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Residential Glass > Homeowners > Product Information > SunClean Glass > How it Works
Self-Cleaning Window Glass Technology
The self-cleaning property of SunClean® glass is made possible by a durable, transparent coating of titanium dioxide (TiO2) applied during the manufacturing process. The transparent coating is applied to hot glass during the forming process to form a strong, long-lasting bond, which makes the coating an integral part of the outer glass surface, The application process is patented by PPG.
The coating has photocatalytic and hydrophilic properties that combine to make windows easier to maintain. In a photocatalytic process, ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun energizes the SunClean self-cleaning glass coating to help slowly break down and loosen organic dirt. Since UV light is abundant even on cloudy days or in shaded areas, this process works nonstop throughout the day.
The glass’ hydrophilic quality makes water droplets spread out, or sheet, across the surface of the glass. When rain or a light spray of water hits the window, the water carries away the loosened dirt. This sheeting action also helps the window dry quickly with minimal spotting or streaking.
SunClean glass can also be used in conjunction with PPG energy-saving glass products such as Sungate® 100, or 500 Low-E Glasses, or Solarban® 60 Solar Control Glass to give you both, high performance and easier maintenance.
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The photo above illustrates the sheeting effect of SunClean glass (right) compared to conventional glass (left). |
How it works:
Photocatalytic Process
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In a photocatalytic process, ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun energizes the SunClean glass coating to help slowly break down and loosen organic dirt. Since UV light is abundant even on cloudy days or in shaded areas, this process works non-stop throughout the day | |
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Hydrophilic Process
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The coating’s hydrophilic property makes water droplets spread out, or sheet, across the surface of the glass. Because of this, when rain or a light spray of water hits the window, the water helps to more effectively rinse away loosened dirt. This sheeting action, which works throughout the day and night, helps the window dry quickly with minimal spotting and streaking. | |
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