- Research and Development
- 2020.11.01
Highly functional hydrophilization/hydrophilic water sliding technology
Highly functional hydrophilization film contributes to various purposes, such as reducing the energy consumption of air conditioners and ensuring a comfortable usage environment. Recently, we have also developed a hydrophilic water sliding technology characterized by good drainage performance.
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What is highly functional hydrophilization/hydrophilic water sliding technology?
Highly functional hydrophilization film is a thin film (thickness: about 1 μm) that makes the surface of metal products hydrophilic. Hydrophilic treatment of the surface of an air conditioner heat exchanger allows the dew condensation water generated during air conditioning to spread across the surface of the heat exchanger. This keeps the air flow in good condition and contributes to energy conservation. Hydrophilic treatment can also impart functionality to maintain a comfortable living environment, such as low odor. Furthermore, we have advanced our hydrophilization technology, which has been refined through many years of operations, and succeeded in developing hydrophilic water sliding technology to ensure both hydrophilicity and good drainage performance, which were previously considered to be difficult to attain at the same time. The use of this film in heat exchangers can solve the problem of frost and ice adhering to the surface and can increase the energy efficiency of freezers, refrigerators, and air conditioners.
What are the key features of this technology?
A film with high hydrophilicity retainability can be achieved by combining hydrophilic substances and optimally orienting them on the surface using cross-linking and intermolecular interaction. The component resins can be selected depending on the required performance, such as low odor and resistance against indoor contaminants, to create added value.
Recently, we have developed hydrophilic water sliding technology characterized by both hydrophilicity and good water droplet drainage performance. Our proprietary blending technology was used to uniformly disperse resin components of different properties (hydrophilic and hydrophobic) on the film surface.
Contribution to the solution of social issues
Demand for air conditioners, freezers and refrigerators will continue to increase globally. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that energy demand for air conditioners will triple by 2050.*1 The energy problem is one of the major social issues. Our highly functional hydrophilization technology is expected to contribute to realizing a sustainable society as a measure to reduce energy consumption. We help achieve a pleasant living environment by offering added value, such as contamination resistance and low odor.
*1: The Future of Cooling, OECD/IEA 2018
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