Abstract

Thermoplastic surface modification is achieved with photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide, tungsten oxide and mixtures thereof. A uniform coating of a powdered photocatalyst is applied to a thermoplastic surface that is wetted with an organic solvent. The coating is in a range between approximately 1.5 mg/cm2 to approximately 2.5mg/cm2. After the uniform coating of photocatalyst is dried, the thermoplastic surface is heated to a temperature above its softening temperature, usually in a range between approximately 80*C to approximately 130*C; then, a mild pressure is applied to imbed the photocatalyst into the surface of the thermoplastic sheet. The method of modification is inexpensive, long-lasting and non-detrimental to the thermoplastic surface. A surface is provided with improved aesthetic appearance, extended lifetime and sustained protection from undesirable growth of nuisance organisms, such as algae, fungus, bacteria, mold, mildew and the like.

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

US 7,897,252

Application Serial Number

12/077,712

Issue Date

3-1-2011

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)

Department

FSEC

Allowance Date

12-9-2011

Filing Date

3-20-2008

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

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