Photo: Ctd 2005Nanopool®, a German-based company specializing in nanotechnology, has perfected spray-on liquid glass. And it’s expected to change the world.
You’re probably skeptical. How could a household product improve our planet? Will it be used as a way to revolutionize Apple products like the iPad, making it waterproof and protected from the outside elements?
The spray hasn’t been released to the public yet, but is currently undergoing some trials. Here’s the low-down.
How It’s Used
-Food processing companies will use the glass for sterilization. The results so far are impressive: surfaces needing to be sterilized with strong bleach require only a hot water rinse once they are coated with the glass. The perfect solution for germaphobes, these surfaces remained sterile for months.
-Hotel chains and train companies are testing the product for cleaning purposes.
-It can be used for kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and just about any other surface.
-The spray can be used on headstones and cemetery monuments to offset weathering and graffiti.
- Because it’s so thin and flexible, you can even spray your clothes with it. Red wine spill? Not a problem. The glass is waterproof, so simply peel and remove.
-Spraying plants and seeds helps to prevent fungal diseases and pest infestation, due to its breathable but protective quality.
-Some research has even proven that the spray helps seeds to germinate and grow quicker, much to the delight of vineyard operators.
Photo: Jill ClardyWhat This Means For the Future
Because of its multi-purpose functionality, the spray-on glass will remove virtually any need for household cleaners.
One coat will last a year, thus making it affordable and less wasteful. That means you get to throw out harmful chemicals, ditch the sickly-smelling cleaners and stop spending a ton of cash. Mr. Clean is probably rolling over in his grave right now.
Of course, this seemingly futuristic product raises all kinds of questions. What can’t it coat? Why would you want to cover your clothes in a thin layer of glass? Is this like a more glamorous type of plastic chair covering cleverly disguising someone’s severe aversion to germs?
There’s also no mention of any negative side-effects to be found. What about the long-term consequences? What happens when major cleaning supply companies are forced to close their businesses?
Community Connection
How do you predict nanotechnology to change our future?
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9 Comments... join the discussion!
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For some reason, things like this both fascinate and terrify me.
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Sounds really odd… will be interesting to see how it turns out.
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Nanotechnology honestly frightens me. The safety of such technology has yet to be determined and some studies have shown that it can be super harmful to your lungs.
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Thing is, nanotechnology is already being used all over the place. Vaccines are a good example, for one. This article from HowStuffWorks gives more examples.
I’m pretty excited about the future possibilities. Imagine tiny molecules — probably both organic and inorganically based — that can enter the bloodstream and eat away at arterial plaque instead of open heart surgery.
But it is important, as you suggest, that research shows these methods to be safe AND that we are properly informed about advancements as they are introduced into general use.
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This sounds really good, but it makes me wonder; is it too good to be true? I mean there’s a negative side to everything and I’d say more testing would need to be done before I decide to try it.
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Wow! But why is it being called glass? It seems like it’s got nothing in common with brittle glass. Still, I want some!
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Glass is brittle, but it is also very hard. That is why you need to cut it with a diamond. If you just have a thin surface of it, it would be difficult to break as you couldn’t really pick it up.
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It’s pretty hard to visualize, eh? I would really love to see this in action…
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