The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and PJI Contract have inaugurated a manufacturing facility by Dr Raj Thampuran, executive director, Science and Engineering Research Council, A *STAR, located in Woodlands.
The facility will develop Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) solution, which is an eco-friendly nano-coating material. A*STAR will license the patented TiO2 technology, which has been developed by the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), and a research wing of A*STAR, to PJI Contract.
The self-cleaning feature of the coating technology has been certified by the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark Scheme in the category of ‘green innovation and features’. It obtains these properties from the coating’s oxidative and hydrophilic nature. The oxidative property decays organic substances such as microbes in the presence of sunlight.
The hydrophilic quality uses the accumulated water to cleanse dust and dirt particles, in the process removing harmful bacteria and odor. This technology cleans coated surfaces such as residential and commercial buildings, requiring little human action. The eco-friendly solution saves water and maintenance costs.
Two researchers from SIMTech have developed a research and development division at PJI. PJI is also a member of SIMTech’s Nanotechnology in Manufacturing Initiative (NiMI), which is a consortium concentrating on helping industries to develop capabilities, increase the competitive spirit in manufacture, and share knowledge in nanotechnology-based production.