contact Ms Ingrid Sanders in Media Communications, on +61 3 9905 9314.
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